Latest news with #Reds
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Spread his wings': Wallabies coach on Cleary switch
The New Zealand rugby nursery responsible for Wallabies wrecking ball Taniela Tupou is the latest link between Nathan Cleary and a shock code switch. Fifty days out from the first British and Irish Lions Test in Brisbane, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has weighed in on the prospect of the Penrith NRL halfback making the move to rugby. Asked for his thoughts, the Kiwi coach was quick to point out Cleary spent two years at Auckland's Sacred Hearts College while his father Ivan coached the Warriors. It comes after two-time World Cup winner Tim Horan claimed the NSW State of Origin star was "quite keen to come to rugby", with cashed-up European clubs an option given Cleary's UK-based Matildas star girlfriend Mary Fowler plays for Manchester City. "I watched State of Origin ... he obviously went to Sacred Heart College in New Zealand when Ivan was coaching the Warriors," Schmidt said. "That's (former All Blacks captain) Sean Fitzpatrick country, that's Taniela Tupou country. It's certainly a rugby school. "He played soccer as a young man, he's played league. He might want to spread his wings. "At the same time we've got a really good stock there that we're focused on in the very short term." Schmidt will slowly add to his wider Wallabies squad as Australia's teams finish their Super Rugby Pacific duties, with the NSW Waratahs hopeful of joining the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies in next week's finals series. The first squad will be selected in grand final week next month, if no Australia team is featuring. But Schmidt, explaining in cricketing parlance, said any team that did reach the decider would naturally command attention from Test selectors. "It does ramp up; there's more pressure in play-off games, and we're getting a few guys back," he said of the weight placed on finals form. "The longer you stay at the crease, the more chance you've got to accumulate runs. "We might even see a couple of nice strokes that get them over the line." The coach was also thrilled to learn that halfback Tate McDermott had declined the sabbatical option in his contract for next season and would be remaining at the Reds, alongside budding Test No.10 Tom Lynagh. "That helps when the pressure comes on. "If Tate went on a sabbatical, we weren't letting him go for long anyway ... but to have him continuously is a huge advantage." McDermott said continuity on and off the field - he is to be married this year - contributed to his decision. "I'm not going to stand here and say I had 100 offers, because I didn't. There was some interest in Europe, but I love playing for Queensland," he said. McDermott and Lynagh have combined well for the Reds and could wear the No.9 and No.10 for the Wallabies later this year. "We've only just started. We can go into the Test arena together," McDermott said ahead of the Reds' final regular-season game against the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. "In order to do that we have to be playing consistently well in the maroon jersey. "We're not where we want to be, but moving in the right direction, and the continuity, I'm happy to be a part of that. "I want to win more with Queensland." The New Zealand rugby nursery responsible for Wallabies wrecking ball Taniela Tupou is the latest link between Nathan Cleary and a shock code switch. Fifty days out from the first British and Irish Lions Test in Brisbane, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has weighed in on the prospect of the Penrith NRL halfback making the move to rugby. Asked for his thoughts, the Kiwi coach was quick to point out Cleary spent two years at Auckland's Sacred Hearts College while his father Ivan coached the Warriors. It comes after two-time World Cup winner Tim Horan claimed the NSW State of Origin star was "quite keen to come to rugby", with cashed-up European clubs an option given Cleary's UK-based Matildas star girlfriend Mary Fowler plays for Manchester City. "I watched State of Origin ... he obviously went to Sacred Heart College in New Zealand when Ivan was coaching the Warriors," Schmidt said. "That's (former All Blacks captain) Sean Fitzpatrick country, that's Taniela Tupou country. It's certainly a rugby school. "He played soccer as a young man, he's played league. He might want to spread his wings. "At the same time we've got a really good stock there that we're focused on in the very short term." Schmidt will slowly add to his wider Wallabies squad as Australia's teams finish their Super Rugby Pacific duties, with the NSW Waratahs hopeful of joining the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies in next week's finals series. The first squad will be selected in grand final week next month, if no Australia team is featuring. But Schmidt, explaining in cricketing parlance, said any team that did reach the decider