Latest news with #StGeorgeIllawarra
The Advertiser
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Olympian's tragic loss fuels NRL switch with Dragons
Nathan Lawson reckoned he had 80 family members and friends crammed into the grandstand at Jubilee Oval as the two-time Olympian made his NRL debut. But there was one person missing on Friday as the rugby sevens convert got his first taste of first grade action on the left wing in St George Illawarra's 20-6 win over Newcastle. Late last year, just before he was about to embark on one of his final sevens tour events - and weeks out from switching codes and landing at the Dragons - Lawson received the news that his mother, Karen, had died. "In December, we lost mum, that was hard, it was a week before I was meant to come down to Dragons," Lawson said. "So it meant a lot to me that all the boys and everyone at the club, who I didn't even know, went out of their way to support me. "For that to happen and for them to be so welcoming to me meant a lot. "She was my biggest supporter and would do anything to come watch me play. "She would travel across the world to watch me play so to be able to get a good win and make my debut, I'm sure she's up there very happy." To give an indication of Lawson's standing in the shortened format of rugby union, he was named Australia's sevens player of 2024 and was picked in the World Rugby team of the year. And while he has played for Australia at Olympics in Tokyo and Paris - and everywhere in between on the whistle-stop sevens circuit - he was a bag of nerves as he drove to Kogarah. "It was a long day for me thinking about every possibility of what could happen," Lawson said. "I was very happy to get out there and get my first carry under the belt. "The biggest thing for me is that I had all my friends and family there, I've played so many games across the world, and you don't get your family there." Lawson didn't even play league as a junior and has spent the first half of 2025 in NSW Cup. But he acquitted himself admirably when he stepped up into the NRL, making one eye-catching linebreak that had the Dragons fans out of their seats. He is likely to drop out of the Dragons' side for next week's clash with the Dolphins as winger Christian Tuipulotu nears a return to fitness from a hamstring injury. "I understand how competitive this sport is and we've got some unbelievable players at this club," Lawson added. "If that means I play (NSW) Cup for the rest of the year, I'm more than happy to do it." Meanwhile, the Dragons confirmed on Monday that back-rower Jaydn Su'A will miss this weekend's clash with the Dolphins with a low-grade ankle sprain. Nathan Lawson reckoned he had 80 family members and friends crammed into the grandstand at Jubilee Oval as the two-time Olympian made his NRL debut. But there was one person missing on Friday as the rugby sevens convert got his first taste of first grade action on the left wing in St George Illawarra's 20-6 win over Newcastle. Late last year, just before he was about to embark on one of his final sevens tour events - and weeks out from switching codes and landing at the Dragons - Lawson received the news that his mother, Karen, had died. "In December, we lost mum, that was hard, it was a week before I was meant to come down to Dragons," Lawson said. "So it meant a lot to me that all the boys and everyone at the club, who I didn't even know, went out of their way to support me. "For that to happen and for them to be so welcoming to me meant a lot. "She was my biggest supporter and would do anything to come watch me play. "She would travel across the world to watch me play so to be able to get a good win and make my debut, I'm sure she's up there very happy." To give an indication of Lawson's standing in the shortened format of rugby union, he was named Australia's sevens player of 2024 and was picked in the World Rugby team of the year. And while he has played for Australia at Olympics in Tokyo and Paris - and everywhere in between on the whistle-stop sevens circuit - he was a bag of nerves as he drove to Kogarah. "It was a long day for me thinking about every possibility of what could happen," Lawson said. "I was very happy to get out there and get my first carry under the belt. "The biggest thing for me is that I had all my friends and family there, I've played so many games across the world, and you don't get your family there." Lawson didn't even play league as a junior and has spent the first half of 2025 in NSW Cup. But he acquitted himself admirably when he stepped up into the NRL, making one eye-catching linebreak that had the Dragons fans out of their seats. He is likely to drop out of the Dragons' side for next week's clash with the Dolphins as winger Christian Tuipulotu nears a return to fitness from a hamstring injury. "I understand how competitive this sport is and we've got some unbelievable players at this club," Lawson added. "If that means I play (NSW) Cup for the rest of the year, I'm more than happy to do it." Meanwhile, the Dragons confirmed on Monday that back-rower