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NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Review: Synthony's Full Metal Orchestra and Origins delight at Spark Arena
Toogood also performed Pacifier, by Shihad. He noted he was 27 when he wrote it and was now 54, so his voice would've changed since then. Toogood performed crowd pleaser songs like Rain by Dragon, and Split Enz's I Got You. He noted performing his classic Home Again that he'd played it during his time in Shihad hundreds of times a year, so would change the lyrics to entertain himself and the band. Synthony's audience got one of these 'Put your c*** back in your undies.' Toogood's performance set the tone for what was to come. The Auckland Philharmonia was ably conducted by the brilliant Sarah-Grace Williams, who is one of the stars of Synthony's performances around New Zealand, Australia and the globe. Toogood ran back on stage for Enter Sandman by Metallica. The night also belonged to EJ Barnes, daughter of Jimmy Barnes, who has clearly inherited her vocal talents from her dad. Jennie Skulander from Devilskin was also a highlight on songs like Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song. There was a tribute to the late Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22. Toogood performed a brilliant version of Black Sabbath's War Pigs. AC/DC's ex-drummer Phil Rudd, who has lived in Tauranga for years, was also a tour de force. Welcomed to the stage for Thunderstruck, with Barnes singing and Wellington musician Seamus Johnson behind the microphone for Highway to Hell. Other features of the night included Skulander tackling Aerials by System of A Down, with other songs including Master of Puppets by Metallica performed by Toogood. For the finale, all the musicians came back, with Rudd performing on AC/DC's It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), with bagpipers also on stage. Manuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra at Spark Arena on Saturday night. Photo / RadLab After the performance of Full Metal Orchestra, we filed out to eat chicken wings and wait for the performance of Synthony's Origins featuring EDM classics that began Synthony's worldwide run. The crowd at Manuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra at Spark Arena on Saturday night. Photo / RadLab The next section began with Bevan Keys and Synthony's musical director Dick Johnson and an MC performing a DJ set. They were followed by Australian EDM pioneers Sneaky Sound System with singer Connie Thembi Mitchell's powerful voice and rainbow coloured outfit on show. The orchestra then returned to get into the spectacle that was Origins. Great visuals highlighted Williams' conducting. Emily Williams and Nyree Huyser stunned on vocals. Great visuals accompanied 'Epic Sax Guy' and Synthony OG Lewis McCallum for Fat Boy Slim's Right Here Right Now. Daft Punk songs were also played, with Around the World and Sam Allen on vocals for One More Time. The night was then taken back to 1995 with Robert Miles' Children and songs also going back in time, like Feel So Close by Calvin Harris and Levels by Avicii. As the night ended, fans of Synthony's famous fusion of classical and EDM classics would not be disappointed, with the night eventually closed out with Darude's Sandstorm, which has become Synthony's theme song.
Sydney Morning Herald
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I had to understand why I failed': How Nathan Cleary processed Origin shocker
'I think it sort of sums up the rugby league world, to be honest – it's just a rollercoaster a lot of the time,' Cleary said. 'You've got to ride those highs and lows, and obviously, there was a massive low last Wednesday night. 'I've been processing that and understanding it a bit more, just trying to learn from it and get better. I honestly think it will make me better as a player, as a person. And then lucky enough to get a win on Sunday [over the Eels] and now this [endorsement deal], so, again, it's part of the ride, and I'm enjoying it.' Cleary is a man who thinks deeply about rugby league, sometimes to his detriment. After the Origin III debacle it was a case of finding the balance between introspection and flushing it all together. 'In the past I've come out of Origins where I haven't performed well and I've just sort of tried to act like it didn't happen and squash it straight away,' he said. 'Whereas this one I sort of want to sit with it a little bit more and understand why it happened. 'If I get the opportunity in the future in Origin, how I can be better. I think that was important, but probably made it linger a little bit longer than what I would have liked. But I had to sit through that, and I had to face it and understand why I failed on that stage. 'Now that I have processed it, it's about moving on and putting those lessons into play. 'Obviously a big part of the season is coming up for us at Penrith leading into the finals and I want to be playing my best footy. I think it can help me to do that and help me in the future, too.' Asked what answers he found after a week of soul-searching, Cleary said: 'There's lots of answers. 'I probably won't go into too much detail with it, but sort of just for my own things moving forward there were a few things that maybe looking back I overlooked or didn't do well enough in the preparation. 'Then during the game it's just about capitalising on moments and, ultimately, I didn't do that, we didn't do that as a team, and Queensland did.' In the moments after the game, Cleary was consoled by eight Immortal and former NSW halfback Andrew Johns. 