Latest news with #NPL
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Rajpura thermal plant named best in country for low emission
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a research and advocacy organisation, has named Nabha Power Limited's (NPL) Rajpura facility as India's best-performing supercritical coal-based thermal power plant in terms of emission intensity. This recognition is in the below 800 MW capacity unit category. According to the report, Rajpura plant achieved an emission factor of 0.84 tonne/MWh, better than the national average of 0.97 tonne/MWh. (HT) Rajpura thermal power plant is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro and comprises two supercritical units of 700 MW each, commissioned in 2014. The acknowledgement comes as part of CSE's recently released report, titled 'Decarbonizing the Coal-based Thermal Power Sector in India: A Roadmap'. The report evaluated emission intensity across all coal-based thermal power plants in the country, placing Rajpura TPP among the top performers. According to the report, Rajpura plant achieved an emission factor of 0.84 tonne/MWh, better than the national average of 0.97 tonne/MWh. Additionally, the plant recorded an auxiliary power consumption rate of just 4.62%, the lowest in the sector. Auxiliary power consumption refers to the electricity used internally by the plant to operate essential systems — a lower rate indicates higher operational efficiency. 'Rajpura TPP's benchmark nudges other coal-based plants to adopt operational and modernisation measures to improve emission performance,' said Parth Kumar, programme manager at CSE. NPL chief executive SK Narang said, 'This is a proud moment for us. It validates our focus on operational efficiency, environmental responsibility and adoption of best-in-class technologies. We remain committed to sustainable power generation.'
News.com.au
25-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Unite Round concept ditched following end of contract between APL and NSW government
The A-League's Unite Round concept has been scrapped for the 2025-26 season. It's understood that the Australian Professional Leagues' contract with the NSW government for Unite Round has not been renewed. The deal, which was worth $12m, initially was for Sydney to have hosting rights to the A-League men's and women's grand finals for three years. However, outrage over that decision led to a change after just one season of both grand finals being played in Sydney. The deal was revamped for its remaining two years, with NSW instead being awarded rights to the newly conceived Unite Round, a concept similar to the NRL's Magic Round and the AFL's Gather Round An entire round of men's and women's A-League matches were played in Sydney, with the venues used across the two stagings of Unite Round being Allianz Stadium, CommBank Stadium, Leichhardt Oval and Jubilee Stadium. However, when the draw for the new A-League's men's and women's seasons is released in the coming weeks, it won't include Unite Round. The men's season – which will kick off on October 17 following Football Australia's confirmation of the 2025-26 domestic match calendar on Friday – will again consist of 29 rounds, with each team to play 26 regular season games. The six-team finals series will run under the same format; however, the grand final has been scheduled for the weekend of May 23-24 – a week earlier than last season – due to players needing to be released from clubs for FIFA World Cup duty the following month. Venues for some matches still need to confirmed due to issues with staging games at Allianz Stadium and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. The A-League women's season will start October 31, with the grand final to be played on the weekend of May 16-17. FA is yet to confirm a date for this year's Australia Cup final, while the newly formed Australian Championship, a second-tier competition involving 16 NPL clubs from around the country, will start on October 10 and end with the final on the weekend of December 7-8. 'The introduction of the Australian Championship will deliver more football, better football, and create new national opportunities for clubs and players – enhancing the football experience for all,' FA interim chief executive officer Heather Garriock said. 'The 2025-26 domestic match calendar is a product of genuine collaboration across the football ecosystem – from the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) and APL to our member federations and NPL clubs – and reflects our shared commitment to unity, alignment and excellence.'
