Latest news with #Weekes
Sydney Morning Herald
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The NRL is set to review Origin eligibility rules. It could shake up the game
'They're the tier-one countries impacted. [Players from] tier-two nations like Samoa and Tonga can still play State of Origin and represent those nations. 'It's a polarising idea. When we've consulted on any possible Origin eligibility changes some people have loved it, others hated it. 'We want a strong international game and calendar, and we want Australia to be challenged. And we want to respect the players and the nations they want to play for, and the argument for change is one we'll consider. 'It wouldn't be open slather – it would be mostly New Zealand players, and any change would be considered to ensure they're not left behind.' Even if the NRL were to relax eligibility rules, players would still have to have lived in NSW or Queensland before their 13th birthdays to be able to play Origin. The likes of Kiwi stars Joe Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Moses Leota would remain ineligible for the interstate series, along with almost all English NRL imports. But as NZRL chief Greg Peters welcomed V'landys' comments and a potential boost for New Zealand's ability to compete with Australia, Samoa and Tonga for talent, he claimed as many as 11 players from this year's NSW and Queensland squads are eligible for the Kiwis. Ponga has made a high-profile move to switch his allegiance to New Zealand given his only Australian caps came during the short-lived Nines World Cup concept. The likes of Jarome Luai, Spencer Leniu, Moeaki Fotuaika and Josh Papalii have also been forced to choose between playing for the Kiwis or their state in the past. Like Weekes, playmaking prodigy Katoa was courted by the NZRL and former Kiwi coach Michael Maguire before opting to represent Tonga, which keeps him eligible for NSW under the current rules. Weekes, 23, was born in Sydney but is eligible to represent New Zealand due to his family heritage. Given his strong form in Canberra's rise to the top of the NRL ladder, his decision to pledge allegiance to the Kangaroos could see him emerge as an Ashes tour bolter. Alternatively, under the potential rule change, a player like Addin Fonua-Blake (one Test for New Zealand in 2017) would be able to represent the Blues, the Cronulla prop having grown up in Sydney and played for Mascot Jets as a junior. 'A guy like Kalyn Ponga is a good example,' Peters said. 'He's a proud Maori, proud New Zealander and a proud Queenslander. But at the moment he doesn't have the ability to play for New Zealand should he chose to. He's a really good example. 'The other one is Jarome Luai. Who knows, Jarome Luai might probably want to play for Samoa, and good on him for doing so. But he played Junior Kiwis and the point is that his pathway to the Kiwis was shut down the moment he was selected to play Origin. 'Samoa is going to have a team stacked full of Origin players, which is great for the game, but it's not available to us. We strongly support a review of these rules.' Along with the lure of playing Origin as the pinnacle of the game, $30,000 match payments for the interstate series are 10 times larger than what players earn per Test match. Loading The most recent collective bargaining agreement reduced Kangaroos match payments to $3000 per game to ensure parity across all Pacific nations, with New Zealand previously unable to compete with Australia on a financial front. 'There's a big monetary gain as well, so you can understand that choice of people wanting to play Origin, but New Zealand should be open to them,' Peters said. 'There are 11 players across both Origin squads who are eligible for New Zealand. There's no guarantee they would even choose to play for New Zealand, but they don't currently have the choice and it should be looked at. We want a strong international game.'