'He just said not to be too hard on myself and just offered some support,' Cleary said. 'I'm very appreciative of that. Obviously it's a bloody low feeling straight after the game, but having him come up to me – he's the GOAT [greatest of all time] in my eyes – so to have him there and offer some advice was great to have. I'm very appreciative of that.' Based on Origin form, Cleary is no certainty to wear the Australian No.7 jersey for the season-ending Ashes tour of England. Such was Tom Dearden's dominance of the series, after replacing captain Daly Cherry-Evans as starting halfback for the second game, that he was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal. 'I've got nothing but good things to say about Tom Dearden,' Cleary said. 'He's a freak of a player, and he showed that on Wednesday night; he was by far the best player on the field ... 'I haven't been able to represent the Kangaroos since 2022, so I would absolutely love the opportunity to do that. But obviously you've got to play well at the back end of the year. 'I think being a part of that and making that team will be a byproduct of this next period and playing well for the Panthers.' Loading Cleary and Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo have been rested for the Rabbitohs clash, but will return for next week's match against Wests Tigers. Cleary will do so more motivated than ever. 'Absolutely, the fire in the belly is definitely there,' he said. 'Last Wednesday night has only ignited it more. I just want to do well by my teammates and put my best foot forward for them and elevate us to positions to win games to be there at the end of the season.'
The Age
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
‘I had to understand why I failed': How Nathan Cleary processed Origin shocker
'I think it sort of sums up the rugby league world, to be honest – it's just a rollercoaster a lot of the time,' Cleary said. 'You've got to ride those highs and lows, and obviously, there was a massive low last Wednesday night. 'I've been processing that and understanding it a bit more, just trying to learn from it and get better. I honestly think it will make me better as a player, as a person. And then lucky enough to get a win on Sunday [over the Eels] and now this [endorsement deal], so, again, it's part of the ride, and I'm enjoying it.' Cleary is a man who thinks deeply about rugby league, sometimes to his detriment. After the Origin III debacle it was a case of finding the balance between introspection and flushing it all together. 'In the past I've come out of Origins where I haven't performed well and I've just sort of tried to act like it didn't happen and squash it straight away,' he said. 'Whereas this one I sort of want to sit with it a little bit more and understand why it happened. 'If I get the opportunity in the future in Origin, how I can be better. I think that was important, but probably made it linger a little bit longer than what I would have liked. But I had to sit through that, and I had to face it and understand why I failed on that stage. 'Now that I have processed it, it's about moving on and putting those lessons into play. 'Obviously a big part of the season is coming up for us at Penrith leading into the finals and I want to be playing my best footy. I think it can help me to do that and help me in the future, too.' Asked what answers he found after a week of soul-searching, Cleary said: 'There's lots of answers. 'I probably won't go into too much detail with it, but sort of just for my own things moving forward there were a few things that maybe looking back I overlooked or didn't do well enough in the preparation. 'Then during the game it's just about capitalising on moments and, ultimately, I didn't do that, we didn't do that as a team, and Queensland did.' In the moments after the game, Cleary was consoled by eight Immortal and former NSW halfback Andrew Johns. 'He just said not to be too hard on myself and just offered some support,' Cleary said. 'I'm very appreciative of that. Obviously it's a bloody low feeling straight after the game, but having him come up to me – he's the GOAT [greatest of all time] in my eyes – so to have him there and offer some advice was great to have. I'm very appreciative of that.' Based on Origin form, Cleary is no certainty to wear the Australian No.7 jersey for the season-ending Ashes tour of England. Such was Tom Dearden's dominance of the series, after replacing captain Daly Cherry-Evans as starting halfback for the second game, that he was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal. 'I've got nothing but good things to say about Tom Dearden,' Cleary said. 'He's a freak of a player, and he showed that on Wednesday night; he was by far the best player on the field ... 'I haven't been able to represent the Kangaroos since 2022, so I would absolutely love the opportunity to do that. But obviously you've got to play well at the back end of the year. 'I think being a part of that and making that team will be a byproduct of this next period and playing well for the Panthers.' Loading Cleary and Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo have been rested for the Rabbitohs clash, but will return for next week's match against Wests Tigers. Cleary will do so more motivated than ever. 'Absolutely, the fire in the belly is definitely there,' he said. 'Last Wednesday night has only ignited it more. I just want to do well by my teammates and put my best foot forward for them and elevate us to positions to win games to be there at the end of the season.'