Jaydn Su'A will miss this weekend's clash with the Dolphins with a low-grade ankle sprain. Nathan Lawson reckoned he had 80 family members and friends crammed into the grandstand at Jubilee Oval as the two-time Olympian made his NRL debut. But there was one person missing on Friday as the rugby sevens convert got his first taste of first grade action on the left wing in St George Illawarra's 20-6 win over Newcastle. Late last year, just before he was about to embark on one of his final sevens tour events - and weeks out from switching codes and landing at the Dragons - Lawson received the news that his mother, Karen, had died. "In December, we lost mum, that was hard, it was a week before I was meant to come down to Dragons," Lawson said. "So it meant a lot to me that all the boys and everyone at the club, who I didn't even know, went out of their way to support me. "For that to happen and for them to be so welcoming to me meant a lot. "She was my biggest supporter and would do anything to come watch me play. "She would travel across the world to watch me play so to be able to get a good win and make my debut, I'm sure she's up there very happy." To give an indication of Lawson's standing in the shortened format of rugby union, he was named Australia's sevens player of 2024 and was picked in the World Rugby team of the year. And while he has played for Australia at Olympics in Tokyo and Paris - and everywhere in between on the whistle-stop sevens circuit - he was a bag of nerves as he drove to Kogarah. "It was a long day for me thinking about every possibility of what could happen," Lawson said. "I was very happy to get out there and get my first carry under the belt. "The biggest thing for me is that I had all my friends and family there, I've played so many games across the world, and you don't get your family there." Lawson didn't even play league as a junior and has spent the first half of 2025 in NSW Cup. But he acquitted himself admirably when he stepped up into the NRL, making one eye-catching linebreak that had the Dragons fans out of their seats. He is likely to drop out of the Dragons' side for next week's clash with the Dolphins as winger Christian Tuipulotu nears a return to fitness from a hamstring injury. "I understand how competitive this sport is and we've got some unbelievable players at this club," Lawson added. "If that means I play (NSW) Cup for the rest of the year, I'm more than happy to do it." Meanwhile, the Dragons confirmed on Monday that back-rower Jaydn Su'A will miss this weekend's clash with the Dolphins with a low-grade ankle sprain.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Olympian's tragic loss fuels NRL switch with Dragons
Nathan Lawson reckoned he had 80 family members and friends crammed into the grandstand at Jubilee Oval as the two-time Olympian made his NRL debut. But there was one person missing on Friday as the rugby sevens convert got his first taste of first grade action on the left wing in St George Illawarra's 20-6 win over Newcastle. Late last year, just before he was about to embark on one of his final sevens tour events - and weeks out from switching codes and landing at the Dragons - Lawson received the news that his mother, Karen, had died. "In December, we lost mum, that was hard, it was a week before I was meant to come down to Dragons," Lawson said. "So it meant a lot to me that all the boys and everyone at the club, who I didn't even know, went out of their way to support me. "For that to happen and for them to be so welcoming to me meant a lot. "She was my biggest supporter and would do anything to come watch me play. "She would travel across the world to watch me play so to be able to get a good win and make my debut, I'm sure she's up there very happy." To give an indication of Lawson's standing in the shortened format of rugby union, he was named Australia's sevens player of 2024 and was picked in the World Rugby team of the year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by St George Illawarra Dragons (@nrl_dragons) And while he has played for Australia at Olympics in Tokyo and Paris - and everywhere in between on the whistle-stop sevens circuit - he was a bag of nerves as he drove to Kogarah. "It was a long day for me thinking about every possibility of what could happen," Lawson said. "I was very happy to get out there and get my first carry under the belt. "The biggest thing for me is that I had all my friends and family there, I've played so many games across the world, and you don't get your family there." Lawson didn't even play league as a junior and has spent the first half of 2025 in NSW Cup. But he acquitted himself admirably when he stepped up into the NRL, making one eye-catching linebreak that had the Dragons fans out of their seats. He is likely to drop out of the Dragons' side for next week's clash with the Dolphins as winger Christian Tuipulotu nears a return to fitness from a hamstring injury. "I understand how competitive this sport is and we've got some unbelievable players at this club," Lawson added. "If that means I play (NSW) Cup for the rest of the year, I'm more than happy to do it." Meanwhile, the Dragons confirmed on Monday that back-rower Jaydn Su'A will miss this weekend's clash with the Dolphins with a low-grade ankle sprain.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Daley's big Blues dilemma as Ponga pressure mounts
KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 13 OF THE NRL SEASON PRESSURE ON KP TO FIRE KNIGHTS After he was rested from his side's loss to St George Illawarra, Newcastle need Kalyn Ponga to fire in Thursday's clash with Manly. The Knights were directionless against the Dragons and are in danger of letting their season slip away. WHO REPLACES BARNETT? Laurie Daley faces his first major headache as NSW coach with Warriors prop Mitch Barnett under a injury cloud for game two. Needing a player with a big motor and insatiable work-rate, does Daley promote Stefano Utoikamanu or look towards Keaon Koloamatangi or Terrell May? LUAI AIMS TO SHOW HOW FAR HE'S COME Jarome Luai has been at the heart of everything good about Wests Tigers this year. But after a winless run of three games, they will be looking to Luai to spark their season back into life when the halfback faces old club Penrith and great mate Nathan Cleary on Sunday. GALVIN FACES EARLY DOGS TEST Lachlan Galvin is expected to make his debut for first-placed Canterbury at halfback in their King's Birthday clash with Parramatta, the side who lost out to the Bulldogs in the race for the teen. Galvin's arrival is must-watch. His move could supercharge the Dogs' season or knock them off course. HORSBURGH MAKES CASE FOR SLATER Corey Horsburgh was stiff to miss out for Queensland's Origin I team and has produced two match-winning plays in consecutive weeks to help Canberra remain in the top four. Another heroic effort against Souths on Sunday would surely rubber-stamp the prop's place in Billy Slater's squad. KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 13 OF THE NRL SEASON PRESSURE ON KP TO FIRE KNIGHTS After he was rested from his side's loss to St George Illawarra, Newcastle need Kalyn Ponga to fire in Thursday's clash with Manly. The Knights were directionless against the Dragons and are in danger of letting their season slip away. WHO REPLACES BARNETT? Laurie Daley faces his first major headache as NSW coach with Warriors prop Mitch Barnett under a injury cloud for game two. Needing a player with a big motor and insatiable work-rate, does Daley promote Stefano Utoikamanu or look towards Keaon Koloamatangi or Terrell May? LUAI AIMS TO SHOW HOW FAR HE'S COME Jarome Luai has been at the heart of everything good about Wests Tigers this year. But after a winless run of three games, they will be looking to Luai to spark their season back into life when the halfback faces old club Penrith and great mate Nathan Cleary on Sunday. GALVIN FACES EARLY DOGS TEST Lachlan Galvin is expected to make his debut for first-placed Canterbury at halfback in their King's Birthday clash with Parramatta, the side who lost out to the Bulldogs in the race for the teen. Galvin's arrival is must-watch. His move could supercharge the Dogs' season or knock them off course. HORSBURGH MAKES CASE FOR SLATER Corey Horsburgh was stiff to miss out for Queensland's Origin I team and has produced two match-winning plays in consecutive weeks to help Canberra remain in the top four. Another heroic effort against Souths on Sunday would surely rubber-stamp the prop's place in Billy Slater's squad. KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 13 OF THE NRL SEASON PRESSURE ON KP TO FIRE KNIGHTS After he was rested from his side's loss to St George Illawarra, Newcastle need Kalyn Ponga to fire in Thursday's clash with Manly. The Knights were directionless against the Dragons and are in danger of letting their season slip away. WHO REPLACES BARNETT? Laurie Daley faces his first major headache as NSW coach with Warriors prop Mitch Barnett under a injury cloud for game two. Needing a player with a big motor and insatiable work-rate, does Daley promote Stefano Utoikamanu or look towards Keaon Koloamatangi or Terrell May? LUAI AIMS TO SHOW HOW FAR HE'S COME Jarome Luai has been at the heart of everything good about Wests Tigers this year. But after a winless run of three games, they will be looking to Luai to spark their season back into life when the halfback faces old club Penrith and great mate Nathan Cleary on Sunday. GALVIN FACES EARLY DOGS TEST Lachlan Galvin is expected to make his debut for first-placed Canterbury at halfback in their King's Birthday clash with Parramatta, the side who lost out to the Bulldogs in the race for the teen. Galvin's arrival is must-watch. His move could supercharge the Dogs' season or knock them off course. HORSBURGH MAKES CASE FOR SLATER Corey Horsburgh was stiff to miss out for Queensland's Origin I team and has produced two match-winning plays in consecutive weeks to help Canberra remain in the top four. Another heroic effort against Souths on Sunday would surely rubber-stamp the prop's place in Billy Slater's squad.
