Latest news with #WallyLewisMedal
The Advertiser
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Slater admits to nerves, hails his two trump cards
Queensland coach Billy Slater has not lost a State of Origin series as coach with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Cameron Munster in the side. That's why the return of the Maroons' two spiritual leaders from injury has lifted Slater in the lead-up to the Origin series opener, as he admits to "nerves" ahead of the Suncorp Stadium clash with NSW on Wednesday night. The nerves are understandable. Slater won his opening two Origin series, but would be aware no Maroons coach has lost two series in a row and prevailed. "Do I feel nervous? Yes. Do I feel any more nervous than last year? No," he said. "This means a lot. It means a lot to Queensland. It means a lot to me. That's why I'm here. "Whether it's pressure, nerves, importance, I'm not sure. When you get that feeling, it just means something to you. "I didn't feel these nerves when I was playing at Leichhardt Oval in Round 17 on a Saturday night (for Melbourne), but I certainly felt them when I was putting the socks and boots on playing for Queensland, and I still feel them. I think it's healthy." Make no mistake, prop Fa'asumaleaui's return from an ACL injury that wiped him out of last year's series is integral to the Maroons reversing last year's 2-1 series loss. Ditto Munster, ruled out of last year's series loss with hip and groin injuries. Before that both had played in the 2022 and 2023 series wins under Slater. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui had played 12 Origin games in a row before his injury and won three series from four. His inspiration up front was missed last year, and Slater is delighted to have him back. "Tino's one of those guys that just has a bit of an aura about him," Slater said. "He's another leader through the middle of the field. Everyone else walks that little bit taller when Tino's in their footy team. "He didn't play last year, Tino, so he's just happy to be back wearing these colours, and I know how passionate he is to play for this state and this footy team." Munster is the most influential player in the Maroons side. The 30-year-old Storm playmaker has won two man-of-the-match awards in Origin and a Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series in 2020. "On and off the field, he's a real infectious person," Slater said of Munster. "We know what type of player he is on the field and he has so much influence over how we play, but at the same time, off the field he's just a great character. "Everyone's got a smile on their face when they're around Cameron Munster, and whether he's saying something good or saying something silly, it's irrelevant really. "He just brings the mood to that even playing field and he's just got that ability. He's another one that we need to get our game on." Queensland coach Billy Slater has not lost a State of Origin series as coach with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Cameron Munster in the side. That's why the return of the Maroons' two spiritual leaders from injury has lifted Slater in the lead-up to the Origin series opener, as he admits to "nerves" ahead of the Suncorp Stadium clash with NSW on Wednesday night. The nerves are understandable. Slater won his opening two Origin series, but would be aware no Maroons coach has lost two series in a row and prevailed. "Do I feel nervous? Yes. Do I feel any more nervous than last year? No," he said. "This means a lot. It means a lot to Queensland. It means a lot to me. That's why I'm here. "Whether it's pressure, nerves, importance, I'm not sure. When you get that feeling, it just means something to you. "I didn't feel these nerves when I was playing at Leichhardt Oval in Round 17 on a Saturday night (for Melbourne), but I certainly felt them when I was putting the socks and boots on playing for Queensland, and I still feel them. I think it's healthy." Make no mistake, prop Fa'asumaleaui's return from an ACL injury that wiped him out of last year's series is integral to the Maroons reversing last year's 2-1 series loss. Ditto Munster, ruled out of last year's series loss with hip and groin injuries. Before that both had played in the 2022 and 2023 series wins under Slater. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui had played 12 Origin games in a row before his injury and won three series from four. His inspiration up front was missed last year, and Slater is delighted to have him back. "Tino's one of those guys that just has a bit of an aura about him," Slater said. "He's another leader through the middle of the field. Everyone else walks that little bit taller when Tino's in their footy team. "He didn't play last year, Tino, so he's just happy to be back wearing these colours, and I know how passionate he is to play for this state and this footy team." Munster is the most influential player in the Maroons side. The 30-year-old Storm playmaker has won two man-of-the-match awards in Origin and a Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series in 2020. "On and off the field, he's a real infectious person," Slater said of Munster. "We know what type of player he is on the field and he has so much influence over how we play, but at the same time, off the field he's just a great character. "Everyone's got a smile on their face when they're around Cameron Munster, and whether he's saying something good or saying something silly, it's irrelevant really. "He just brings the mood to that even playing field and he's just got that ability. He's another one that we need to get