Latest news with #XavierCoates
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Storm players waiting on Bellamy's big call
The 65-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, this year adding to his work-load by joining the NSW State of Origin coaching team as a consultant. But having signed a five-year contract back in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach position or transition into a coaching director role, the question comes around annually. One of the premiership favourites, Melbourne are currently fourth on the ladder after some inconsistent form that has seen them go win-loss since round six. They host sixth-placed North Queensland on Friday night and are set to be back to full-strength after skipper Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates sat out their Gold Coast win following State of Origin duty. Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jarome Hughes said he hadn't heard any whispers around what call his coach might make. Star playmaker Cameron Munster has been enlisted in the past to persuade "Bellyache" to sign on but also hadn't made a visit to his office. The coach has been rumoured to be considering a shift to the Titans in 2027, relocating to his Gold Coast property to be near extended family. "Usually around this time it's all in the papers of what he's going to do but there hasn't been much talk," vice-captain Hughes said. "He probably wouldn't want that to distract anyone either, likes to keep that close to his chest, what he's going to do. "I guess it's that time of year where it's probably going to come up now and he's probably going to have to make a decision soon and I'm sure Munny (Munster) will be back in his office trying to get him to stay another year." "He's such a great coach and he's been such a great mentor for all of us players for so long - so the longer he stays the better. "It's whatever's best for him and his family and whatever he wants to do but I can't see him hanging it up too soon. "He'll get bored at home in his mansion at Albert Park so I'm sure he'll go around again." The 65-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, this year adding to his work-load by joining the NSW State of Origin coaching team as a consultant. But having signed a five-year contract back in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach position or transition into a coaching director role, the question comes around annually. One of the premiership favourites, Melbourne are currently fourth on the ladder after some inconsistent form that has seen them go win-loss since round six. They host sixth-placed North Queensland on Friday night and are set to be back to full-strength after skipper Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates sat out their Gold Coast win following State of Origin duty. Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jarome Hughes said he hadn't heard any whispers around what call his coach might make. Star playmaker Cameron Munster has been enlisted in the past to persuade "Bellyache" to sign on but also hadn't made a visit to his office. The coach has been rumoured to be considering a shift to the Titans in 2027, relocating to his Gold Coast property to be near extended family. "Usually around this time it's all in the papers of what he's going to do but there hasn't been much talk," vice-captain Hughes said. "He probably wouldn't want that to distract anyone either, likes to keep that close to his chest, what he's going to do. "I guess it's that time of year where it's probably going to come up now and he's probably going to have to make a decision soon and I'm sure Munny (Munster) will be back in his office trying to get him to stay another year." "He's such a great coach and he's been such a great mentor for all of us players for so long - so the longer he stays the better. "It's whatever's best for him and his family and whatever he wants to do but I can't see him hanging it up too soon. "He'll get bored at home in his mansion at Albert Park so I'm sure he'll go around again." The 65-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, this year adding to his work-load by joining the NSW State of Origin coaching team as a consultant. But having signed a five-year contract back in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach position or transition into a coaching director role, the question comes around annually. One of the premiership favourites, Melbourne are currently fourth on the ladder after some inconsistent form that has seen them go win-loss since round six. They host sixth-placed North Queensland on Friday night and are set to be back to full-strength after skipper Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates sat out their Gold Coast win following State of Origin duty. Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jarome Hughes said he hadn't heard any whispers around what call his coach might make. Star playmaker Cameron Munster has been enlisted in the past to persuade "Bellyache" to sign on but also hadn't made a visit to his office. The coach has been rumoured to be considering a shift to the Titans in 2027, relocating to his Gold Coast property to be near extended family. "Usually around this time it's all in the papers of what he's going to do but there hasn't been much talk," vice-captain Hughes said. "He probably wouldn't want that to distract anyone either, likes to keep that close to his chest, what he's going to do. "I guess it's that time of year where it's probably going to come up now and he's probably going to have to make a decision soon and I'm sure Munny (Munster) will be back in his office trying to get him to stay another year." "He's such a great coach and he's been such a great mentor for all of us players for so long - so the longer he stays the better. "It's whatever's best for him and his family and whatever he wants to do but I can't see him hanging it up too soon. "He'll get bored at home in his mansion at Albert Park so I'm sure he'll go around again."