The Advertiser
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
They made a career switch nine years ago to build something special. The moment has arrived
Alex Gillespie and Dan Yaxley have been there for some of Cooks Hill United Football Club's biggest occasions. But nothing is likely to compare to an appearance in the Australia Cup round of 32 against Adelaide Croatia in Adelaide on Wednesday night for the club's long-serving players. Cooks Hill and Weston, who will be hosted by Victorian National Premier Leagues (NPL) heavyweights Heidelberg United on Wednesday night, are into the final stage of the nationwide knockout soccer competition for the first time. The opportunity is huge for one of Northern NSW Football's oldest clubs and one of its youngest. "It's massive because this is one of the biggest moments in my career, to get a chance like this," Gillespie told the Newcastle Herald. "There's probably not too many years left in the legs, so it will definitely be a good experience and one that will give us that bit of a professional environment. "That is something that Zoro [coach Chris Zoricich] has had most of his career and will give us a little bit of a taste of it." The 34-year-old centre-back was among a group of players who joined Cooks Hill in 2017 determined to build something special. They helped spark a premiership threepeat in Northern League One after the club had finished eighth in Northern NSW Football's second-tier competition in 2016. Promotion to the top-flight NPL followed in 2022. Now, eight years on, and in their ninth campaign in Cooks Hill colours, Gillespie, Yaxley and Daniel Clements remain from that group and are set for another milestone moment. "That is why we thought we were so successful for so long, because we had that good, core group," Gillespie said. "We had Daniel Yaxley, Nick Russell, who hung up the boots this year, Ash [Balcomb], who is coaching our reserve grade now, Dan Clements. "We kept that core group for a while, and we're just trying to hang on as long as we can. "It's been good keeping the boys together, the older group, to sort of pass the baton to the younger boys who are coming through now." Cooks Hill, founded in 1997, booked their maiden appearance in the Cup play-offs by pulling off a stunning upset to beat NPL Northern NSW (NNSW) heavyweights Broadmeadow 2-1 in June. Magic are defending NPL NNSW premiers and champions and share the competition lead with Edgeworth on 50 points. Cooks Hill, who's highest finish in NPL has been seventh, are eighth on 21 points, four points below the top five with five games to play. "The boys stepped up big for that game, and it shows that big moments can win the game, which is what we're hoping for in Adelaide," Gillespie said. "We don't see why we can't keep this run going." READ MORE: Broadmeadow and Edgeworth have both previously made it through to the Cup's round of 16, and Yaxley, 31, hopes Cooks Hill can also achieve the feat. "Anything can happen in the Cup, which is why it's so exciting, and, now that we're here, we just want to soak it in and make the club proud as well," Yaxley, who plays wing or fullback, said. "There are so many people that work so hard for the club, volunteers, that it will be a good opportunity to do it for them as well." Cooks Hill and the Bears are NNSW Football's representatives in the Cup's main draw, where they join 21 other qualifiers from NPL competitions around the country and 11 A-League clubs. Weston progressed after beating Edgeworth 1-1 (3-1) on penalties following an epic 120-minute exchange. George Stephens produced some goalkeeping heroics in that match, denying three successive Edgeworth attempts from the spot to seal the win and etch his name in Weston folklore. But, in a blow for the young shot-stopper and the Bears, Stephens has been ruled out of the Cup clash on Wednesday night due to concussion. Weston will take keepers Jack Butler and Gerard Roebuck to Melbourne. Like the Bears, who were founded in 1907, Heidelberg United have a rich football history. They were a founding member of the old National Soccer League and have reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions. Heidelberg are top of the NPL Victoria standings while Weston (37 points) are third in NPL NNSW. Both games kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Wednesday night and are being streamed through Football Australia's YouTube channel. Alex Gillespie and Dan Yaxley have been there for some of Cooks Hill United Football Club's biggest occasions. But nothing is likely to compare to an appearance in the Australia Cup round of 32 against Adelaide Croatia in Adelaide on Wednesday night for the club's long-serving players. Cooks Hill and Weston, who will be hosted by Victorian National Premier Leagues (NPL) heavyweights Heidelberg United on Wednesday night, are into the final stage of the nationwide knockout soccer competition for the first time. The opportunity is huge for one of Northern NSW Football's oldest clubs and one of its youngest. "It's massive because this is one of the biggest moments in my career, to get a chance like this," Gillespie told the Newcastle Herald. "There's probably not too many years left in the legs, so it will definitely be a good experience and one that will give us that bit of a professional environment. "That is something that Zoro [coach Chris Zoricich] has had most of his career and will give us a little bit of a taste of it." The 34-year-old centre-back was among a group of players who joined Cooks Hill in 2017 determined to build something special. They helped spark a premiership threepeat in Northern League One after the club had finished eighth in Northern NSW Football's second-tier competition in 