our game on." Queensland coach Billy Slater has not lost a State of Origin series as coach with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Cameron Munster in the side. That's why the return of the Maroons' two spiritual leaders from injury has lifted Slater in the lead-up to the Origin series opener, as he admits to "nerves" ahead of the Suncorp Stadium clash with NSW on Wednesday night. The nerves are understandable. Slater won his opening two Origin series, but would be aware no Maroons coach has lost two series in a row and prevailed. "Do I feel nervous? Yes. Do I feel any more nervous than last year? No," he said. "This means a lot. It means a lot to Queensland. It means a lot to me. That's why I'm here. "Whether it's pressure, nerves, importance, I'm not sure. When you get that feeling, it just means something to you. "I didn't feel these nerves when I was playing at Leichhardt Oval in Round 17 on a Saturday night (for Melbourne), but I certainly felt them when I was putting the socks and boots on playing for Queensland, and I still feel them. I think it's healthy." Make no mistake, prop Fa'asumaleaui's return from an ACL injury that wiped him out of last year's series is integral to the Maroons reversing last year's 2-1 series loss. Ditto Munster, ruled out of last year's series loss with hip and groin injuries. Before that both had played in the 2022 and 2023 series wins under Slater. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui had played 12 Origin games in a row before his injury and won three series from four. His inspiration up front was missed last year, and Slater is delighted to have him back. "Tino's one of those guys that just has a bit of an aura about him," Slater said. "He's another leader through the middle of the field. Everyone else walks that little bit taller when Tino's in their footy team. "He didn't play last year, Tino, so he's just happy to be back wearing these colours, and I know how passionate he is to play for this state and this footy team." Munster is the most influential player in the Maroons side. The 30-year-old Storm playmaker has won two man-of-the-match awards in Origin and a Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series in 2020. "On and off the field, he's a real infectious person," Slater said of Munster. "We know what type of player he is on the field and he has so much influence over how we play, but at the same time, off the field he's just a great character. "Everyone's got a smile on their face when they're around Cameron Munster, and whether he's saying something good or saying something silly, it's irrelevant really. "He just brings the mood to that even playing field and he's just got that ability. He's another one that we need to get our game on."
West Australian
27-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Slater admits to nerves, hails his two trump cards
Queensland coach Billy Slater has not lost a State of Origin series as coach with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Cameron Munster in the side. That's why the return of the Maroons' two spiritual leaders from injury has lifted Slater in the lead-up to the Origin series opener, as he admits to "nerves" ahead of the Suncorp Stadium clash with NSW on Wednesday night. The nerves are understandable. Slater won his opening two Origin series, but would be aware no Maroons coach has lost two series in a row and prevailed. "Do I feel nervous? Yes. Do I feel any more nervous than last year? No," he said. "This means a lot. It means a lot to Queensland. It means a lot to me. That's why I'm here. "Whether it's pressure, nerves, importance, I'm not sure. When you get that feeling, it just means something to you. "I didn't feel these nerves when I was playing at Leichhardt Oval in Round 17 on a Saturday night (for Melbourne), but I certainly felt them when I was putting the socks and boots on playing for Queensland, and I still feel them. I think it's healthy." Make no mistake, prop Fa'asumaleaui's return from an ACL injury that wiped him out of last year's series is integral to the Maroons reversing last year's 2-1 series loss. Ditto Munster, ruled out of last year's series loss with hip and groin injuries. Before that both had played in the 2022 and 2023 series wins under Slater. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui had played 12 Origin games in a row before his injury and won three series from four. His inspiration up front was missed last year, and Slater is delighted to have him back. "Tino's one of those guys that just has a bit of an aura about him," Slater said. "He's another leader through the middle of the field. Everyone else walks that little bit taller when Tino's in their footy team. "He didn't play last year, Tino, so he's just happy to be back wearing these colours, and I know how passionate he is to play for this state and this footy team." Munster is the most influential player in the Maroons side. The 30-year-old Storm playmaker has won two man-of-the-match awards in Origin and a Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series in 2020. "On and off the field, he's a real infectious person," Slater said of Munster. "We know what type of player he is on the field and he has so much influence over how we play, but at the same time, off the field he's just a great character. "Everyone's got a smile on their face when they're around Cameron Munster, and whether he's saying something good or saying something silly, it's irrelevant really. "He just brings the mood to that even playing field and he's just got that ability. He's another one that we need to get our game on."