The Age
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
The NRL is set to review Origin eligibility rules. It could shake up the game
'They're the tier-one countries impacted. [Players from] tier-two nations like Samoa and Tonga can still play State of Origin and represent those nations. 'It's a polarising idea. When we've consulted on any possible Origin eligibility changes some people have loved it, others hated it. 'We want a strong international game and calendar, and we want Australia to be challenged. And we want to respect the players and the nations they want to play for, and the argument for change is one we'll consider. 'It wouldn't be open slather – it would be mostly New Zealand players, and any change would be considered to ensure they're not left behind.' Even if the NRL were to relax eligibility rules, players would still have to have lived in NSW or Queensland before their 13th birthdays to be able to play Origin. The likes of Kiwi stars Joe Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Moses Leota would remain ineligible for the interstate series, along with almost all English NRL imports. But as NZRL chief Greg Peters welcomed V'landys' comments and a potential boost for New Zealand's ability to compete with Australia, Samoa and Tonga for talent, he claimed as many as 11 players from this year's NSW and Queensland squads are eligible for the Kiwis. Ponga has made a high-profile move to switch his allegiance to New Zealand given his only Australian caps came during the short-lived Nines World Cup concept. The likes of Jarome Luai, Spencer Leniu, Moeaki Fotuaika and Josh Papalii have also been forced to choose between playing for the Kiwis or their state in the past. Like Weekes, playmaking prodigy Katoa was courted by the NZRL and former Kiwi coach Michael Maguire before opting to represent Tonga, which keeps him eligible for NSW under the current rules. Weekes, 23, was born in Sydney but is eligible to represent New Zealand due to his family heritage. Given his strong form in Canberra's rise to the top of the NRL ladder, his decision to pledge allegiance to the Kangaroos could see him emerge as an Ashes tour bolter. Alternatively, under the potential rule change, a player like Addin Fonua-Blake (one Test for New Zealand in 2017) would be able to represent the Blues, the Cronulla prop having grown up in Sydney and played for Mascot Jets as a junior. 'A guy like Kalyn Ponga is a good example,' Peters said. 'He's a proud Maori, proud New Zealander and a proud Queenslander. But at the moment he doesn't have the ability to play for New Zealand should he chose to. He's a really good example. 'The other one is Jarome Luai. Who knows, Jarome Luai might probably want to play for Samoa, and good on him for doing so. But he played Junior Kiwis and the point is that his pathway to the Kiwis was shut down the moment he was selected to play Origin. 'Samoa is going to have a team stacked full of Origin players, which is great for the game, but it's not available to us. We strongly support a review of these rules.' Along with the lure of playing Origin as the pinnacle of the game, $30,000 match payments for the interstate series are 10 times larger than what players earn per Test match. Loading The most recent collective bargaining agreement reduced Kangaroos match payments to $3000 per game to ensure parity across all Pacific nations, with New Zealand previously unable to compete with Australia on a financial front. 'There's a big monetary gain as well, so you can understand that choice of people wanting to play Origin, but New Zealand should be open to them,' Peters said. 'There are 11 players across both Origin squads who are eligible for New Zealand. There's no guarantee they would even choose to play for New Zealand, but they don't currently have the choice and it should be looked at. We want a strong international game.'
The Advertiser
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Clinical Canberra move to third with thumping of Titans
The Canberra Raiders have moved into third place on the NRL ladder after delivering an eight-try, 40-24 thumping of the Gold Coast on the back of a strong defensive effort and a brilliant attacking display from their back five, led by Kaeo Weekes, the Raiders put the game to bed with three classy tries in an 11-minute blitz to start the second half on a chilly Sunday afternoon at GIO Stadium in Canberra. The winning margin could have been even greater if Jamal Fogarty had brought his kicking boots, the Raiders half converting just four from eight shots at goal. The loss sends Gold Coast to the bottom of the ladder, increasing the pressure on coach Des Hasler. Once again, the Titans leaked points and missed tackles - 37 of compare, Canberra missed just 16, in stark contrast to last weekend's second-half capitulation to the Bulldogs when they missed 30 tackles in 40 Sunday's match, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said his side made the choice at halftime to go after the game, and in an ominous warning for the rest of the competition claimed the Raiders still had plenty of growth to come. "We put ourselves into a position where we could go on with it or make it hard for ourselves," Stuart said."You know that a couple of times we've been guilty of, it's not taking your foot off the gas, it looks like that, but we're probably not attacking scenarios where we should be."Last week (against the Bulldogs) we probably looked at protecting the lead more than going on with it. That's just a part of us becoming better and growing and developing as a team."We're doing OK at the moment, but we're working towards all the standards and the type of play, the type of team we want to be."We've still got a lot of improvement in this group." Weekes was in everything, particularly in the first half, using his speed and power to run for 219 metres, make a pair of line breaks, lay on two tries and make several crucial tackles in his best game of the season. Joining Weekes in terrorising the Titans, Xavier Savage scored his first NRL hat-trick, while Matt Timoko grabbed a double. Morgan Smithies was immense in the forwards. Centre Seb Kris provided a moment for the highlights reel, determinedly chasing a Hudson Young grubber deep into the in-goal before leaping beyond the dead-ball line and dragging the pill back into play for Savelio Tamale to touch down. One positive sign for the Titans was the return of Kieran Foran, the veteran recovering from a bicep injury to start his first game of the season. He had an immediate impact, helping set up the match's opening try for Jojo Fifita. Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui talked about the importance of Foran's contribution after the game. "It was good to see him back out there, he's had a long stint on the sidelines," Fa'asuamaleaui said. "It's just his experience and his ball playing and the way he tackles, it's good to have him out there." Meanwhile, both sides' State of Origin contenders got through the game unscathed. Fa'asuamaleaui, Corey Horsburgh, Beau Fermor and Mo Fotuaika are all in line for selection in Billy Slater's Maroon's squad for game one on May 28, while Young is certain to line up for Laurie Daley and the Blues after also coming through the match fit. The Canberra Raiders have moved into third place on the NRL ladder after delivering an eight-try, 40-24 thumping of the Gold Coast on the back of a strong defensive effort and a brilliant attacking display from their back five, led by Kaeo Weekes, the Raiders put the game to bed with three classy tries in an 11-minute blitz to start the second half on a chilly Sunday afternoon at GIO Stadium in Canberra. The winning margin could have been even greater if Jamal Fogarty had brought his kicking boots, the Raiders half converting just four from eight shots at goal. The loss sends Gold Coast to the bottom of the ladder, increasing the pressure on coach Des Hasler. Once again, the Titans leaked points and missed tackles - 37 of compare, Canberra missed just 16, in stark contrast to last weekend's second-half capitulation to the Bulldogs when they missed 30 tackles in 40 Sunday's match, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said his side made the choice at halftime to go after the game, and in an ominous warning for the rest of the competition claimed the Raiders still had plenty of growth to come. "We put ourselves into a position where we could go on with it or make it hard for ourselves," Stuart said."You know that a couple of times we've been guilty of, it's not taking your foot off the gas, it looks like that, but we're probably not attacking scenarios where we should be."Last week (against the Bulldogs) we probably looked at protecting the lead more than going on with it. That's just a part of us becoming better and growing and developing as a team."We're doing OK at the moment, but we're working towards all the standards and the type of play, the type of team we want to be."We've still got a lot of improvement in this group." Weekes was in everything, particularly in the first half, using his speed and power to run for 219 metres, make a pair of line breaks, lay on two tries and make several crucial tackles in his best game of the season. Joining Weekes in terrorising the Titans, Xavier Savage scored his first NRL hat-trick, while Matt Timoko grabbed a double. Morgan Smithies was immense in the forwards. Centre Seb Kris provided a moment for the highlights reel, determinedly chasing a Hudson Young grubber deep into the in-goal before leaping beyond the dead-ball line and dragging the pill back into play for Savelio Tamale to touch down. One positive sign for the Titans was the return of Kieran Foran, the veteran recovering from a bicep injury to start his first game of the season. He had an immediate impact, helping set up the match's opening try for Jojo Fifita. Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui talked about the importance of Foran's contribution after the game. "It was good to see him back out there, he's had a long stint on the sidelines," Fa'asuamaleaui said. "It's just his experience and his ball playing and the way he tackles, it's good to have him out there." Meanwhile, both sides' State of Origin contenders got through the game unscathed. Fa'asuamaleaui, Corey Horsburgh, Beau Fermor and Mo Fotuaika are all in line for selection in Billy Slater's Maroon's squad for game one on May 28, while Young is certain to line up for Laurie Daley and the Blues after also coming through the match fit. The Canberra Raiders have moved into third place on the NRL ladder after delivering an eight-try, 40-24 thumping of the Gold Coast on the back of a strong defensive effort and a brilliant attacking display from their back five, led by Kaeo Weekes, the Raiders put the game to bed with three classy tries in an 11-minute blitz to start the second half on a chilly Sunday afternoon at GIO Stadium in Canberra. The winning margin could have been even greater if Jamal Fogarty had brought his kicking boots, the Raiders half converting just four from eight shots at goal. The loss sends Gold Coast to the bottom of the ladder, increasing the pressure on coach Des Hasler. Once again, the Titans leaked points and missed tackles - 37 of compare, Canberra missed just 16, in stark contrast to last weekend's second-half capitulation to the Bulldogs when they missed 30 tackles in 40 Sunday's match, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said his side made the choice at halftime to go after the game, and in an ominous warning for the rest of the competition claimed the Raiders still had plenty of growth to come. "We put ourselves into a position where we could go on with it or make it hard for ourselves," Stuart said."You know that a couple of times we've been guilty of, it's not taking your foot off the gas, it looks like that, but we're probably not attacking scenarios where we should be."Last week (against the Bulldogs) we probably looked at protecting the lead more than going on with it. That's just a part of us becoming better and growing and developing as a team."We're doing OK at the moment, but we're working towards all the standards and the type of play, the type of team we want to be."We've still got a lot of improvement in this group." Weekes was in everything, particularly in the first half, using his speed and power to run for 219 metres, make a pair of line breaks, lay on two tries and make several crucial tackles in his best game of the season. Joining Weekes in terrorising the Titans, Xavier Savage scored his first NRL hat-trick, while Matt Timoko grabbed a double. Morgan Smithies was immense in the forwards. Centre Seb Kris provided a moment for the highlights reel, determinedly chasing a Hudson Young grubber deep into the in-goal before leaping beyond the dead-ball line and dragging the pill back into play for Savelio Tamale to touch down. One positive sign for the Titans was the return of Kieran Foran, the veteran recovering from a bicep injury to start his first game of the season. He had an immediate impact, helping set up the match's opening try for Jojo Fifita. Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui talked about the importance of Foran's contribution after the game. "It was good to see him back out there, he's had a long stint on the sidelines," Fa'asuamaleaui said. "It's just his experience and his ball playing and the way he tackles, it's good to have him out there." Meanwhile, both sides' State of Origin contenders got through the game unscathed. Fa'asuamaleaui, Corey Horsburgh, Beau Fermor and Mo Fotuaika are all in line for selection in Billy Slater's Maroon's squad for game one on May 28, while Young is certain to line up for Laurie Daley and the Blues after also coming through the match fit.
