Latest news with #ex-Rabbitohs
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wolves coach Burgess calls out Dufty for commitment
Sam Burgess has challenged Matt Dufty to prove he still wants to play for Warrington after again omitting the influential fullback for disciplinary reasons. The Australian was dropped for the flagging Wolves' defeat to Wigan last week and was again absent as Burgess's side ended a three-game losing streak with a laboured 30-22 comeback win over Catalans Dragons on Thursday. Wolves coach Burgess publicly challenged Dufty to "fix his behaviour up" after missing a recovery session and while he has seen encouraging signs since, the 29-year-old's next outing will be in the reserves. He will be joined by centre Toby King, who was also dropped after a series of disappointing performances amid a run which saw Warrington all but drop out of play-off contention in the Super League. "He (Dufty) has got to show me he wants to play for this club and play up to our standards, so they will both (Dufty and King) play reserve-grade this week," Burgess, the former South Sydney star an ex-Rabbitohs assistant coach, said. "I love Matt, he is one of my great friends. We all know what he can bring, he is a brilliant player. "If he gets a good performance out on Saturday, more than likely we will see him back in the side next week. "I've challenged him, and it's been a bit embarrassing for him. "Nobody believes in him more than me but we have standards here and he just missed them." Warrington's recent woes looked like continuing as they conceded four tries in the opening half-hour - three to former St Helens winger Tommy Makinson - to fall 22-6 behind and suffer boos from home fans. But they rallied with two tries from Jake Thewlis, the second a spectacular diving effort, either side of a Sam Stone effort. Josh Thewlis made victory certain late on. Burgess added: "The first half was not acceptable, not up to standard. I was relatively calm (at halftime) considering the performance. I knew if we got our game together we could still win. "We competed harder, no doubt. The play-offs are out of our hands but we'll look to improve our performance and wherever it takes us, it takes us." Sam Burgess has challenged Matt Dufty to prove he still wants to play for Warrington after again omitting the influential fullback for disciplinary reasons. The Australian was dropped for the flagging Wolves' defeat to Wigan last week and was again absent as Burgess's side ended a three-game losing streak with a laboured 30-22 comeback win over Catalans Dragons on Thursday. Wolves coach Burgess publicly challenged Dufty to "fix his behaviour up" after missing a recovery session and while he has seen encouraging signs since, the 29-year-old's next outing will be in the reserves. He will be joined by centre Toby King, who was also dropped after a series of disappointing performances amid a run which saw Warrington all but drop out of play-off contention in the Super League. "He (Dufty) has got to show me he wants to play for this club and play up to our standards, so they will both (Dufty and King) play reserve-grade this week," Burgess, the former South Sydney star an ex-Rabbitohs assistant coach, said. "I love Matt, he is one of my great friends. We all know what he can bring, he is a brilliant player. "If he gets a good performance out on Saturday, more than likely we will see him back in the side next week. "I've challenged him, and it's been a bit embarrassing for him. "Nobody believes in him more than me but we have standards here and he just missed them." Warrington's recent woes looked like continuing as they conceded four tries in the opening half-hour - three to former St Helens winger Tommy Makinson - to fall 22-6 behind and suffer boos from home fans. But they rallied with two tries from Jake Thewlis, the second a spectacular diving effort, either side of a Sam Stone effort. Josh Thewlis made victory certain late on. Burgess added: "The first half was not acceptable, not up to standard. I was relatively calm (at halftime) considering the performance. I knew if we got our game together we could still win. "We competed harder, no doubt. The play-offs are out of our hands but we'll look to improve our performance and wherever it takes us, it takes us." Sam Burgess has challenged Matt Dufty to prove he still wants to play for Warrington after again omitting the influential fullback for disciplinary reasons. The Australian was dropped for the flagging Wolves' defeat to Wigan last week and was again absent as Burgess's side ended a three-game losing streak with a laboured 30-22 comeback win over Catalans Dragons on Thursday. Wolves coach Burgess publicly challenged Dufty to "fix his behaviour up" after missing a recovery session and while he has seen encouraging signs since, the 29-year-old's next outing will be in the reserves. He will be joined by centre Toby King, who was also dropped after a series of disappointing performances amid a run which saw Warrington all but drop out of play-off contention in the Super League. "He (Dufty) has got to show me he wants to play for this club and play up to our standards, so they will both (Dufty and King) play reserve-grade this week," Burgess, the former South Sydney star an ex-Rabbitohs assistant coach, said. "I love Matt, he is one of my great friends. We all know what he can bring, he is a brilliant player. "If he gets a good performance out on Saturday, more than likely we will see him back in the side next week. "I've challenged him, and it's been a bit embarrassing for him. "Nobody believes in him more than me but we have standards here and he just missed them." Warrington's recent woes looked like continuing as they conceded four tries in the opening half-hour - three to former St Helens winger Tommy Makinson - to fall 22-6 behind and suffer boos from home fans. But they rallied with two tries from Jake Thewlis, the second a spectacular diving effort, either side of a Sam Stone effort. Josh Thewlis made victory certain late on. Burgess added: "The first half was not acceptable, not up to standard. I was relatively calm (at halftime) considering the performance. I knew if we got our game together we could still win. "We competed harder, no doubt. The play-offs are out of our hands but we'll look to improve our performance and wherever it takes us, it takes us."