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Slater admits to nerves, hails his two trump cards
Queensland coach Billy Slater has not lost a State of Origin series as coach with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Cameron Munster in the side. That's why the return of the Maroons' two spiritual leaders from injury has lifted Slater in the lead-up to the Origin series opener, as he admits to "nerves" ahead of the Suncorp Stadium clash with NSW on Wednesday night. The nerves are understandable. Slater won his opening two Origin series, but would be aware no Maroons coach has lost two series in a row and prevailed. "Do I feel nervous? Yes. Do I feel any more nervous than last year? No," he said. "This means a lot. It means a lot to Queensland. It means a lot to me. That's why I'm here. "Whether it's pressure, nerves, importance, I'm not sure. When you get that feeling, it just means something to you. "I didn't feel these nerves when I was playing at Leichhardt Oval in Round 17 on a Saturday night (for Melbourne), but I certainly felt them when I was putting the socks and boots on playing for Queensland, and I still feel them. I think it's healthy." Make no mistake, prop Fa'asumaleaui's return from an ACL injury that wiped him out of last year's series is integral to the Maroons reversing last year's 2-1 series loss. Ditto Munster, ruled out of last year's series loss with hip and groin injuries. Before that both had played in the 2022 and 2023 series wins under Slater. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui had played 12 Origin games in a row before his injury and won three series from four. His inspiration up front was missed last year, and Slater is delighted to have him back. "Tino's one of those guys that just has a bit of an aura about him," Slater said. "He's another leader through the middle of the field. Everyone else walks that little bit taller when Tino's in their footy team. "He didn't play last year, Tino, so he's just happy to be back wearing these colours, and I know how passionate he is to play for this state and this footy team." Munster is the most influential player in the Maroons side. The 30-year-old Storm playmaker has won two man-of-the-match awards in Origin and a Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series in 2020. "On and off the field, he's a real infectious person," Slater said of Munster. "We know what type of player he is on the field and he has so much influence over how we play, but at the same time, off the field he's just a great character. "Everyone's got a smile on their face when they're around Cameron Munster, and whether he's saying something good or saying something silly, it's irrelevant really. "He just brings the mood to that even playing field and he's just got that ability. He's another one that we need to get our game on."