Sydney Morning Herald
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
State of Origin Game III player ratings: Dearden stars in Maroons rout
6. Jarome Luai - 4 Has he played his last Origin? Dropped for game one and recalled when Mitchell Moses was injured, the Tigers playmaker started poorly by gifting the Maroons a seven-tackle set in the sixth minute with a chip kick that was fielded in-goal by Holmes. Also missed a couple of tackles that led to Queensland tries. 7. Nathan Cleary - 6 Kicked strongly and made 35 tackles with only one miss. His effort could not be faulted, but it was hard for him to shine, given that Queensland were so dominant. His critics will toss up the usual 'he doesn't own Origin' talk, but his performance wasn't that bad. 8. Max King - 4 Played only 23 minutes, which didn't leave him much opportunity to contribute. Made six carries for 36 metres and 18 tackles, and then spent the rest of the game on the bench. 9. Reece Robson - 5 Defended strongly, making 46 tackles with three misses, and started threatening from dummy-half early in the second half, before he was replaced in the 53rd minute. Lacks the attacking zip of Api Koroisau. 10. Payne Haas - 6 A solid all-round effort, carrying the ball 115 metres and making 41 tackles, but nowhere near as imposing as he has been previously. The Maroons muscled up in the middle to contain him and nullify NSW's go-forward. 11. Liam Martin - 5 Wounded in an early gang tackle, the Penrith enforcer showed his toughness by soldiering on. But he was nowhere near as effective as in previous Origins, making only 55 metres in attack. Rolled up his sleeves in defence with 46 tackles. 12. Angus Crichton - 4 Smashed by Valentine Holmes in a 12th-minute bell-ringer, last year's player of the series had a night to forget. He missed six tackles, including some important ones, and didn't have much impact with ball in hand. 13. Isaah Yeo - 6 Led from the front with 109 metres and 49 tackles in 80 minutes, but never really threatened the line. Well contained by the Queensland middle forwards. Missed a tackle that allowed Harry Grant to score. 14. Connor Watson - 4 Came on in the 53rd minute and immediately looked lively. But by then, NSW were playing catch-up football, so it was hardly an ideal situation for the bench spark plug. Loading 15. Spencer Leniu - 4 Played 36 minutes in two stints. Made a couple of trademark charges early but, as with his teammates, was unable to play to his potential. 16. Hudson Young - 4 Spent the first 52 minutes waiting to get into the action. Played out of position as a ball-playing middle forward but did his best in tough circumstances. 17: Stefano Utoikamanu - 5 Produced a good offload after entering the fray midway through the first half. Defended with some venom but also appeared to be struggling to keep up with the pace of the game at times. Queensland Maroons 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - 8 Picked over Reece Walsh because of his support play, and justified the inclusion by jumping on a late offload to set up Dearden's try. Came up with a couple of try-savers in the second half in the same set and produced a spectacular catch on a bomb, in which he continued to run away deep into enemy territory. 2. Xavier Coates - 7 Scored the opening try and got through a mountain of work coming out of his own end - finishing with 179 running metres. 3. Robert Toia - 7.5 Produced a miracle offload as he was being dragged into touch to unleash Tabuai-Fidow for Dearden's first try. By halftime, a third of his 93 running metres were post-contact. He has stood up to Latrell Mitchell all series and kept the NSW superstar contained, and finished the night with 155 metres and four tackle busts. 4. Gehamat Shibasaki - 7 His tackle bust on Zac Lomax before finding the pass for Coates' opening try presented the shock debutant with an early highlight reel moment. While he never got on top of Stephen Crichton - the Blues centre offering a couple of dangerous offloads early - he kept him well contained and did his job, finishing with 119 metres and seven tackle busts. 5. Valentine Holmes - 6 More impressive goal kicking, but his strong runs were a main theme, particularly one in the second half as the Maroons were coming out of trouble after fending off another attacking set. His 134 metres were among the toughest he has produced at this level. 6. Cameron Munster - 7.5 All eyes were on him following the passing of his father, and while he did not ignite the side, he did all the things an experienced five-eighth would do - controlling the kicking game early for 479 kick metres and doing all he could to pin the Blues' in their own end. 7. Tom Dearden - 9 Was involved in everything - setting up the Cotter line break in the lead up to the opening try, while scoring the second one himself. He even produced the near-break and quick play the ball for Grant's try, and came up with some clutch covering tackles - one preventing a Brian To'o try in the corner - before scoring his second with a trademark show and go. He well and truly belong in this arena. 