would naturally command attention from Test selectors. "It does ramp up; there's more pressure in play-off games, and we're getting a few guys back," he said of the weight placed on finals form. "The longer you stay at the crease, the more chance you've got to accumulate runs. "We might even see a couple of nice strokes that get them over the line." The coach was also thrilled to learn that halfback Tate McDermott had declined the sabbatical option in his contract for next season and would be remaining at the Reds, alongside budding Test No.10 Tom Lynagh. "That helps when the pressure comes on. "If Tate went on a sabbatical, we weren't letting him go for long anyway ... but to have him continuously is a huge advantage." McDermott said continuity on and off the field - he is to be married this year - contributed to his decision. "I'm not going to stand here and say I had 100 offers, because I didn't. There was some interest in Europe, but I love playing for Queensland," he said. McDermott and Lynagh have combined well for the Reds and could wear the No.9 and No.10 for the Wallabies later this year. "We've only just started. We can go into the Test arena together," McDermott said ahead of the Reds' final regular-season game against the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. "In order to do that we have to be playing consistently well in the maroon jersey. "We're not where we want to be, but moving in the right direction, and the continuity, I'm happy to be a part of that. "I want to win more with Queensland." The New Zealand rugby nursery responsible for Wallabies wrecking ball Taniela Tupou is the latest link between Nathan Cleary and a shock code switch. Fifty days out from the first British and Irish Lions Test in Brisbane, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has weighed in on the prospect of the Penrith NRL halfback making the move to rugby. Asked for his thoughts, the Kiwi coach was quick to point out Cleary spent two years at Auckland's Sacred Hearts College while his father Ivan coached the Warriors. It comes after two-time World Cup winner Tim Horan claimed the NSW State of Origin star was "quite keen to come to rugby", with cashed-up European clubs an option given Cleary's UK-based Matildas star girlfriend Mary Fowler plays for Manchester City. "I watched State of Origin ... he obviously went to Sacred Heart College in New Zealand when Ivan was coaching the Warriors," Schmidt said. "That's (former All Blacks captain) Sean Fitzpatrick country, that's Taniela Tupou country. It's certainly a rugby school. "He played soccer as a young man, he's played league. He might want to spread his wings. "At the same time we've got a really good stock there that we're focused on in the very short term." Schmidt will slowly add to his wider Wallabies squad as Australia's teams finish their Super Rugby Pacific duties, with the NSW Waratahs hopeful of joining the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies in next week's finals series. The first squad will be selected in grand final week next month, if no Australia team is featuring. But Schmidt, explaining in cricketing parlance, said any team that did reach the decider would naturally command attention from Test selectors. "It does ramp up; there's more pressure in play-off games, and we're getting a few guys back," he said of the weight placed on finals form. "The longer you stay at the crease, the more chance you've got to accumulate runs. "We might even see a couple of nice strokes that get them over the line." The coach was also thrilled to learn that halfback Tate McDermott had declined the sabbatical option in his contract for next season and would be remaining at the Reds, alongside budding Test No.10 Tom Lynagh. "That helps when the pressure comes on. "If Tate went on a sabbatical, we weren't letting him go for long anyway ... but to have him continuously is a huge advantage." McDermott said continuity on and off the field - he is to be married this year - contributed to his decision. "I'm not going to stand here and say I had 100 offers, because I didn't. There was some interest in Europe, but I love playing for Queensland," he said. McDermott and Lynagh have combined well for the Reds and could wear the No.9 and No.10 for the Wallabies later this year. "We've only just started. We can go into the Test arena together," McDermott said ahead of the Reds' final regular-season game against the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. "In order to do that we have to be playing consistently well in the maroon jersey. "We're not where we want to be, but moving in the right direction, and the continuity, I'm happy to be a part of that. "I want to win more with Queensland."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Restocked Reds prepped for 'do or die' footy