2016. Promotion to the top-flight NPL followed in 2022. Now, eight years on, and in their ninth campaign in Cooks Hill colours, Gillespie, Yaxley and Daniel Clements remain from that group and are set for another milestone moment. "That is why we thought we were so successful for so long, because we had that good, core group," Gillespie said. "We had Daniel Yaxley, Nick Russell, who hung up the boots this year, Ash [Balcomb], who is coaching our reserve grade now, Dan Clements. "We kept that core group for a while, and we're just trying to hang on as long as we can. "It's been good keeping the boys together, the older group, to sort of pass the baton to the younger boys who are coming through now." Cooks Hill, founded in 1997, booked their maiden appearance in the Cup play-offs by pulling off a stunning upset to beat NPL Northern NSW (NNSW) heavyweights Broadmeadow 2-1 in June. Magic are defending NPL NNSW premiers and champions and share the competition lead with Edgeworth on 50 points. Cooks Hill, who's highest finish in NPL has been seventh, are eighth on 21 points, four points below the top five with five games to play. "The boys stepped up big for that game, and it shows that big moments can win the game, which is what we're hoping for in Adelaide," Gillespie said. "We don't see why we can't keep this run going." READ MORE: Broadmeadow and Edgeworth have both previously made it through to the Cup's round of 16, and Yaxley, 31, hopes Cooks Hill can also achieve the feat. "Anything can happen in the Cup, which is why it's so exciting, and, now that we're here, we just want to soak it in and make the club proud as well," Yaxley, who plays wing or fullback, said. "There are so many people that work so hard for the club, volunteers, that it will be a good opportunity to do it for them as well." Cooks Hill and the Bears are NNSW Football's representatives in the Cup's main draw, where they join 21 other qualifiers from NPL competitions around the country and 11 A-League clubs. Weston progressed after beating Edgeworth 1-1 (3-1) on penalties following an epic 120-minute exchange. George Stephens produced some goalkeeping heroics in that match, denying three successive Edgeworth attempts from the spot to seal the win and etch his name in Weston folklore. But, in a blow for the young shot-stopper and the Bears, Stephens has been ruled out of the Cup clash on Wednesday night due to concussion. Weston will take keepers Jack Butler and Gerard Roebuck to Melbourne. Like the Bears, who were founded in 1907, Heidelberg United have a rich football history. They were a founding member of the old National Soccer League and have reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions. Heidelberg are top of the NPL Victoria standings while Weston (37 points) are third in NPL NNSW. Both games kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Wednesday night and are being streamed through Football Australia's YouTube channel. Alex Gillespie and Dan Yaxley have been there for some of Cooks Hill United Football Club's biggest occasions. But nothing is likely to compare to an appearance in the Australia Cup round of 32 against Adelaide Croatia in Adelaide on Wednesday night for the club's long-serving players. Cooks Hill and Weston, who will be hosted by Victorian National Premier Leagues (NPL) heavyweights Heidelberg United on Wednesday night, are into the final stage of the nationwide knockout soccer competition for the first time. The opportunity is huge for one of Northern NSW Football's oldest clubs and one of its youngest. "It's massive because this is one of the biggest moments in my career, to get a chance like this," Gillespie told the Newcastle Herald. "There's probably not too many years left in the legs, so it will definitely be a good experience and one that will give us that bit of a professional environment. "That is something that Zoro [coach Chris Zoricich] has had most of his career and will give us a little bit of a taste of it." The 34-year-old centre-back was among a group of players who joined Cooks Hill in 2017 determined to build something special. They helped spark a premiership threepeat in Northern League One after the club had finished eighth in Northern NSW Football's second-tier competition in 2016. Promotion to the top-flight NPL followed in 2022. Now, eight years on, and in their ninth campaign in Cooks Hill colours, Gillespie, Yaxley and Daniel Clements remain from that group and are set for another milestone moment. "That is why we thought we were so successful for so long, because we had that good, core group," Gillespie said. "We had Daniel Yaxley, Nick Russell, who hung up the boots this year, Ash [Balcomb], who is coaching our reserve grade now, Dan Clements. "We kept that core group for a while, and we're just trying to hang on as long as we can. "It's been good keeping the boys together, the older group, to sort of pass the baton to the younger boys who are coming through now." Cooks Hill, founded in 1997, booked their maiden appearance in the Cup play-offs by pulling off a stunning upset to beat NPL Northern NSW (NNSW) heavyweights Broadmeadow 2-1 in June. Magic are defending NPL NNSW premiers and champions and share the competition lead with Edgeworth on 50 points. Cooks Hill, who's highest finish in NPL has been seventh, are eighth on 21 points, four points below the top five with five games to play. "The boys stepped up big for that game, and it shows that big moments can win the game, which is what we're hoping for in Adelaide," Gillespie said. "We don't see why we can't keep this run going." READ MORE: Broadmeadow and Edgeworth have both previously made it through to the Cup's round of 16, and Yaxley, 31, hopes Cooks Hill can also achieve