The Advertiser
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wonderful Weekes leads Raiders to thumping of Titans
A brilliant attacking display from Kaeo Weekes has led the Canberra Raiders to an eight-try 40-24 NRL thumping of the Gold Coast a tight first half on a chilly afternoon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, the Raiders exploded to start the second stanza, scoring three tries in 11 minutes, in the process pushing the Titans to the bottom of the ladder and increasing the pressure on coach Des winning margin could have been even greater if Jamal Fogarty had brought his kicking boots, the Raiders half converting just four from eight shots at goal. With his speed and power, Weekes was in everything, running for 219 metres, making a pair of line breaks, laying on two tries and making several crucial tackles as the Raiders moved back into third place on the didn't have a bad player, while the Titans confirmed why they have the competition's worst defence, missing 37 tackles. In contrast the Raiders missed just recovered from a bicep injury, Kieran Foran made his first appearance of the season starting at five-eighth for the Titans, and his impact was immediate. It was just the fourth minute when the 304-game veteran unlocked AJ Brimson, who had moved to fullback to accommodate Foran's inclusion, with a pinpoint pass. Brimson careered 50 metres downfield before feeding Jojo Fifita for the match's first Raiders were the next to score via Savelio Tamale after a stunning tap-back from above the dead-ball line by Seb Kris, who doggedly chased Hudson Young's grubber deep into the hit the lead in the 22nd minute when Matt Timoko crossed after some clever passing by Zac Hosking and Weekes. When Xavier Savage touched down in the corner after more good work from Hosking, this time winning a high-ball contest, the home side led Fa'asuamaleaui delivered a signature offload for Josiah Pahulu to score his first NRL try six minutes out from halftime, before Weekes sliced through the Titans' defence and set up Hosking to give the Raiders an 18-12 halftime had another a minute into the second period when he took a Fogarty bomb uncontested on the run and sprinted under the posts. Young grabbed his ninth try of the season five minutes later and the rot had set in for the Gold Coast.A second try followed for Timoko and a third for Savage to seal the result, and while Fifita and Mo Fotuaika both got over for the Titans, it was nothing more than consolation. Corey Horsburgh, Fa'asuamaleaui, Beau Fermor and Fotuaika all appeared to get through the game unscathed and are available for selection in Billy Slater's Maroons squad for State of Origin I on May 28. Young is certain to line up for Laurie Daley and the Blues after also coming through the match fit and well. A brilliant attacking display from Kaeo Weekes has led the Canberra Raiders to an eight-try 40-24 NRL thumping of the Gold Coast a tight first half on a chilly afternoon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, the Raiders exploded to start the second stanza, scoring three tries in 11 minutes, in the process pushing the Titans to the bottom of the ladder and increasing the pressure on coach Des winning margin could have been even greater if Jamal Fogarty had brought his kicking boots, the Raiders half converting just four from eight shots at goal. With his speed and power, Weekes was in everything, running for 219 metres, making a pair of line breaks, laying on two tries and making several crucial tackles as the Raiders moved back into third place on the didn't have a bad player, while the Titans confirmed why they have the competition's worst defence, missing 37 tackles. In contrast the Raiders missed just recovered from a bicep injury, Kieran Foran made his first appearance of the season starting at five-eighth for the Titans, and his impact was immediate. It was just the fourth minute when the 304-game veteran unlocked AJ Brimson, who had moved to fullback to accommodate Foran's inclusion, with a pinpoint pass. Brimson careered 50 metres downfield before feeding Jojo Fifita for the match's first Raiders were the next to score via Savelio Tamale after a stunning tap-back from above the dead-ball line by Seb Kris, who doggedly chased Hudson Young's grubber deep into the hit the lead in the 22nd minute when Matt Timoko crossed after some clever passing by Zac Hosking and Weekes. When Xavier Savage touched down in the corner after more good work from Hosking, this time winning a high-ball contest, the home side led Fa'asuamaleaui delivered a signature offload for Josiah Pahulu to score his first NRL try six minutes out from halftime, before Weekes sliced through the Titans' defence and set up Hosking to give the Raiders an 18-12 halftime had another a minute into the second period when he took a Fogarty bomb uncontested on the run and sprinted under the posts. Young grabbed his ninth try of the