Fraser McReight is confident his Queensland Reds are yet to hit top gear, dismissing their poor record against Super Rugby's best sides ahead of the finals. The Reds host Fijian Drua in their final regular season game at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors winless away from home this season and out of top-six contention. Queensland can finish as high as fourth, which would still mean a road trip to begin their finals series but increase their chances of a second life, as the highest-placed loser in the new-look format, should they stumble next week. Fifth entering the final round, the Reds are yet to beat any of the sides sitting above them this year. A tight loss to the Hurricanes last week followed a pair of narrow defeats to the ACT Brumbies, while they were also beaten in New Zealand by the Chiefs and Crusaders. But McReight is adamant Queensland are capable. "We can mix it with anyone," he said, adding the Reds could go up a gear. "The last few weeks, we have had some up and down performances, had our chances. "But we're getting some key members back and building for next week and do-or-die footy." Test centre Josh Flook will be the latest reinforcement, back from a hamstring injury, after incumbent Test skipper Harry Wilson made an impressive return from a broken arm last week. Halves pairing Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will also be hopeful of steering the Reds deep into the finals, with Test coach Joe Schmidt acknowledging that as an advantage at the selection table. That continuity will reach new heights next year, with McDermott confirming on Friday he would not take up the option of a sabbatical to play overseas next season. The Drua are winless away from home this year but remain dangerous, as the Reds are well aware after falling victim for a third time in Fiji earlier this season. "They're a pretty dangerous side but in the weather … we have a great set piece game so hopefully we can use that to our advantage and it's too wet for us to also move the ball and have some fun with it," McReight said. Fraser McReight is confident his Queensland Reds are yet to hit top gear, dismissing their poor record against Super Rugby's best sides ahead of the finals. The Reds host Fijian Drua in their final regular season game at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors winless away from home this season and out of top-six contention. Queensland can finish as high as fourth, which would still mean a road trip to begin their finals series but increase their chances of a second life, as the highest-placed loser in the new-look format, should they stumble next week. Fifth entering the final round, the Reds are yet to beat any of the sides sitting above them this year. A tight loss to the Hurricanes last week followed a pair of narrow defeats to the ACT Brumbies, while they were also beaten in New Zealand by the Chiefs and Crusaders. But McReight is adamant Queensland are capable. "We can mix it with anyone," he said, adding the Reds could go up a gear. "The last few weeks, we have had some up and down performances, had our chances. "But we're getting some key members back and building for next week and do-or-die footy." Test centre Josh Flook will be the latest reinforcement, back from a hamstring injury, after incumbent Test skipper Harry Wilson made an impressive return from a broken arm last week. Halves pairing Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will also be hopeful of steering the Reds deep into the finals, with Test coach Joe Schmidt acknowledging that as an advantage at the selection table. That continuity will reach new heights next year, with McDermott confirming on Friday he would not take up the option of a sabbatical to play overseas next season. The Drua are winless away from home this year but remain dangerous, as the Reds are well aware after falling victim for a third time in Fiji earlier this season. "They're a pretty dangerous side but in the weather … we have a great set piece game so hopefully we can use that to our advantage and it's too wet for us to also move the ball and have some fun with it," McReight said. Fraser McReight is confident his Queensland Reds are yet to hit top gear, dismissing their poor record against Super Rugby's best sides ahead of the finals. The Reds host Fijian Drua in their final regular season game at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors winless away from home this season and out of top-six contention. Queensland can finish as high as fourth, which would still mean a road trip to begin their finals series but increase their chances of a second life, as the highest-placed loser in the new-look format, should they stumble next week. Fifth entering the final round, the Reds are yet to beat any of the sides sitting above them this year. A tight loss to the Hurricanes last week followed a pair of narrow defeats to the ACT Brumbies, while they were also beaten in New Zealand by the Chiefs and Crusaders. But McReight is adamant Queensland are capable. "We can mix it with anyone," he said, adding the Reds could go up a gear. "The