Latest news with #PaulAlamoti
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers fans divided after Ivan Cleary forced to axe 'grand final hero' for Tigers clash
Panthers fans are questioning the long-term plan for the NRL club's back-line after Paul Alamoti was the odd-man out when Ivan Cleary announced his team to take on the Wests Tigers on Tuesday. Cleary has named son Nathan to make his return after a one-week rest, along with co-captain Isaah Yeo. Izack Tago is also back in the centres after a one-game suspension, which has seen Alamoti dropped to 18th man. Alamoti has been a revelation since switching from the Bulldogs to Panthers last year, and has thrived under Cleary's leadership. A Test international with Tonga, the outside-back scored the match-sealing try in the 2024 grand final as the Panthers beat the Storm for their fourth-straight premiership. But he's been in and out of Penrith's first-grade side in 2025 due to a selection squeeze created by the form of others. Between Rounds 13 and 18, Alamoti only played one game at the top level, with coach Cleary preferring a back-line of Tago, Brian To'o, Casey McLean and Thomas Jenkins. Alamoti earned a recall in Round 19 and performed brilliantly in wins against Parramatta and Souths. But Tago's return from suspension and To'o avoiding a fresh injury has seen Alamoti go out again for the Round 21 game against the Tigers. McLean and Jenkins have seemingly cemented their sports at centre and wing on the left, after McLean also had a stint in reserve-grade earlier this season. Jenkins has taken his opportunity with both hands and is enjoying his finest season to date. Panthers fans divided over Paul Alamoti's axing But debate has erupted about what Cleary will do moving forward. Many believe Alamoti is a part of the Panthers' best 17, and is too good not to be playing first-grade. "With Izack Tago returning from suspension, Alamoti goes to 18th man," a surprised Joel Caine said on SEN radio on Tuesday. "He was the grand final hero in a lot of ways." On social media, Panthers fans questioned whether it might be worth giving To'o some more time to rest considering he banged his troublesome knee against the Rabbitohs. To'o was rested for the game against Parramatta two weeks ago, which came just days after the State of Origin decider. He made his return in Round 20, but limped off after copping a knock to the knee. He later insisted it wasn't anything serious, and was named to take his place on the wing on Tuesday. One person wrote online: "Should've rested To'o. Need him fit and firing for finals. Allows Alamoti to remain on the wing and Tago back into the centres." Another predicted: "Tom Jenkins will be the first one dropped pending a quiet game or so - Alamoti is a first grader at almost every NRL team." While a third addd: "I do not know what will happen in the next period of time, but it would not surprise me to see Alamoti back in 1st grade in the near future." It's a good backline that can leave Alimoti out. — Amarillo🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@Amarillo1942237) July 22, 2025 He's definitely one of our better outside backs - Tom Jenkins will be the first one dropped pending a quiet game or so - Alamoti is a first grader at almost every NRL team — Sport Season (@NRLFan1967) July 22, 2025 Should've rested To'o. Need him fit and firing for finals. Allows Alamoti to remain on the wing and Tago back into the centres — Adamdiffey (@adamdiffey) July 22, 2025 Brian To'o pushing through the pain for Panthers To'o's season has been plagued by injuries, starting when he was forced to miss the first game in Las Vegas due to a hamstring issue. The 26-year-old has played only eight games for the Panthers in 2025 and was under an injury cloud for the second and third State of Origin games - with hamstring and knee problems respectively. RELATED: Souths player speaks out after post-match moment with Latrell Teammate responds amid calls for NRL stars to cop Origin ban Speaking last week, the star winger declared it's his job to push through the pain barrier to help the Panthers secure a finals berth. Cleary's side have made an incredible resurgence from last on the ladder to sixth. But with seven rounds remaining, they're only three points ahead of the Dolphins in ninth and Roosters in 10th. "I'll always back myself to keep going," To'o said. "It's part of the job, you'll always be busted and bruised, but never broken."