season five minutes later and the rot had set in for the Gold Coast.A second try followed for Timoko and a third for Savage to seal the result, and while Fifita and Mo Fotuaika both got over for the Titans, it was nothing more than consolation. Corey Horsburgh, Fa'asuamaleaui, Beau Fermor and Fotuaika all appeared to get through the game unscathed and are available for selection in Billy Slater's Maroons squad for State of Origin I on May 28. Young is certain to line up for Laurie Daley and the Blues after also coming through the match fit and well. A brilliant attacking display from Kaeo Weekes has led the Canberra Raiders to an eight-try 40-24 NRL thumping of the Gold Coast a tight first half on a chilly afternoon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, the Raiders exploded to start the second stanza, scoring three tries in 11 minutes, in the process pushing the Titans to the bottom of the ladder and increasing the pressure on coach Des winning margin could have been even greater if Jamal Fogarty had brought his kicking boots, the Raiders half converting just four from eight shots at goal. With his speed and power, Weekes was in everything, running for 219 metres, making a pair of line breaks, laying on two tries and making several crucial tackles as the Raiders moved back into third place on the didn't have a bad player, while the Titans confirmed why they have the competition's worst defence, missing 37 tackles. In contrast the Raiders missed just recovered from a bicep injury, Kieran Foran made his first appearance of the season starting at five-eighth for the Titans, and his impact was immediate. It was just the fourth minute when the 304-game veteran unlocked AJ Brimson, who had moved to fullback to accommodate Foran's inclusion, with a pinpoint pass. Brimson careered 50 metres downfield before feeding Jojo Fifita for the match's first Raiders were the next to score via Savelio Tamale after a stunning tap-back from above the dead-ball line by Seb Kris, who doggedly chased Hudson Young's grubber deep into the hit the lead in the 22nd minute when Matt Timoko crossed after some clever passing by Zac Hosking and Weekes. When Xavier Savage touched down in the corner after more good work from Hosking, this time winning a high-ball contest, the home side led Fa'asuamaleaui delivered a signature offload for Josiah Pahulu to score his first NRL try six minutes out from halftime, before Weekes sliced through the Titans' defence and set up Hosking to give the Raiders an 18-12 halftime had another a minute into the second period when he took a Fogarty bomb uncontested on the run and sprinted under the posts. Young grabbed his ninth try of the season five minutes later and the rot had set in for the Gold Coast.A second try followed for Timoko and a third for Savage to seal the result, and while Fifita and Mo Fotuaika both got over for the Titans, it was nothing more than consolation. Corey Horsburgh, Fa'asuamaleaui, Beau Fermor and Fotuaika all appeared to get through the game unscathed and are available for selection in Billy Slater's Maroons squad for State of Origin I on May 28. Young is certain to line up for Laurie Daley and the Blues after also coming through the match fit and well.
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Trainer collector from Woking turns his passion into a career
A man who has collected nearly 1,000 pairs of trainers said his love of sports shoes has helped him make a Weekes, from Woking, Surrey, bought his first pair when his mother sent him to buy a pair of school shoes but he spent the money on trainers instead."I obviously got told off greatly when I got home" he told BBC Radio Surrey, "but that started the fascination with sport footwear."He now runs a business dedicated to collectible trainers, and has appeared as an expert on BBC TV's Antiques Roadshow. He said the trade in collectible shoes has taken off in the last decade."Trainers how we would know them today came about in the 80s" he said, "but even as close as 2012 we've seen huge leaps in popularity, with people not just collecting trainers, but actually selling them and creating whole businesses off the back of it."I was on Antiques Roadshow as one of their experts, so I had to showcase some of my collection, some of the more high value and harder to find pairs."That was great, to share my passion and interest with such a wide audience." Diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, he said he struggled at school, but turned his passion into a profession."We tend to go a bit of a different route with our careers and it really helps if there's something you love and you can focus on," he said."I started out running footwear events for people to buy and sell shoes and that led to a job consulting for brands, talking about upcoming trends and archiving and documenting footwear."I cover everything from old shoes, boat shoes, and the latest performance footwear."