last few weeks, we have had some up and down performances, had our chances. "But we're getting some key members back and building for next week and do-or-die footy." Test centre Josh Flook will be the latest reinforcement, back from a hamstring injury, after incumbent Test skipper Harry Wilson made an impressive return from a broken arm last week. Halves pairing Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will also be hopeful of steering the Reds deep into the finals, with Test coach Joe Schmidt acknowledging that as an advantage at the selection table. That continuity will reach new heights next year, with McDermott confirming on Friday he would not take up the option of a sabbatical to play overseas next season. The Drua are winless away from home this year but remain dangerous, as the Reds are well aware after falling victim for a third time in Fiji earlier this season. "They're a pretty dangerous side but in the weather … we have a great set piece game so hopefully we can use that to our advantage and it's too wet for us to also move the ball and have some fun with it," McReight said.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Luis Diaz has no doubt what he wants now after ‘winning everything' at Liverpool
Luis Diaz played a huge part in helping to deliver Liverpool's 20th top-flight league title, but the Colombian star has insisted that the hard work is just beginning After a stellar season at Liverpool, Luis Diaz is now aiming to achieve success with the Colombian national team. The 28-year-old was a key figure in Arne Slot 's debut season, wrapping it up with an impressive tally of 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions. 'Lucho' also made history as the second Colombian to win the Premier League following Juan Cuadrado's title win with Chelsea back in 2014/2015. Unlike Cuadrado, however, Diaz's contributions were vital for Liverpool in clinching their record-equalling 20th league crown. He made the left flank his own during the second half of the season, also filling in when needed at centre-forward. Despite his domestic success, the Barrancas-born star is not resting on his laurels and is eager to replicate such achievements on the international stage. 'Right now, I'm coming to terms with what I've achieved," he told TNT Sports Mexico in the aftermath of Liverpool's title celebrations. "It's not easy to get here, there were difficulties, but here we are, enjoying the moment. We won the Premier League, which was the dream I was missing." Colombia currently sit sixth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group. They have huge games against Peru and Argentina on the horizon, and Diaz has his eye firmly on realising another dream. He added: 'I'm obviously happy for winning everything with Liverpool. And well, with the national team, winning a World Cup or a Copa América would be a dream for me. So we'll work towards that." Diaz, who is often serenaded by the Kop with one of their most memorable songs in recent years, has quickly become a fan favourite. While he hasn't won "everything" with the Reds, he can add his Premier League medal to the two League Cups and FA Cup he's won on Merseyside since joining from Porto in January 2022. He also made an appearance in the 2022 Champions League final, yet lost out as the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid. Despite his growing importance to Slot's team, it's rumoured that the forward is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Nassr reportedly considering a move. Barcelona are also believed to be keeping an eye on the winger, reports the Liverpool Echo. While no official approach has been made to Liverpool yet, interest from Saudi Arabia is thought to be longstanding. However, earlier this month, Diaz openly expressed his wish to stay at Anfield. He even hinted at extending his contract, which currently has two years left on it. "Yes, happy," he told Telemundo. "From the first day I arrived, I've always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team. We'll be talking about it, we'll talk about it (the renewal). "For me, I would stay however many years it takes, [but] it also depends on the club, everything. These are details that are sorted out separately. Very calm, I'm happy and enjoying the Premier League." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cubs take on the Reds on home winning streak