West Australian
a day ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Daley's big Blues dilemma as Ponga pressure mounts
KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 13 OF THE NRL SEASON PRESSURE ON KP TO FIRE KNIGHTS After he was rested from his side's loss to St George Illawarra, Newcastle need Kalyn Ponga to fire in Thursday's clash with Manly. The Knights were directionless against the Dragons and are in danger of letting their season slip away. WHO REPLACES BARNETT? Laurie Daley faces his first major headache as NSW coach with Warriors prop Mitch Barnett under a injury cloud for game two. Needing a player with a big motor and insatiable work-rate, does Daley promote Stefano Utoikamanu or look towards Keaon Koloamatangi or Terrell May? LUAI AIMS TO SHOW HOW FAR HE'S COME Jarome Luai has been at the heart of everything good about Wests Tigers this year. But after a winless run of three games, they will be looking to Luai to spark their season back into life when the halfback faces old club Penrith and great mate Nathan Cleary on Sunday. GALVIN FACES EARLY DOGS TEST Lachlan Galvin is expected to make his debut for first-placed Canterbury at halfback in their King's Birthday clash with Parramatta, the side who lost out to the Bulldogs in the race for the teen. Galvin's arrival is must-watch. His move could supercharge the Dogs' season or knock them off course. HORSBURGH MAKES CASE FOR SLATER Corey Horsburgh was stiff to miss out for Queensland's Origin I team and has produced two match-winning plays in consecutive weeks to help Canberra remain in the top four. Another heroic effort against Souths on Sunday would surely rubber-stamp the prop's place in Billy Slater's squad.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Daley's big Blues dilemma as Ponga pressure mounts
KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 13 OF THE NRL SEASON PRESSURE ON KP TO FIRE KNIGHTS After he was rested from his side's loss to St George Illawarra, Newcastle need Kalyn Ponga to fire in Thursday's clash with Manly. The Knights were directionless against the Dragons and are in danger of letting their season slip away. WHO REPLACES BARNETT? Laurie Daley faces his first major headache as NSW coach with Warriors prop Mitch Barnett under a injury cloud for game two. Needing a player with a big motor and insatiable work-rate, does Daley promote Stefano Utoikamanu or look towards Keaon Koloamatangi or Terrell May? LUAI AIMS TO SHOW HOW FAR HE'S COME Jarome Luai has been at the heart of everything good about Wests Tigers this year. But after a winless run of three games, they will be looking to Luai to spark their season back into life when the halfback faces old club Penrith and great mate Nathan Cleary on Sunday. GALVIN FACES EARLY DOGS TEST Lachlan Galvin is expected to make his debut for first-placed Canterbury at halfback in their King's Birthday clash with Parramatta, the side who lost out to the Bulldogs in the race for the teen. Galvin's arrival is must-watch. His move could supercharge the Dogs' season or knock them off course. HORSBURGH MAKES CASE FOR SLATER Corey Horsburgh was stiff to miss out for Queensland's Origin I team and has produced two match-winning plays in consecutive weeks to help Canberra remain in the top four. Another heroic effort against Souths on Sunday would surely rubber-stamp the prop's place in Billy Slater's squad.