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
State of Origin player ratings: See who starred and who flopped as NSW dominated a disappointing Queensland side
There are still two matches to come, but the signs are ominous for the Maroons after New South Wales claimed an 18-6 win on Queensland soil to kick off the 2025 State of Origin series. While the Maroons had several players that battled, the Blues clicked sharply and looked like a team that had played together for years. Here are the players that stood up in the win, and the ones that will need to bounce back strongly in the second match in Perth in three weeks time. Queensland Kalyn Ponga - 5 Struggled to get into the game in the first half as the Maroon's offence spluttered. Lost the ball in a Crichton tackle to surrender the momentum the Maroons had built. Gave away a penalty for a flop when Queensland had the Blues firmly under the gun. Xavier Coates - 8 Soared high over Brian To'o late in the first quarter but was unable to reel in the ball because of interference from his opposite number. Very unlucky not to come up with points and he constantly threatened the Blues line. Finally got the reward he deserved after Latrell Mitchell lost the ball. Robert Toia - 7.5 Named for the Maroons having played just 10 NRL matches, the Roosters young gun held his own in the big arena and had a few nice carries. Came into his own in the second half with some powerful runs. However with a host of injured Maroons set to return, he might need to bide his time before getting his second crack at Origin. Will certainly give coach Billy Slater plenty of headaches at the selection table. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - 5 For all of his attacking ability, the Hammer still has defensive liabilities at this level. Really struggled against Stephen Crichton and Zac Lomax where the Blues found a lot of success. Was kept quiet in attack for most of the night by the Bulldogs skipper as well. Valentine Holmes - 5 Fumbled a Nathan Cleary bomb to put his side under early pressure. Scored the first Maroons points with a successful kick off the back of To'o sinbinning. He was involved, but a long way off his best form. Could be the first to go when the injured troops return. Cameron Munster - 4 Was the Maroons' ace up their sleeve after missing last year's series, but six missed tackles and a vital penalty conceded made his first half one to forget. Really tried to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half but couldn't find the special play he has become known for. Daly Cherry-Evans - 5 Became the oldest player to ever lace up the boots for an Origin match in what is likely to be his final series. Will he play all three matches? It remains to be seen. Could not grab the ascendency in this one while strike weapon Tom Dearden was kept on ice. Moeaki Fotuaika - 7.5 Came out like a cement truck to put the Blues on notice, but a cheeky little strip was picked up by the bunker to gift NSW their first points from the ensuing penalty. Oddly, he was limited to a 27 minute cameo. Surely he demands greater minutes in Origin II. Harry Grant - 4 Came into the match on very limited preparation, just 60 minutes in a loss against the Sharks. Came up with a costly error in the first half. Then gave away a penalty to put his side under even more pressure. Copped an elbow from Spencer Leniu and then a head class from teammate Lindsay Collins. Hooked for Tom Dearden 13 minutes into the second half. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - 6 Missed the series last year and came out of the blocks a little too enthusiastically, giving away two penalties in defence. Had a bunch of missed tackles as well. The Maroons need more from big Tino. Reuben Cotter - 5 A huge 31 tackles with no misses in the first half alone. But the big man from Mackay has struggled in offence for North Queensland this season and brought those woes into Origin. A rock in defence, but very quiet on the other side of the ball. Jeremiah Nanai - 6 It's hard to believe that the North Queensland Cowboys second-rower was banished to reserve grade earlier this season because of poor form. But then again, it is also easy to see why he is a rocks and diamonds type of player. Plenty of enthusiasm, but a good handful of missed tackles and handling errors as well. Patrick Carrigan - 9 Required plastic surgery to his busted lip just to play and just kept going and going and going for the Maroons. Huge metres, a monstrous amount of tackles and a beating heart that just won't quit. The Maroons need 10 more just like him. Bench Tom Dearden - 5 Came on 13 minutes into the second half to play dummy half in the place of the subbed Harry Grant. Not