ABC News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
When is NRL Magic Round and Women's State of Origin Game I? How to watch and follow the action
The rugby league world is focused on Brisbane for one of the biggest weekends on the calendar. The NRL's Magic Round and Game I of the Women's State of Origin series will be held over a four-day footy bonanza, with every game to be held at Lang Park. Below is the comprehensive list of everything you need to know ahead of the NRL Magic Round and the Women's State of Origin. ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the women's and men's State of Origin series. What is the NRL Magic Round? Magic Round happens once a year, when the NRL relocates to Brisbane for one weekend to play every match of the round. The initiative began in 2019 and was a success, with 134,677 attending Lang Park across the four-day event. The concept was derived from the Super League in the United Kingdom, which has hosted a Magic Weekend on an annual basis since 2007. Photo shows Paul Alamoti sent to the sin-bin. The Penrith Panthers, winners of the past four NRL competitions, will end the round eight bottom of the ladder after losing to Manly at Western Sydney Stadium. The outbreak of COVID-19 prevented the concept from continuing in 2020, but it made its return the following year. Last year, Magic Round produced its record weekend attendance of 149,196 fans pouring into Lang Park. The NRL has an agreement to host its Magic Round in Brisbane until the 2027 season. The 2024 Magic Round weekend was also the first to have the Women's State of Origin series begin the festival of footy. Last year's series opener was the first Women's State of Origin match at Lang Park, Queensland rugby league's home base. New South Wales triumphed 22-12 in front of a then record crowd for a Women's State of Origin match of 25,492 fans. That record would be broken in Game II, when 25,782 flocked to Hunter Stadium in Newcastle. When is the NRL Magic Round? This year's Magic Round weekend will be held from Thursday, May 1 to Sunday, May 4. The weekend will begin with Game I of the Women's State of Origin Series on Thursday. All NRL fixtures will be played from Friday, May 2, until Sunday, May 4. (All times in AEST) Friday, May 2 6pm: Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels 8:05pm: Sydney Roosters vs Dolphins Saturday, May 3 3pm: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights 5:30pm: New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys 7:45pm: Wests Tigers vs St George Illawarra Dragons Sunday, May 4 1:50pm: Gold Coast Titans vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 4:05pm: Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos 6:25pm: Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders The Manly Sea Eagles will not be part of Magic Round as they have a bye this weekend. How can I watch NRL Magic Round? Magic Round can be watched on free-to-air and pay television, as well as streaming services. The Nine Network will broadcast three NRL matches on its free-to-air Channel Nine, and streamed on its Nine Now app. Those matches will be: Sydney Roosters vs Dolphins (Friday, 8:05pm) South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights (Saturday, 3pm) Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos (Sunday, 4:05pm) Foxtel will be broadcasting every NRL match on its Fox League channel (502) as well as its streaming service Kayo. ABC Sport has a live blog for every match of the NRL season, You can also listen to ABC Sport's live call free online or via the ABC Listen app. When is Women's State of Origin Game I? For the second year running, the Magic Round weekend will begin with Game I of the Women's State of Origin series. Last year, New South Wales was victorious to take a 1-0 lead in the series. However, Queensland produced the same never-say-die attitude the men's team has become legendary for, and fought back to claim a 2-1 series victory. Lauren Brown kicked a last-gasp field goal to win Game II for the Maroons. ( AAP Image: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous ) Game I of the 2025 Women's State of Origin will be played on Thursday, May 1 at 7:45pm. Who is playing in Women's State of Origin Game I? Queensland Maroons New South Wales Blues Tamika Upton 1 Abbi Church Julia Robinson 2 Jaime Chapman Shenae Ciesiolka 3 Jessica Sergis Rory Owen 4 Isabelle Kelly Jasmine Peters 5 Jayme Fressard Tarryn Aiken 6 Tiana Penitani Ali Brigginshaw 7 Jesse Southwell Keilee Joseph 8 Simaima Taufa Lauren Brown 9 Keeley Davis Jessika Elliston 10 Ellie Johnston Sienna Lofipo 11 Kezie Apps Romy Teitzel 12 Yasmin Clydsdale Destiny Brill 13 Olivia Kernick INTERCHANGE Jada Ferguson 14 Jocelyn Kelleher Sophie Holyman 15 Kennedy Cherrington Makenzie Weale 16 Sarah Togatuki Tavarna Papalii 17 Emma Verran RESERVES Georgia Hannaway 18 Shaylee Bent Chelsea Lenarduzzi 19 Kirra Dibb Hayley Maddick 20 Olivia Higgins How can I watch Women's State of Origin Game I? The Nine Network will broadcast Game I of the Women's State of Origin on its free-to-air Channel Nine, and streamed on its Nine Now app. ABC Sport will have a live blog for every match of the Women's State of Origin, You can also listen to ABC Sport's live call free online or via the ABC Listen app. The ABC of SPORT Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday. Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