8. Josh Papalii - 7 A short yet talismanic opening stint, running for 54 metres from five carries, laying Queensland's foundation. Never took a backwards step in a heroic comeback from representative retirement. 9. Harry Grant - 8 Was constantly probing around the ruck, and was rewarded with a typically burrowing try at close range on the stroke of halftime. Made an incredible 55 tackles while still managing 67 running metres. 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - 7 His first stint belied anything he had produced this series, running for 62 metres from six carries while relishing playing alongside Papalii. 11. Reuben Cotter - 8 Made the line break which got his side in position to score the opening try, and was genuinely inspirational - 87 metres and 18 tackles in the first half typifying his relentless mentality. He finished with 102 metres and 41 tackles. 12. Kurt Capewell - 6 His defence won game two, and another crucial hit - this time on Dylan Edwards - forced a knock-on pinned on his own line. 13. Trent Loiero - 8 He has settled into this arena, finishing the opening half with 70 running metres and 23 tackles for no misses. Finished with 114 metres and 49 tackles without a miss to silence the doubters who questioned his initial selection. 14. Kurt Mann - 6 Produced an amazing juggling act to regather the ball on the attack after a ricochet to earn another set, which ultimately led to Dearden's second try. 15. Lindsay Collins - 7 Provided plenty of punch from the moment he stepped onto the field - running for 64 metres from six carries in the first half. Finished with 34 tackles and 95 metres. 16. Pat Carrigan - 8 Joined the fray 14 minutes in and was remarkable, bettered only by Brian To'o for most run metres in the opening half with 122 from 11 carries. More of the same after the break. 17. Jeremiah Nanai - N/A Only got on the field right at the end of the contest, given the heroics of Cotter and Capewell, and was pinned for an obstruction which denied Holmes a try. Hard to judge him though given he played less than five minutes.
The Age
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
State of Origin Game III player ratings: Dearden stars in Maroons rout
6. Jarome Luai - 4 Has he played his last Origin? Dropped for game one and recalled when Mitchell Moses was injured, the Tigers playmaker started poorly by gifting the Maroons a seven-tackle set in the sixth minute with a chip kick that was fielded in-goal by Holmes. Also missed a couple of tackles that led to Queensland tries. 7. Nathan Cleary - 6 Kicked strongly and made 35 tackles with only one miss. His effort could not be faulted, but it was hard for him to shine, given that Queensland were so dominant. His critics will toss up the usual 'he doesn't own Origin' talk, but his performance wasn't that bad. 8. Max King - 4 Played only 23 minutes, which didn't leave him much opportunity to contribute. Made six carries for 36 metres and 18 tackles, and then spent the rest of the game on the bench. 9. Reece Robson - 5 Defended strongly, making 46 tackles with three misses, and started threatening from dummy-half early in the second half, before he was replaced in the 53rd minute. Lacks the attacking zip of Api Koroisau. 10. Payne Haas - 6 A solid all-round effort, carrying the ball 115 metres and making 41 tackles, but nowhere near as imposing as he has been previously. The Maroons muscled up in the middle to contain him and nullify NSW's go-forward. 11. Liam Martin - 5 Wounded in an early gang tackle, the Penrith enforcer showed his toughness by soldiering on. But he was nowhere near as effective as in previous Origins, making only 55 metres in attack. Rolled up his sleeves in defence with 46 tackles. 12. Angus Crichton - 4 Smashed by Valentine Holmes in a 12th-minute bell-ringer, last year's player of the series had a night to forget. He missed six tackles, including some important ones, and didn't have much impact with ball in hand. 13. Isaah Yeo - 6 Led from the front with 109 metres and 49 tackles in 80 minutes, but never really threatened the line. Well contained by the Queensland middle forwards. Missed a tackle that allowed Harry Grant to score. 14. Connor Watson - 4 Came on in the 53rd minute and immediately looked lively. But by then, NSW were playing catch-up football, so it was hardly an ideal situation for the bench spark plug. Loading 15. Spencer Leniu - 4 Played 36 minutes in two stints. Made a couple of trademark charges early but, as with his teammates, was unable to play to his potential. 