7NEWS
19-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
NSW Blues break Brad Fittler's ‘no special treatment' rule on day one for Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu
NSW halfback Nathan Cleary has leaped to the defence of Latrell Mitchell after the South Sydney star was one of two players who declined to conduct interviews at the Blues' open media day. In a major break from the precedent set by ex-NSW coach Brad Fittler, Mitchell and Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu were off limits on Monday after the Blues assembled in camp in Sydney. Fittler insisted no player was given special treatment, and lived by the mantra that if players couldn't handle questions from the press pack then they wouldn't be able to deal with the rigours of State of Origin. The Fittler approach was largely embraced by Michael Maguire for last year's series, despite the ex-Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers coach having had his fair share of challenges with the press. But that open access approach appears to have fallen by the wayside under returning Blues coach Laurie Daley, with Mitchell and Leniu unavailable to discuss NSW's fortunes ahead of the May 28 series opener in Brisbane. 'At the end of the day, all of us as NSW fans and players, we want Latrell to be at his best come Wednesday night,' Cleary said. 'If that's what he needs to do, that's what he needs to do.' Blues forward Angus Crichton added: 'If that's what helps him be at his best then I'm all for it. 'He (Mitchell) has probably had enough stories written about him and good and bad, and I think if that's how he sees himself playing his best footy then I'm all for it.' Mitchell has been on a self-imposed media ban since being photographed with white powder in a hotel room in Dubbo last year. Even in games where he has been captain or where he has produced match-winning plays for the Rabbitohs, the 27-year-old has been off limits and Souths have sent other players to accompany coach Wayne Bennett at their post-match press conferences. The NSWRL said Mitchell's media ban was a matter for the NRL, who oversee the game's media guidelines, and South Sydney. Mitchell sat alone in the NSWRL gym scrolling through his phone while most of his teammates conducted interviews on Monday. Leniu, meanwhile, kept a similarly low profile. The Roosters prop has not spoken publicly since his heated run-in with Queensland legend turned commentator Johnathan Thurston, who is part of Billy Slater's Maroons coaching staff. Leniu unloaded on Thurston last month following a Roosters' win over Brisbane. The Samoan international is believed to have taken issue with comments Thurston made when Leniu was suspended for racially abusing Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam last season.
The Advertiser
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Why NSW fans won't be hearing from Latrell Mitchell
NSW halfback Nathan Cleary has leaped to the defence of Latrell Mitchell after the South Sydney star was one of two players who declined to conduct interviews at the Blues' open media day. In a major break from the precedent set by ex-NSW coach Brad Fittler, Mitchell and Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu were off limits on Monday after the Blues assembled in camp in Sydney. Fittler insisted no player was given special treatment, and lived by the mantra that if players couldn't handle questions from the press pack then they wouldn't be able to deal with the rigours of State of Origin. The Fittler approach was largely embraced by Michael Maguire for last year's series, despite the ex-Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers coach having had his fair share of challenges with the press. But that open access approach appears to have fallen by the wayside under returning Blues coach Laurie Daley, with Mitchell and Leniu unavailable to discuss NSW's fortunes ahead of the May 28 series opener in Brisbane. "At the end of the day, all of us as NSW fans and players, we want Latrell to be at his best come Wednesday night," Cleary said. "If that's what he needs to do, that's what he needs to do." Blues forward Angus Crichton added: "If that's what helps him be at his best then I'm all for it. "He (Mitchell) has probably had enough stories written about him and good and bad, and I think if that's how he sees himself playing his best footy then I'm all for it." Mitchell has been on a self-imposed media ban since being photographed with white powder in a hotel room in Dubbo last year. Even in games where he has been captain or where he has produced match-winning plays for the Rabbitohs, the 27-year-old has been off limits and Souths have sent other players to accompany coach Wayne Bennett at their post-match press conferences. The NSWRL said Mitchell's media ban was a matter for the NRL, who oversee the game's media guidelines, and South Sydney. Mitchell sat alone in the NSWRL gym scrolling through his phone while most of his teammates conducted interviews on Monday. Leniu, meanwhile, kept a similarly low profile. The Roosters prop has not spoken publicly since his heated run-in with Queensland legend turned Nine Network commentator Johnathan Thurston, who is part of Billy Slater's Maroons coaching staff. Leniu unloaded on Thurston last month following a Roosters' win over Brisbane. The Samoan international is believed to have taken