much he could do in limited minutes and playing out of position. Lindsay Collins - 7 Had a head clash in the first half with Harry Grant which likely limited his minutes, but he was powerful while he was on the field and gained valuable metres for the Maroons. Beau Fermor - 5 Finally made his Origin debut at age 26 when he ran out onto Suncorp Stadium for the final 15 minutes of the match. Not much he could do in limited minutes with the game beyond reach. Trent Loiero - 8 The Melbourne Storm star got through plenty of work on debut off the bench in limited minutes. Rattled up 60 metres and had 30 tackles in a willing performance. Could press for a starting spot in the near future New South Wales Dylan Edwards - 8.5 Despite indifferent form at club level, the Penrith superstar showed why he has become the preferred option at this level over James Tedesco. He was laying on tries, line breaks and then crashed over to score the match-winner in clever support play. Panthers winger Brian To'o had a trademark spectacular try, but was also sin-binned Brian To'o - 6 Played just one match in the lead up after a hamstring complaint hampered the start of his season. Latched onto a Latrell pass to score the Blues' second. Had a brain fade and was sin-binned late in the first half for dragging Xavier Coates down while he was competing for a bomb. Stephen Crichton - 8.5 Defied a leg injury to take his place in the team. And he was at his barnstorming best, giving Hamiso Tabui-Fidow nightmares and showing why he is regarded as the best centre in the game right now. Latrell Mitchell - 6 Wanted to let his football do the talking this time around and did so. Swatted defenders away at will, had plenty of lovely touches that led to tries and was a constant handful. However, he dropped the ball after being axed by Maroons second-rower Jeremiah Nanai, which led to Queensland's first try. Zac Lomax - 8 After years of whinging about playing on the wing, he showed why he should stay there by scoring the first NSW try. Bagged his second as the sheer weight of possession from NSW broke the Maroons' backs. Was shifted to the left wing in the second half in a bid to shut down Xavier Coates. Mitchell Moses - 8 Had a target on his back and did well to weather some bone-crunching hits without losing possession. Is the general at Parramatta but showed he can be a great team player as well, involved in several sweeping ball movements. Controlled, measured and an asset to the Blues side. Nathan Cleary - 6.5 He's won four premierships in a row but was was shake early in this arena, tossing a ball out the back door to nobody and turning over possession. Left his goal-kicking boots back at Penrith, missing three in a row. Mitchell Barnett - 7 Did his job in the engine room with over 100 metres and 20-odd tackles, although a couple of misses dulls his grade a bit. Reece Robson - 8.5 After keeping his spot despite several questions over whether he had done enough to earn it, the Cowboys rake put in his one of his strongest Origin performances to date. Payne Haas - 9 An absolute powerhouse. Came up with 11 gutbusting runs for 89 metres in the first half alone before getting a well-deserved break. Showed why he is the best prop in the game and did all of the tough stuff required - including 30 tackles without a single miss - to help engineer the win. Liam Martin - 7.5 Not his biggest or best game for the Blues but did his job and had his little running battle with Munster. Angus Crichton - 7.5 Was a constant threat on the left edge but couldn't quite break the game apart. Both second-rowers linked well with the centres and this looks like a well-settled New South Wales outfit You can set your watch to Penrith Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo having a strong match in big games Isaah Yeo - 9 Leader of the pack once again. Has always led by example and this was no different, showing all of the toughness and guile that has led to the Panthers co-captain winning four straight premierships. A real asset for the Blues pack. Bench Connor Watson - 3 Came on late to replace Reece Robson at dummy half and immediately bombed an almost certain try after fumbling a Nathan Cleary pass. Spencer Leniu - 8 Lapped up the attention of being the pantomime villain at Suncorp Stadium, inciting the locals to boo him after his previously confrontation with Maroons great Johnathan Thurston. Had a near flawless cameo off the bench and will be pressing for a spot in the starting side if there are any injuries this series. Hudson Young - 5 Good energy off the bench but a couple of trademark brain explosions as well. Will need to find balance in his game if he wants to press for a regular starting spot.