Daily Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
State of Origin star Angus Crichton's investment home sold for $3.135m
Only two weeks after the Sydney Roosters star walked down the aisle with Chloe Esegbona at the glamorous Krinklewood Estate, Angus Crichton has sold his Rose Bay semi for $635,000 over expectations. Under the hammer at Cooley Auctions, the three-bedroom house on Onslow St achieved $3.135m despite a pre-auction goal of $2.5m through listing agent Alex Lyons of Raine & Horne Double Bay. MORE: Bizarre feature of Hemsworth's $50m Byron Bay home 'We just had a lot of competition on it. Interest rates got cut on the day and we can see now that sentiment has really been improving in the market,' Mr Lyons said. 'I've done over $100 million worth of sales just this past week.' The NRL and State of Origin champion decided to list the property prior to tying the knot with plans of upsizing the family home. It's been a period of celebrations of late, on and off the field, with Crichton named yet again to don the blue jersey for the famous clash of the states. MORE: Kyrgios' next big move after split from girlfriend He made his State of Origin debut in 2018 and last year started all three games for the Blues, finishing the season with the Wally Lewis Medal and Brad Fittler Medal. According to title records, Crichton bought the 308sq m property at 73 Onslow St for $2.18m in 2018, and has most recently been collecting $1,650 per week in rent. MORE: Price of car spot proves Sydney has lost it The single-level semi on the quiet cul de sac has timber floorboards, high ceilings, an open plan layout to a private courtyard, a stone gas kitchen with Smeg and Miele appliances, a main bedroom with ensuite, renovated bathrooms, as well as a lock up garage and off-street parking
The Advertiser
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Munster ditches Uber Eats, set to dine out on Blues
Uber Eats has lost a customer as Cameron Munster declares he is ready to dominate State of Origin again after making key lifestyle choices with the assistance of former NSW star Anthony Minichiello. The talismanic Queensland five-eighth missed last year's series with groin and hip injuries and thought his 18-game Origin career could be over. The 30-year-old has been on fire for Melbourne this year after losing four kilos in the pre-season and puts it down to cutting out fast food and reducing his alcohol consumption. "I had a chat to Anthony Minichiello last year and the way he went about things with his body after he had some injuries and they pretty much told him he couldn't play again," Munster said. "He changed his diet and that made his body feel better. There is science behind it all and I've been doing a little bit with him and it's worked well. "I don't drink a whole heap. In previous years I was burning the candle at both ends or drinking every second weekend. "As a rugby league player you win games with your teammates and you want to celebrate with them but I've found a way of celebrating with them but not drinking. "I'm not saying I'm going to cut the piss right out but I haven't touched a beer for a while. My body feels better and I don't have to take any anti-inflammatory (tablets)." Munster is also sourcing his own food rather than sitting on the couch and ordering in. "I'm not eating fast food any more. I probably should have bought shares in Uber Eats before," he grinned. "I make my own food now. I go to my local butcher down the road and buy meats, chicken just the normal stuff. "You are playing a professional sport and you've got to make sure you put the right fuel in your body. I've done it the last seven or eight months and it has helped my body recover." Munster was Wally Lewis Medal winner in 2020 as player of the series and is the Maroons' most influential player who is ready to take control and dominate the Origin arena, starting with the series opener on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium. "I don't think Billy (Slater) would have picked me if he didn't think I could (dominate Origin again)," he said. "I'm just excited to be back here. Last year when I had a run of injuries with my groin and hips I honestly, being a dramatic person, thought my rep career was over. "Now I have got it (surgery) done I feel amazing. "I am a lot fitter now than I was a couple of years ago. It would be nice to have a similar year to 2020, but all I can do is work hard and do the little things for the team. If the big moments come hopefully I can deliver. "I definitely missed it last year. I'd like these young blokes to have the opportunity to win a series and have some great memories with them." Munster and wife Bianca have three children and fatherhood has helped the former wild man mature and change his lifestyle. "It's the best thing I ever did. I had to grow up and it made me grow up," he grinned. "You definitely don't want to be hung over looking after kids. That's one of the main reasons why I don't drink a whole heap." Uber Eats has lost a customer as Cameron Munster declares he is ready to dominate State of Origin again after making key lifestyle choices with the assistance of former NSW star Anthony Minichiello. The talismanic Queensland five-eighth missed last year's series with groin and hip injuries and thought his 18-game Origin career could be over. The 30-year-old has been on fire for Melbourne this year after losing four kilos in the pre-season and puts it down to cutting out fast food and reducing his alcohol consumption. "I had a chat to Anthony Minichiello last year and the way he