the feat. "Anything can happen in the Cup, which is why it's so exciting, and, now that we're here, we just want to soak it in and make the club proud as well," Yaxley, who plays wing or fullback, said. "There are so many people that work so hard for the club, volunteers, that it will be a good opportunity to do it for them as well." Cooks Hill and the Bears are NNSW Football's representatives in the Cup's main draw, where they join 21 other qualifiers from NPL competitions around the country and 11 A-League clubs. Weston progressed after beating Edgeworth 1-1 (3-1) on penalties following an epic 120-minute exchange. George Stephens produced some goalkeeping heroics in that match, denying three successive Edgeworth attempts from the spot to seal the win and etch his name in Weston folklore. But, in a blow for the young shot-stopper and the Bears, Stephens has been ruled out of the Cup clash on Wednesday night due to concussion. Weston will take keepers Jack Butler and Gerard Roebuck to Melbourne. Like the Bears, who were founded in 1907, Heidelberg United have a rich football history. They were a founding member of the old National Soccer League and have reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions. Heidelberg are top of the NPL Victoria standings while Weston (37 points) are third in NPL NNSW. Both games kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Wednesday night and are being streamed through Football Australia's YouTube channel. Alex Gillespie and Dan Yaxley have been there for some of Cooks Hill United Football Club's biggest occasions. But nothing is likely to compare to an appearance in the Australia Cup round of 32 against Adelaide Croatia in Adelaide on Wednesday night for the club's long-serving players. Cooks Hill and Weston, who will be hosted by Victorian National Premier Leagues (NPL) heavyweights Heidelberg United on Wednesday night, are into the final stage of the nationwide knockout soccer competition for the first time. The opportunity is huge for one of Northern NSW Football's oldest clubs and one of its youngest. "It's massive because this is one of the biggest moments in my career, to get a chance like this," Gillespie told the Newcastle Herald. "There's probably not too many years left in the legs, so it will definitely be a good experience and one that will give us that bit of a professional environment. "That is something that Zoro [coach Chris Zoricich] has had most of his career and will give us a little bit of a taste of it." The 34-year-old centre-back was among a group of players who joined Cooks Hill in 2017 determined to build something special. They helped spark a premiership threepeat in Northern League One after the club had finished eighth in Northern NSW Football's second-tier competition in 2016. Promotion to the top-flight NPL followed in 2022. Now, eight years on, and in their ninth campaign in Cooks Hill colours, Gillespie, Yaxley and Daniel Clements remain from that group and are set for another milestone moment. "That is why we thought we were so successful for so long, because we had that good, core group," Gillespie said. "We had Daniel Yaxley, Nick Russell, who hung up the boots this year, Ash [Balcomb], who is coaching our reserve grade now, Dan Clements. "We kept that core group for a while, and we're just trying to hang on as long as we can. "It's been good keeping the boys together, the older group, to sort of pass the baton to the younger boys who are coming through now." Cooks Hill, founded in 1997, booked their maiden appearance in the Cup play-offs by pulling off a stunning upset to beat NPL Northern NSW (NNSW) heavyweights Broadmeadow 2-1 in June. Magic are defending NPL NNSW premiers and champions and share the competition lead with Edgeworth on 50 points. Cooks Hill, who's highest finish in NPL has been seventh, are eighth on 21 points, four points below the top five with five games to play. "The boys stepped up big for that game, and it shows that big moments can win the game, which is what we're hoping for in Adelaide," Gillespie said. "We don't see why we can't keep this run going." READ MORE: Broadmeadow and Edgeworth have both previously made it through to the Cup's round of 16, and Yaxley, 31, hopes Cooks Hill can also achieve the feat. "Anything can happen in the Cup, which is why it's so exciting, and, now that we're here, we just want to soak it in and make the club proud as well," Yaxley, who plays wing or fullback, said. "There are so many people that work so hard for the club, volunteers, that it will be a good opportunity to do it for them as well." Cooks Hill and the Bears are NNSW Football's representatives in the Cup's main draw, where they join 21 other qualifiers from NPL competitions around the country and 11 A-League clubs. Weston progressed after beating Edgeworth 1-1 (3-1) on penalties following an epic 120-minute exchange. George Stephens produced some goalkeeping heroics in that match, denying three successive Edgeworth attempts from the spot to seal the win and etch his name in Weston folklore. But, in a blow for the young shot-stopper and the Bears, Stephens has been ruled out of the Cup clash on Wednesday night due to concussion. Weston will take keepers Jack Butler and Gerard Roebuck to Melbourne. Like the Bears, who were founded in 1907, Heidelberg United have a rich football history. They were a founding member of the old National Soccer League and have reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions. Heidelberg are top of the NPL Victoria standings while Weston (37 points) are third in NPL NNSW. Both games kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Wednesday night and are being streamed through Football Australia's YouTube channel.