News.com.au
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Ridiculous': State of Origin sin bin controversy erupts in opener
Controversy has unfolded in the opening half of the State of Origin opener with fans left seeing red. In the dying seconds and with the Maroons looking to finally impact the scoreboard, a kick into the end zone hung in the air as Xavier Coates came leaping in. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. As the Queensland star leapt for the ball he was met in the air by Blues counterpart Brian To'o with the ball bobbling out of his hands and onto the Suncorp turf. Coates instantly argued with Ashley Klein that he was impeded with the official sending it to be checked by the Bunker. As slow motion replays began to roll it appeared the Blues star had wrapped his arms around Coates. 'There's no doubt he grabs Xavier Coates there,' Cam Smith said in commentary. The Bunker ultimately ruled it was a professional foul, which means To'o will now spend the first 10 minutes of the second half in the sin bin. The decision however from the Bunker to penalise the diminutive Blues star left those watching on seething. Darren Lockyer on Nine's halftime coverage said of the To'o sin bin: 'I thought he was a little bit hard done by it. A professional foul is something you do deliberately. I think that was an instinctive reaction.' Phil Gould added: 'I think it's a ridiculous exaggeration and a ridiculous interpretation of the rule. They're fighting for the ball in the possession. It's not a sin bin in an origin match.' The Mole wrote on X: 'Joke sin bin.. no intent from To'o to tackle … just got out-jumped.' Reporter Lachlan Jeffery wrote: 'That's just the worst call ever. I know they have to keep Queensland in the game, but that is so far from the correct call it's not funny. Even Queenslanders know that that's blatantly incorrect.' The moment opened the door up for the Maroons after the Blues had dominated proceedings in the first half. In a moment of pure magic, Latrell Mitchell stunned fans with a freak act that helped extend the Blues' lead. The ball worked its way to the left hand side of the field and Latrell Mitchell passed the ball on to To'o while mid-air as he was about to get tackled. 'He actually caught and passed that in mid-air, Latrell Mitchell,' Cam Smith said on Nine. Brad Fittler added: 'Latrell when he threw the ball he was off the ground. I don't know how he finds the strength to be able to flick it through his hands that quick.' Joey Johns just said this Blues start is: 'As good as it gets. They're (Queensland) getting blown away.'
NZ Herald
28-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
State of Origin I: Queensland v New South Wales live updates
Live updates of the opening game of State of Origin 2025 as New South Wales and Queensland clash at Suncorp Stadium. Queensland team 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Valentine Holmes, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 11. Reuben Cotter, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Beau Fermor, 17. Trent Loiero. Reserves: 18. Kurt Mann, 19. Jesse Arthars. New South Wales team 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Brian To'o, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Latrell Mitchell, 5. Zac Lomax, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Mitchell Barnett, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Liam Martin, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Isaah Yeo (c). Interchange: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Spencer Leniu, 16. Hudson Young, 17. Max King. Reserves: 18. Campbell Graham, 19. Stefano Utoikamanu.
Courier-Mail
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Samsung OLED S95 televisions, Q-Series Q990F Soundbar hit Australian market
Don't miss out on the headlines from TV. Followed categories will be added to My News. There's nothing better than being in the grips of a thrilling television show where you're held ransom to the weekly drop of episodes on your chosen streaming service. Whether you've been enthralled in the latest season of the tropical drama White Lotus, the baron apocalypse world of the Last of Us, or in the desolate yet hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Japan in the series Shogun, the best picture to capture all incredible moments of drama, violence and surreal scenery is key. What better way to enjoy these scintillating instalments than on the latest line-up of Samsung OLED TV models, bringing its most expansive and intensely cinematic range yet to Australia. The latest 2025 drop includes the S85F, S95F, and S90F series and provides Australians with a variety of screen sizes and advanced features powered by artificial intelligence. Samsung OLED S95F series | gallery VIEW GALLERY These TVs are smart enough to detect content types such as sports, movies and games and automatically select the optimal settings based on your personal preferences. If you want to finetune your experience simply head to the settings. If not, let the television do the heavy lifting. The inclusion of AI mean punters watching their favourite NRL game or the latest Netflix special can rely on the television to automatically enhance the brightness, contrast and colour, without them having to decipher the often mystical details of television optimisation. In introducing the OLED S85F series in four screen sizes (55', 65', 77' and 83'), expanding the OLED S90F series to six screen sizes (42', 48', 55', 65', 77' and 83'), and topping off the range with the OLED S95F series in four screen sizes (55', 65', 77' and 83'), Samsung has