issue with comments Thurston made when Leniu was suspended for racially abusing Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam last season. NSW halfback Nathan Cleary has leaped to the defence of Latrell Mitchell after the South Sydney star was one of two players who declined to conduct interviews at the Blues' open media day. In a major break from the precedent set by ex-NSW coach Brad Fittler, Mitchell and Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu were off limits on Monday after the Blues assembled in camp in Sydney. Fittler insisted no player was given special treatment, and lived by the mantra that if players couldn't handle questions from the press pack then they wouldn't be able to deal with the rigours of State of Origin. The Fittler approach was largely embraced by Michael Maguire for last year's series, despite the ex-Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers coach having had his fair share of challenges with the press. But that open access approach appears to have fallen by the wayside under returning Blues coach Laurie Daley, with Mitchell and Leniu unavailable to discuss NSW's fortunes ahead of the May 28 series opener in Brisbane. "At the end of the day, all of us as NSW fans and players, we want Latrell to be at his best come Wednesday night," Cleary said. "If that's what he needs to do, that's what he needs to do." Blues forward Angus Crichton added: "If that's what helps him be at his best then I'm all for it. "He (Mitchell) has probably had enough stories written about him and good and bad, and I think if that's how he sees himself playing his best footy then I'm all for it." Mitchell has been on a self-imposed media ban since being photographed with white powder in a hotel room in Dubbo last year. Even in games where he has been captain or where he has produced match-winning plays for the Rabbitohs, the 27-year-old has been off limits and Souths have sent other players to accompany coach Wayne Bennett at their post-match press conferences. The NSWRL said Mitchell's media ban was a matter for the NRL, who oversee the game's media guidelines, and South Sydney. Mitchell sat alone in the NSWRL gym scrolling through his phone while most of his teammates conducted interviews on Monday. Leniu, meanwhile, kept a similarly low profile. The Roosters prop has not spoken publicly since his heated run-in with Queensland legend turned Nine Network commentator Johnathan Thurston, who is part of Billy Slater's Maroons coaching staff. Leniu unloaded on Thurston last month following a Roosters' win over Brisbane. The Samoan international is believed to have taken issue with comments Thurston made when Leniu was suspended for racially abusing Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam last season. NSW halfback Nathan Cleary has leaped to the defence of Latrell Mitchell after the South Sydney star was one of two players who declined to conduct interviews at the Blues' open media day. In a major break from the precedent set by ex-NSW coach Brad Fittler, Mitchell and Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu were off limits on Monday after the Blues assembled in camp in Sydney. Fittler insisted no player was given special treatment, and lived by the mantra that if players couldn't handle questions from the press pack then they wouldn't be able to deal with the rigours of State of Origin. The Fittler approach was largely embraced by Michael Maguire for last year's series, despite the ex-Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers coach having had his fair share of challenges with the press. But that open access approach appears to have fallen by the wayside under returning Blues coach Laurie Daley, with Mitchell and Leniu unavailable to discuss NSW's fortunes ahead of the May 28 series opener in Brisbane. "At the end of the day, all of us as NSW fans and players, we want Latrell to be at his best come Wednesday night," Cleary said. "If that's what he needs to do, that's what he needs to do." Blues forward Angus Crichton added: "If that's what helps him be at his best then I'm all for it. "He (Mitchell) has probably had enough stories written about him and good and bad, and I think if that's how he sees himself playing his best footy then I'm all for it." Mitchell has been on a self-imposed media ban since being photographed with white powder in a hotel room in Dubbo last year. Even in games where he has been captain or where he has produced match-winning plays for the Rabbitohs, the 27-year-old has been off limits and Souths have sent other players to accompany coach Wayne Bennett at their post-match press conferences. The NSWRL said Mitchell's media ban was a matter for the NRL, who oversee the game's media guidelines, and South Sydney. Mitchell sat alone in the NSWRL gym scrolling through his phone while most of his teammates conducted interviews on Monday. Leniu, meanwhile, kept a similarly low profile. The Roosters prop has not spoken publicly since his heated run-in with Queensland legend turned Nine Network commentator Johnathan Thurston, who is part of Billy Slater's Maroons coaching staff. Leniu unloaded on Thurston last month following a Roosters' win over Brisbane. The Samoan international is believed to have taken issue with comments Thurston made when Leniu was suspended for racially abusing Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam last season.