Business Recorder
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Nishat Power to invest Rs2.5bn in EV venture NexGen Auto
Nishat Power Limited (NPL) has announced plans to invest up to Rs2.5 billion in NexGen Auto (Private) Limited, a related company concentrated on electric vehicles (EVs). NPL disclosed the development in its notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday. The listed company has called for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in this regard, which is scheduled to be held on August 13, 2025. The proposed investment, to be approved through special resolutions by NPL shareholders, includes Rs2 billion in equity investment by way of acquisition/subscription of 200 million ordinary shares of Rs10 each of NexGen Auto (Private) Limited, and an additional Rs500 million as a one-year working capital loan. HUBCO plans to install EV charging network across Pakistan As per the document, the loan component will carry a return of 3-month KIBOR plus 100 basis points, or the company's average borrowing cost—whichever is higher—payable quarterly. NexGen Auto, incorporated in August 2024, has made significant strides toward its market debut. The company has formalised its partnership with Cherry Automobile Co. Ltd of China, for the importation, local production and nationwide distribution of its two sub-brands Omoda and Jaecoo, specialised in new energy vehicles. 'NexGen sales and marketing teams are actively engaged in pre-launch campaigns, culminating in a much-anticipated mega launch event slated for the first week of August 2025,' NPL informed. According to documents made available to the stock exchange, NexGen's project for CKD assembly has already commenced and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, with commercial operations set to begin within calendar year 2025. The total project cost is estimated at Rs14.7 billion, to be funded through a mix of debt and equity. NPL expects that the investment will not only yield dividend income and capital gains in the long run but also diversify its portfolio and strengthen its commitment to sustainability-focused ventures.
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Sales pitch that lured A-League legend out of retirement to lead line for Crabs
Pink playing strip and crab dances - Daniel McBreen was sold. McBreen has shelved retirement to play for the Croudace Bay Crabs in Zone League Two - the fourth tier on the Newcastle pyramid - at the ripe age of 48. The 2012-13 A-League Golden Boot winner and Mariners legend scored with his second touch on debut for the Crabs in a 3-0 triumph over New Lambton Juniors at Smith Park on Saturday. "It's just a bit of fun," McBreen told the Newcastle Herald. "Pink shirts, crab dances when you score ... I was sold. I like a stupid goal celebrations. "I have only played 45 minutes of XI v XI in five years. I came back to play for Edgeworth in 2023 after calling it quits in 2019. I played half a game in a friendly against South Cardiff. Two days later I snapped my Achiles. "I have been doing a lot of running. Two weeks ago I left home and did a half marathon. That is totally different to sliding into tackles and changing direction. I was a little concerned old man syndrome might kick in. "I had 30 minutes on Saturday and was breathing heavy after 15." McBreen's football focus has been on his A-League commentary gig with Paramount Plus and burgeoing academy - Newcastle Elite Football Academy - in which he is a partner alongside Roy O'Donovan, Taylor Regan and Ben McNamara. However, a chat two weeks ago with former Edgeworth teammate Wayne Bailey over a couple of beers lit a spark. "Every year we have a catch up to mark [former Edgeworth winger] Mick Williams' passing," McBreen said. "Bails was there and asked me if I missed playing. I told him I'd love to play but there are heap of caveats, I can't train, it has to be Saturday and I don't want to stop a young kid from getting a game." Bailey, after an extensive playing and coaching career in the NPL, is now in charge of the Crabs. "My son, Andrew, is there with a few mates and asked me to help out," Bailey said. In its second year, the Crabs have gained cult status after a stunning run in the Australia Cup, highlighted by a 3-1 upset of NPL club New Lambton. They have carried the cup form into the competition proper, winning every game to sit seven-points clear at the top and on track for promotion. "They are a good bunch of boys and can play a bit as well," Bailey said. "It is quite a competitive comp. We have won every game but it is not like we are cruising. "We take it serious but we enjoy it as well. It is a good mix. On match-day, I get into them now and then. We have a pretty professional set up. "A lot of the boys can't commit to the NPL so