went about things with his body after he had some injuries and they pretty much told him he couldn't play again," Munster said. "He changed his diet and that made his body feel better. There is science behind it all and I've been doing a little bit with him and it's worked well. "I don't drink a whole heap. In previous years I was burning the candle at both ends or drinking every second weekend. "As a rugby league player you win games with your teammates and you want to celebrate with them but I've found a way of celebrating with them but not drinking. "I'm not saying I'm going to cut the piss right out but I haven't touched a beer for a while. My body feels better and I don't have to take any anti-inflammatory (tablets)." Munster is also sourcing his own food rather than sitting on the couch and ordering in. "I'm not eating fast food any more. I probably should have bought shares in Uber Eats before," he grinned. "I make my own food now. I go to my local butcher down the road and buy meats, chicken just the normal stuff. "You are playing a professional sport and you've got to make sure you put the right fuel in your body. I've done it the last seven or eight months and it has helped my body recover." Munster was Wally Lewis Medal winner in 2020 as player of the series and is the Maroons' most influential player who is ready to take control and dominate the Origin arena, starting with the series opener on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium. "I don't think Billy (Slater) would have picked me if he didn't think I could (dominate Origin again)," he said. "I'm just excited to be back here. Last year when I had a run of injuries with my groin and hips I honestly, being a dramatic person, thought my rep career was over. "Now I have got it (surgery) done I feel amazing. "I am a lot fitter now than I was a couple of years ago. It would be nice to have a similar year to 2020, but all I can do is work hard and do the little things for the team. If the big moments come hopefully I can deliver. "I definitely missed it last year. I'd like these young blokes to have the opportunity to win a series and have some great memories with them." Munster and wife Bianca have three children and fatherhood has helped the former wild man mature and change his lifestyle. "It's the best thing I ever did. I had to grow up and it made me grow up," he grinned. "You definitely don't want to be hung over looking after kids. That's one of the main reasons why I don't drink a whole heap." Uber Eats has lost a customer as Cameron Munster declares he is ready to dominate State of Origin again after making key lifestyle choices with the assistance of former NSW star Anthony Minichiello. The talismanic Queensland five-eighth missed last year's series with groin and hip injuries and thought his 18-game Origin career could be over. The 30-year-old has been on fire for Melbourne this year after losing four kilos in the pre-season and puts it down to cutting out fast food and reducing his alcohol consumption. "I had a chat to Anthony Minichiello last year and the way he went about things with his body after he had some injuries and they pretty much told him he couldn't play again," Munster said. "He changed his diet and that made his body feel better. There is science behind it all and I've been doing a little bit with him and it's worked well. "I don't drink a whole heap. In previous years I was burning the candle at both ends or drinking every second weekend. "As a rugby league player you win games with your teammates and you want to celebrate with them but I've found a way of celebrating with them but not drinking. "I'm not saying I'm going to cut the piss right out but I haven't touched a beer for a while. My body feels better and I don't have to take any anti-inflammatory (tablets)." Munster is also sourcing his own food rather than sitting on the couch and ordering in. "I'm not eating fast food any more. I probably should have bought shares in Uber Eats before," he grinned. "I make my own food now. I go to my local butcher down the road and buy meats, chicken just the normal stuff. "You are playing a professional sport and you've got to make sure you put the right fuel in your body. I've done it the last seven or eight months and it has helped my body recover." Munster was Wally Lewis Medal winner in 2020 as player of the series and is the Maroons' most influential player who is ready to take control and dominate the Origin arena, starting with the series opener on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium. "I don't think Billy (Slater) would have picked me if he didn't think I could (dominate Origin again)," he said. "I'm just excited to be back here. Last year when I had a run of injuries with my groin and hips I honestly, being a dramatic person, thought my rep career was over. "Now I have got it (surgery) done I feel amazing. "I am a lot fitter now than I was a couple of years ago. It would be nice to have a similar year to 2020, but all I can do is work hard and do the little things for the team. If the big moments come hopefully I can deliver. "I definitely missed it last year. I'd like these young blokes to have the opportunity to win a series and have some great memories with them." Munster and wife Bianca have three children and fatherhood has helped the former wild man mature and change his lifestyle. "It's the best thing I ever did. I had to grow up and it made me grow up," he grinned. "You definitely don't want to be hung over looking after kids. That's one of the main reasons why I don't drink a whole heap."