Cincinnati Reds (28-29, fourth in the NL Central) vs. Chicago Cubs (35-21, first in the NL Central) Chicago; Friday, 2:20 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Reds: Andrew Abbott (4-0, 1.77 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 45 strikeouts); Cubs: Colin Rea (3-1, 3.28 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 40 strikeouts) Advertisement BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cubs -172, Reds +144; over/under is 8 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs will try to keep their six-game home win streak alive when they take on the Cincinnati Reds. Chicago is 35-21 overall and 18-10 at home. The Cubs have a 31-8 record in games when they record eight or more hits. Cincinnati has gone 14-15 in road games and 28-29 overall. The Reds have the seventh-ranked team on-base percentage in the NL at .323. The teams match up Friday for the fourth time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Tucker has nine doubles, four triples, 12 home runs and 39 RBIs for the Cubs. Seiya Suzuki is 15 for 37 with six doubles, three home runs and 14 RBIs over the last 10 games. Advertisement Austin Hays has six doubles, three triples, six home runs and 25 RBIs for the Reds. Elly De La Cruz is 11 for 40 with three doubles and three home runs over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Cubs: 8-2, .300 batting average, 3.49 ERA, outscored opponents by 29 runs Reds: 5-5, .278 batting average, 4.45 ERA, outscored opponents by four runs INJURIES: Cubs: Miguel Amaya: 10-Day IL (oblique), Porter Hodge: 15-Day IL (oblique), Tyson Miller: 60-Day IL (hip), Eli Morgan: 60-Day IL (elbow), Shota Imanaga: 15-Day IL (leg), Javier Assad: 60-Day IL (oblique), Justin Steele: 60-Day IL (elbow) Reds: Carson Spiers: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Tyler Callihan: 60-Day IL (forearm), Jake Fraley: 10-Day IL (calf), Noelvi Marte: 10-Day IL (side), Jeimer Candelario: 10-Day IL (back), Christian Encarnacion-Strand: 10-Day IL (back), Brandon Williamson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Rhett Lowder: 15-Day IL (forearm), Julian Aguiar: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Real Madrid's deadline to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold as Xabi Alonso intervenes
Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool contract is set to expire at the end of June but the Reds could still earn a transfer fee from Real Madrid as they look to do a deal quickly Real Madrid could agree a deal with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contract runs out within the next 24 hours. The La Liga side are said to have accelerated talks with the Reds in a bid to quickly get a deal over the line. New boss Xabi Alonso would like to see Alexander-Arnold in his squad in time for Los Blancos' first match of the Club World Cup. Real face Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18 and want to take advantage of the first part of the transfer window between June 1 and June 10 that has been facilitated for the competition. Liverpool want to earn a fee for their full-back if he is to depart before the end of his contract next month. Alexander-Arnold has already announced his decision to depart Anfield and endured an emotional goodbye on the final day of the season. And it appears that Real are now motivated to get a deal done quickly with the Times reporting that a deal could be agreed as soon as today. Alexander-Arnold is due to join up with England squad next week, for games against Andorra and Senegal, and the Spanish giants want the international to officially be their player by this point. Real Madrid attempted to prise Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in January but the Premier League champions rejected the bid outright as they focused on claiming the title. And they are now keen to land the 26-year-old in time for the Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold has long been expected to head to the Bernabeu upon his departure from his hometown club. The defender remained tight-lipped on his future as contract ticked down as he eventually saw Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk extend their deals having been in the final months of their own agreements. After Liverpool secured the Premier League title, Alexander-Arnold made his announcement and received some backlash from supporters. In his first appearance following the news, he was widely booed but on the final day of the season he saw a more appreciative response. "Yeah, I didn't know what to expect," he said on Sunday. "Stepping out at Anfield today after what had happened a few weeks ago, but I wanted to play for the club one more time. "I said that to the manager and he trusted me to go in there at half-time and to get the reception that I got it means more than anything to me. "I've played hundreds of games for the club, but I've never felt so loved and so cared for than today, and I found the bottom of my heart I hope that one day the fans and the supporters of this club will be able to recognise the hard work and everything that I've done for the team. Because there wasn't a day, there wasn't a minute, there wasn't a second that I didn't think about the team. "From six years old to 26 now -- 20 years. It's a very, very long time but I've loved every single minute of it. The ups and the downs, coming through the academy, making it to the first team, then being part of the first team properly. It's been an honour and a privilege for me to be a part of this club."