16. Hudson Young - 4 Spent the first 52 minutes waiting to get into the action. Played out of position as a ball-playing middle forward but did his best in tough circumstances. 17: Stefano Utoikamanu - 5 Produced a good offload after entering the fray midway through the first half. Defended with some venom but also appeared to be struggling to keep up with the pace of the game at times. Queensland Maroons 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - 8 Picked over Reece Walsh because of his support play, and justified the inclusion by jumping on a late offload to set up Dearden's try. Came up with a couple of try-savers in the second half in the same set and produced a spectacular catch on a bomb, in which he continued to run away deep into enemy territory. 2. Xavier Coates - 7 Scored the opening try and got through a mountain of work coming out of his own end - finishing with 179 running metres. 3. Robert Toia - 7.5 Produced a miracle offload as he was being dragged into touch to unleash Tabuai-Fidow for Dearden's first try. By halftime, a third of his 93 running metres were post-contact. He has stood up to Latrell Mitchell all series and kept the NSW superstar contained, and finished the night with 155 metres and four tackle busts. 4. Gehamat Shibasaki - 7 His tackle bust on Zac Lomax before finding the pass for Coates' opening try presented the shock debutant with an early highlight reel moment. While he never got on top of Stephen Crichton - the Blues centre offering a couple of dangerous offloads early - he kept him well contained and did his job, finishing with 119 metres and seven tackle busts. 5. Valentine Holmes - 6 More impressive goal kicking, but his strong runs were a main theme, particularly one in the second half as the Maroons were coming out of trouble after fending off another attacking set. His 134 metres were among the toughest he has produced at this level. 6. Cameron Munster - 7.5 All eyes were on him following the passing of his father, and while he did not ignite the side, he did all the things an experienced five-eighth would do - controlling the kicking game early for 479 kick metres and doing all he could to pin the Blues' in their own end. 7. Tom Dearden - 9 Was involved in everything - setting up the Cotter line break in the lead up to the opening try, while scoring the second one himself. He even produced the near-break and quick play the ball for Grant's try, and came up with some clutch covering tackles - one preventing a Brian To'o try in the corner - before scoring his second with a trademark show and go. He well and truly belong in this arena. 8. Josh Papalii - 7 A short yet talismanic opening stint, running for 54 metres from five carries, laying Queensland's foundation. Never took a backwards step in a heroic comeback from representative retirement. 9. Harry Grant - 8 Was constantly probing around the ruck, and was rewarded with a typically burrowing try at close range on the stroke of halftime. Made an incredible 55 tackles while still managing 67 running metres. 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - 7 His first stint belied anything he had produced this series, running for 62 metres from six carries while relishing playing alongside Papalii. 11. Reuben Cotter - 8 Made the line break which got his side in position to score the opening try, and was genuinely inspirational - 87 metres and 18 tackles in the first half typifying his relentless mentality. He finished with 102 metres and 41 tackles. 12. Kurt Capewell - 6 His defence won game two, and another crucial hit - this time on Dylan Edwards - forced a knock-on pinned on his own line. 13. Trent Loiero - 8 He has settled into this arena, finishing the opening half with 70 running metres and 23 tackles for no misses. Finished with 114 metres and 49 tackles without a miss to silence the doubters who questioned his initial selection. 14. Kurt Mann - 6 Produced an amazing juggling act to regather the ball on the attack after a ricochet to earn another set, which ultimately led to Dearden's second try. 15. Lindsay Collins - 7 Provided plenty of punch from the moment he stepped onto the field - running for 64 metres from six carries in the first half. Finished with 34 tackles and 95 metres. 16. Pat Carrigan - 8 Joined the fray 14 minutes in and was remarkable, bettered only by Brian To'o for most run metres in the opening half with 122 from 11 carries. More of the same after the break. 17. Jeremiah Nanai - N/A Only got on the field right at the end of the contest, given the heroics of Cotter and Capewell, and was pinned for an obstruction which denied Holmes a try. Hard to judge him though given he played less than five minutes.