they play here. There is no money or anything. I think Macca had to pay his rego. "It all happened pretty quickly. He liked the fact we wear pink and are called the crabs. He still had that competitive urge. The more we spoke about it, the keener he seemed. "I told him to ring me Monday, that way I know it is not the beers talking. "I gave him 30 minutes on the weekend. He was making runs and scored with his second touch. The more game time he gets the better he will play. He is just great for the club." Pink playing strip and crab dances - Daniel McBreen was sold. McBreen has shelved retirement to play for the Croudace Bay Crabs in Zone League Two - the fourth tier on the Newcastle pyramid - at the ripe age of 48. The 2012-13 A-League Golden Boot winner and Mariners legend scored with his second touch on debut for the Crabs in a 3-0 triumph over New Lambton Juniors at Smith Park on Saturday. "It's just a bit of fun," McBreen told the Newcastle Herald. "Pink shirts, crab dances when you score ... I was sold. I like a stupid goal celebrations. "I have only played 45 minutes of XI v XI in five years. I came back to play for Edgeworth in 2023 after calling it quits in 2019. I played half a game in a friendly against South Cardiff. Two days later I snapped my Achiles. "I have been doing a lot of running. Two weeks ago I left home and did a half marathon. That is totally different to sliding into tackles and changing direction. I was a little concerned old man syndrome might kick in. "I had 30 minutes on Saturday and was breathing heavy after 15." McBreen's football focus has been on his A-League commentary gig with Paramount Plus and burgeoing academy - Newcastle Elite Football Academy - in which he is a partner alongside Roy O'Donovan, Taylor Regan and Ben McNamara. However, a chat two weeks ago with former Edgeworth teammate Wayne Bailey over a couple of beers lit a spark. "Every year we have a catch up to mark [former Edgeworth winger] Mick Williams' passing," McBreen said. "Bails was there and asked me if I missed playing. I told him I'd love to play but there are heap of caveats, I can't train, it has to be Saturday and I don't want to stop a young kid from getting a game." Bailey, after an extensive playing and coaching career in the NPL, is now in charge of the Crabs. "My son, Andrew, is there with a few mates and asked me to help out," Bailey said. In its second year, the Crabs have gained cult status after a stunning run in the Australia Cup, highlighted by a 3-1 upset of NPL club New Lambton. They have carried the cup form into the competition proper, winning every game to sit seven-points clear at the top and on track for promotion. "They are a good bunch of boys and can play a bit as well," Bailey said. "It is quite a competitive comp. We have won every game but it is not like we are cruising. "We take it serious but we enjoy it as well. It is a good mix. On match-day, I get into them now and then. We have a pretty professional set up. "A lot of the boys can't commit to the NPL so they play here. There is no money or anything. I think Macca had to pay his rego. "It all happened pretty quickly. He liked the fact we wear pink and are called the crabs. He still had that competitive urge. The more we spoke about it, the keener he seemed. "I told him to ring me Monday, that way I know it is not the beers talking. "I gave him 30 minutes on the weekend. He was making runs and scored with his second touch. The more game time he gets the better he will play. He is just great for the club." Pink playing strip and crab dances - Daniel McBreen was sold. McBreen has shelved retirement to play for the Croudace Bay Crabs in Zone League Two - the fourth tier on the Newcastle pyramid - at the ripe age of 48. The 2012-13 A-League Golden Boot winner and Mariners legend scored with his second touch on debut for the Crabs in a 3-0 triumph over New Lambton Juniors at Smith Park on Saturday. "It's just a bit of fun," McBreen told the Newcastle Herald. "Pink shirts, crab dances when you score ... I was sold. I like a stupid goal celebrations. "I have only played 45 minutes of XI v XI in five years. I came back to play for Edgeworth in 2023 after calling it quits in 2019. I played half a game in a friendly against South Cardiff. Two days later I snapped my Achiles. "I have been doing a lot of running. Two weeks ago I left home and did a half marathon. That is totally different to sliding into tackles and changing direction. I was a little concerned old man syndrome might kick in. "I had 30 minutes on Saturday and was breathing heavy after 15." McBreen's football focus has been on his A-League commentary gig with Paramount Plus and burgeoing academy - Newcastle Elite Football Academy - in which he is a partner alongside Roy O'Donovan, Taylor Regan