West Australian
19-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Why NSW fans won't be hearing from Latrell Mitchell
NSW halfback Nathan Cleary has leaped to the defence of Latrell Mitchell after the South Sydney star was one of two players who declined to conduct interviews at the Blues' open media day. In a major break from the precedent set by ex-NSW coach Brad Fittler, Mitchell and Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu were off limits on Monday after the Blues assembled in camp in Sydney. Fittler insisted no player was given special treatment, and lived by the mantra that if players couldn't handle questions from the press pack then they wouldn't be able to deal with the rigours of State of Origin. The Fittler approach was largely embraced by Michael Maguire for last year's series, despite the ex-Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers coach having had his fair share of challenges with the press. But that open access approach appears to have fallen by the wayside under returning Blues coach Laurie Daley, with Mitchell and Leniu unavailable to discuss NSW's fortunes ahead of the May 28 series opener in Brisbane. "At the end of the day, all of us as NSW fans and players, we want Latrell to be at his best come Wednesday night," Cleary said. "If that's what he needs to do, that's what he needs to do." Blues forward Angus Crichton added: "If that's what helps him be at his best then I'm all for it. "He (Mitchell) has probably had enough stories written about him and good and bad, and I think if that's how he sees himself playing his best footy then I'm all for it." Mitchell has been on a self-imposed media ban since being photographed with white powder in a hotel room in Dubbo last year. Even in games where he has been captain or where he has produced match-winning plays for the Rabbitohs, the 27-year-old has been off limits and Souths have sent other players to accompany coach Wayne Bennett at their post-match press conferences. The NSWRL said Mitchell's media ban was a matter for the NRL, who oversee the game's media guidelines, and South Sydney. Mitchell sat alone in the NSWRL gym scrolling through his phone while most of his teammates conducted interviews on Monday. Leniu, meanwhile, kept a similarly low profile. The Roosters prop has not spoken publicly since his heated run-in with Queensland legend turned Nine Network commentator Johnathan Thurston, who is part of Billy Slater's Maroons coaching staff. Leniu unloaded on Thurston last month following a Roosters' win over Brisbane. The Samoan international is believed to have taken issue with comments Thurston made when Leniu was suspended for racially abusing Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam last season.
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Why NSW fans won't be hearing from Latrell Mitchell
NSW halfback Nathan Cleary has leaped to the defence of Latrell Mitchell after the South Sydney star was one of two players who declined to conduct interviews at the Blues' open media day. In a major break from the precedent set by ex-NSW coach Brad Fittler, Mitchell and Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu were off limits on Monday after the Blues assembled in camp in Sydney. Fittler insisted no player was given special treatment, and lived by the mantra that if players couldn't handle questions from the press pack then they wouldn't be able to deal with the rigours of State of Origin. The Fittler approach was largely embraced by Michael Maguire for last year's series, despite the ex-Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers coach having had his fair share of challenges with the press. But that open access approach appears to have fallen by the wayside under returning Blues coach Laurie Daley, with Mitchell and Leniu unavailable to discuss NSW's fortunes ahead of the May 28 series opener in Brisbane. "At the end of the day, all of us as NSW fans and players, we want Latrell to be at his best come Wednesday night," Cleary said. "If that's what he needs to do, that's what he needs to do." Blues forward Angus Crichton added: "If that's what helps him be at his best then I'm all for it. "He (Mitchell) has probably had enough stories written about him and good and bad, and I think if that's how he sees himself playing his best footy then I'm all for it." Mitchell has been on a self-imposed media ban since being photographed with white powder in a hotel room in Dubbo last year. Even in games where he has been captain or where he has produced match-winning plays for the Rabbitohs, the 27-year-old has been off limits and Souths have sent other players to accompany coach Wayne Bennett at their post-match press conferences. The NSWRL said Mitchell's media ban was a matter for the NRL, who oversee the game's media guidelines, and South Sydney. Mitchell sat alone in the NSWRL gym scrolling through his phone while most of his teammates conducted interviews on Monday. Leniu, meanwhile, kept a similarly low profile. The Roosters prop has not spoken publicly since his heated run-in with Queensland legend turned Nine Network commentator Johnathan Thurston, who is part of Billy Slater's Maroons coaching staff. Leniu unloaded on Thurston last month following a Roosters' win over Brisbane. The Samoan international is believed to have taken issue with comments Thurston made when Leniu was suspended for racially abusing Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam last season.