doubled its range offerings for every room since 2022. The latest series of Samsung flat screen televisions has been released. Picture: Samsung Samsung customers and rugby league tragics can now enjoy in even brighter and more immersive detail the blow ups of Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, the acrobatic scoring of Melbourne Storm's Xavier Coates or the handsome features of Brisbane Broncos superstar Reece Walsh in full flight. These smart features usher in a new era of personalised viewing, with advanced 4K processors delivering vivid lifelike detail. What's clear is the latest range is an amazing television for any usage, capable of being watched in any room in the house, regardless of the time of day due to its sleek size which will only elevate and not dominate your room. This could be in the lounge room entertaining mates, intimate viewing in a master bedroom or even in the garage ready for the next State of Origin. With it only being 11mm in depth the S95F's Infinity One Design blends seamlessly into any space which will draw every person's eyes to the inevitable action. The TVs feature antiglare technology which was designed to perform well in bright Australian conditions to ensure vibrant colours without reflections. The awkward moments of seeing the reflection of you, alone, in your lounge room in your most fragile moments are a thing of the past without jeopardising picture quality. The exquisite width of the OLED S95 83-inch in graphite black. Picture: Samsung Its incredibly bright features partnered with its perfect contrast and smart aspects makes it not only a dream to watch live sports or cinematic masterpieces on, but a joy to game on. When I tested the latest Assassin's Creed game Shadows, the Samsung OLED S95's ultra smooth motion with the help of AI Auto Game Mode took me for a spin by optimising my gaming settings for peak performance with low input lag. Assassin's Creed Shadows, created by Ubisoft. Picture: Ubisoft The ultra smooth motion of the Samsung OLED S95 gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the fight against the Templars in feudal Japan. One look at the latest gadgets from Samsung and you instantly recognise the picture quality is above the rest with the help of AI to do the hard work for you in the back end. The Samsung OLED S95F does this by analysing the data which exists and makes those details visible at any brightness, while also exposing hidden details and maintaining accurate colour and deep contrasts without the need for manual adjustments. This was evident viewing the warm landscapes of Koh Samui at the White Lotus Hotel streaming on Binge, which contrasted with the often serious and bizarre series of events in the show. The latest season of the White Lotus was a joy to watch on Samsung's latest range of televisions. Picture: HBO Samsung's OLED range also boasts impressive audio capabilities, with Q-Symphony technology adjusting sound levels based on room acoustics. This sound experience is even further enhanced when paired with the Q-Series Q990F Soundbar, the pinnacle of Samsung's cinematic audio which also has dynamic AI features. Whatever your poison is, movies, sports or gaming, the Q990F soundbar has different modes to choose from which can cater to midnight spectating with increased bass, or subtle activation of rear speakers for more intimate viewing. These exceptional mechanics were on full display when I watched the Samurai drama Shogun. John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) and Lord Yoshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) in the television show Shogun. Picture: FX I felt submerged in the baron landscapes of Japan, with swords clashing behind me, explosions going off to my left and right, to the closed quarter moments of suspense where lords and clan leaders battle for political power. The latest ranges comes with Samsung TV Plus, providing access to over 100 live channels and on-demand shows, along with a Gaming Hub for a wide range of games and services. Samsung Knox security ensures protection for smart home devices and services. To top it off, Samsung's range includes an in-built application called Samsung TV Plus, where Aussies can enjoy more than 100 live channels and on demand shows along with a multitude of channels which includes news, sports, entertainment, and more. Additionally, its Gaming Hub provides a wide range of games and gaming services, accompanied by Samsung Daily+ to help streamline daily activities while Samsung Knox security helps ensure that services and smart home devices are protected. The expansion of its OLED line-up reflects Samsung's commitment to offer Australians a screen to suit every experience, room and preference. 'We know that every Australians' lifestyle is unique so we have expanded our OLED range to provide more sizes, more models, and more personalised AI-powered features so Australians can choose an OLED screen that's perfectly suited to their needs,' Samsung Australia's Audio Visual Director Simon Howe said. 'Backed by a new 7-years One UI Tizen upgrade guarantee, Australians can be confident that their Samsung OLED TV will continue to offer value-long term via personalised picture and sound experiences and exclusive Samsung entertainment possibilities.' SAMSUNG OLED S95F AUSTRALIAN PRICING S95F 83-inch $11,499 77-inch $9,281 65-inch $5,800 55-inch $4,640 S90F 83-inch $9,199 77-inch $6,899 65-inch $4,944 55-inch $3,794 48-inch $2,874 42-inch $2,529 S85F 83-inch $8,049 77-inch $5,749 65-inch $3,794 Originally published as Samsung OLED S95 televisions, Q-Series Q990F Soundbar hit Australian market