and Ben McNamara. However, a chat two weeks ago with former Edgeworth teammate Wayne Bailey over a couple of beers lit a spark. "Every year we have a catch up to mark [former Edgeworth winger] Mick Williams' passing," McBreen said. "Bails was there and asked me if I missed playing. I told him I'd love to play but there are heap of caveats, I can't train, it has to be Saturday and I don't want to stop a young kid from getting a game." Bailey, after an extensive playing and coaching career in the NPL, is now in charge of the Crabs. "My son, Andrew, is there with a few mates and asked me to help out," Bailey said. In its second year, the Crabs have gained cult status after a stunning run in the Australia Cup, highlighted by a 3-1 upset of NPL club New Lambton. They have carried the cup form into the competition proper, winning every game to sit seven-points clear at the top and on track for promotion. "They are a good bunch of boys and can play a bit as well," Bailey said. "It is quite a competitive comp. We have won every game but it is not like we are cruising. "We take it serious but we enjoy it as well. It is a good mix. On match-day, I get into them now and then. We have a pretty professional set up. "A lot of the boys can't commit to the NPL so they play here. There is no money or anything. I think Macca had to pay his rego. "It all happened pretty quickly. He liked the fact we wear pink and are called the crabs. He still had that competitive urge. The more we spoke about it, the keener he seemed. "I told him to ring me Monday, that way I know it is not the beers talking. "I gave him 30 minutes on the weekend. He was making runs and scored with his second touch. The more game time he gets the better he will play. He is just great for the club." Pink playing strip and crab dances - Daniel McBreen was sold. McBreen has shelved retirement to play for the Croudace Bay Crabs in Zone League Two - the fourth tier on the Newcastle pyramid - at the ripe age of 48. The 2012-13 A-League Golden Boot winner and Mariners legend scored with his second touch on debut for the Crabs in a 3-0 triumph over New Lambton Juniors at Smith Park on Saturday. "It's just a bit of fun," McBreen told the Newcastle Herald. "Pink shirts, crab dances when you score ... I was sold. I like a stupid goal celebrations. "I have only played 45 minutes of XI v XI in five years. I came back to play for Edgeworth in 2023 after calling it quits in 2019. I played half a game in a friendly against South Cardiff. Two days later I snapped my Achiles. "I have been doing a lot of running. Two weeks ago I left home and did a half marathon. That is totally different to sliding into tackles and changing direction. I was a little concerned old man syndrome might kick in. "I had 30 minutes on Saturday and was breathing heavy after 15." McBreen's football focus has been on his A-League commentary gig with Paramount Plus and burgeoing academy - Newcastle Elite Football Academy - in which he is a partner alongside Roy O'Donovan, Taylor Regan and Ben McNamara. However, a chat two weeks ago with former Edgeworth teammate Wayne Bailey over a couple of beers lit a spark. "Every year we have a catch up to mark [former Edgeworth winger] Mick Williams' passing," McBreen said. "Bails was there and asked me if I missed playing. I told him I'd love to play but there are heap of caveats, I can't train, it has to be Saturday and I don't want to stop a young kid from getting a game." Bailey, after an extensive playing and coaching career in the NPL, is now in charge of the Crabs. "My son, Andrew, is there with a few mates and asked me to help out," Bailey said. In its second year, the Crabs have gained cult status after a stunning run in the Australia Cup, highlighted by a 3-1 upset of NPL club New Lambton. They have carried the cup form into the competition proper, winning every game to sit seven-points clear at the top and on track for promotion. "They are a good bunch of boys and can play a bit as well," Bailey said. "It is quite a competitive comp. We have won every game but it is not like we are cruising. "We take it serious but we enjoy it as well. It is a good mix. On match-day, I get into them now and then. We have a pretty professional set up. "A lot of the boys can't commit to the NPL so they play here. There is no money or anything. I think Macca had to pay his rego. "It all happened pretty quickly. He liked the fact we wear pink and are called the crabs. He still had that competitive urge. The more we spoke about it, the keener he seemed. "I told him to ring me Monday, that way I know it is not the beers talking. "I gave him 30 minutes on the weekend. He was making runs and scored with his second touch. The more game time he gets the better he will play. He is just great for the club."
