Labeling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for Friday night’s clash between St Kilda and Brisbane:
Crouch to have 20+ disposals and 4+ tackles
Brad Crouch has put together a fairly consistent season for the Saints.
He has averaged 27.3 disposals, 7.1 tackles and 5.7 clearances across his 20 appearances.
The former Crow has not dropped under 20 touches in any game this year and has laid a massive 33 tackles in his past three outings.
With it being a huge game for the Saints as they strive to stay alive in the finals race, Crouch is primed for another busy one against the Lions.
He should pick up at least 20 disposals while laying four or more tackles.
Marshall to have 15+ disposals and 20+ hit-outs
Rowan Marshall has strung together a very impressive patch of form in the second half of the season.
Since Round 15, he has averaged 21.2 touches and 30 hit-outs and has taken his game to a new level.
While Marshall may not have it all his own way in the hit-out department against Brisbane’s Oscar McInerney, he should still get his hands on the ball frequently.
We’re tipping the Saints ruckman to pick up at least 15 touches and win 20 or more hit-outs.
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Mathieson to have 20 disposals and three tackles or more
Rhys Mathieson’s form since coming into the Brisbane side in Round 18 has been quite consistent.
He has averaged 21 disposals per game and finished around that mark in every game, to go with at least three tackles.
Mathieson will be pushing hard to maintain his spot in the side heading into finals and you can expect a big final fortnight.
Cameron to kick at least 3 goals
Charlie Cameron has averaged 2.5 goals per game since Round 16 and is peaking at the right time of the year.
With the Saints floundering, and struggling in general with opposition small forwards, Friday night looms as a big one for the star small forward.
Expect him to dominate with at least three goals as the Lions charge towards finals.
GWS argues that it has greater challenges in attracting coaches and football staff, given the higher cost of living in Sydney.
Clarkson made a presentation to the Giants’ trio of chief executive David Matthews, chairman Tony Shepherd and football chief Jason McCartney last week, having had previous discussions with the club.
If GWS have the advantage of a stronger core of senior players, North Melbourne arguably offers Clarkson more opportunity to recruit seasoned players, as a club in Melbourne, and also given that the Roos have a massive amount of salary cap space, compared to the Giants , who are expected to shed senior players again during the trade period.
Ken Hinkley has not yet been sounded out by either club, according to sources familiar with his situation. Port Adelaide president David Koch announced this week that Hinkley will coach the club in 2023.
Clarkson has had the opportunity to refresh in 2022, having been paid more than $900,000 by the Hawks, the parties having agreed that he would be better to move on rather than coach on once the handover to Sam Mitchell had been announced.
North Melbourne have been paying the full amount of the soft cap on football department spending this year, with the soft cap set to rise by $500,000 in 2023 and with further exemptions that can enable a club to spend more than $7 million next year – still a far cry from the pre-pandemic soft cap of $9.7 million.
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As Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello said: “Teddy has built a wonderful career here at the Roosters. There’s no way I can see him in another jersey.”
Tedesco told the herald he speaks with Marshall all the time, but there would be no fairytale return.
The bigger appeal would be working out how to get the most out of him, Manu and Suaalii, even if it meant moving into the No.6 role in his final years.
James Tedesco training with the Tigers before making his first-grade debut.Credit:Steve Christo
Suaalii’s preference is fullback, while Manu will turn heads in the No.1 for New Zealand at the World Cup.
“It’s hard because everyone wants to play fullback,” Tedesco said.
“It’s the position where you get your hands on the ball the most, and you’re allowed to be free, which a lot of young players want to do. You can’t blame them for that.
“It’s tough because Suaalii and Joey love to get their hands on the ball and are top-notch footy players.
“Suaalii always comes to the fullback meeting and wants to learn. It will be interesting to see what happens. He is also one of the best wingers in the game right now.
“I played five-eighth for Italy at the World Cup. It could be an option down the track. You never know. The fullback and five-eighth roles are the same these days. you see [Cameron] Munster do it at Melbourne.
“It requires a different fitness. Fullbacks do a lot of running, but five-eighth you’re a lot more forward and making more tackles.
James Tedesco continues to provide a handful for opposition sides.Credit:Getty Images
“I’ll leave it to Robbo. I do know every club would want Suaalii and Joey at their club.”
Tedesco speaks regularly with Marshall, and the Tigers’ legend even reached out to him about a homecoming.
“Benji lives down the road from me, and before he was even announced as head coach at the Tigers, he texted me about coming back,” Tedesco said.
“I never thought he was serious at the time. He was appointed coach and then all these stories came out about me [returning].
“I’m close with Benji but I’m very happy at the Roosters. Robbo also signed on for another five years this year, and that’s a big factor for me. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had. I can’t thank him enough for not only what he does for my game and confidence on the field, but how he has helped me as a leader off the field.”
Joseph Suaalii has been a standout on the wing, but wants to be a fullback.Credit:Getty Images
Robinson has run out of superlatives to say about Tedesco whenever the pair attend post-match press conferences after a win.
The fact Tedesco is able to shine in a team with so many superstars makes his performances extra special.
That point was not lost on Parramatta skipper and Tedesco’s regular golf partner Clint Gutherson, who said: “He has been the best player in the game for five or six years now. Just his consistency from him every week, you don’t see it often, and especially in a team where there are so many other players who can take the spotlight off you.
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Tedesco ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on debut for the Tigers. He later suffered a syndesmosis injury, smashed the kneecap in his same left knee – Tedesco has since reached out to Ryan Papenhuyzen who suffered the same long-term injury – broke his jaw, cracked the scapula in his shoulder, and required up to half a dozen clean-outs of his knee.
But since 2017 Tedesco, with the help of a large support network, including his mentor Joe Wehbe and massage therapists, has stayed on the field to produce some breathtaking football.
The kind of football that will trouble the Cowboys at the SCG, help continue the Roosters’ surge to September, and ultimately lead to “Teddy” one day entering the Immortal debate.
The Bulldogs and Warriors have traded blows as the score sits 24-18.
Mick Potter’s side sparked a huge comeback after a horror Walsh error on his own tryline, before backrower Eliesa Katoa again handed his side the lead with a charging try.
MATCH CENTER: New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
57TH MINUTE
Warriors gun Eliesa Katoa has crossed for a crucial try. charging onto a Shaun Johnson short ball to hand his side the lead.
“There is no stopping Katoa, he is a crash ball specialist,” Smith said.
44TH MINUTE
The Bulldogs have scored off the back of a horror Reece Walsh mistake.
Halfback Kyle Flanagan scooped the ball up to cross untouched and bring his side back into the contest.
“An early error from the Warriors, and the Bulldogs exactly what they needed,” Flanagan said.
“We have a game here in Auckland,” Smith said.
Only moments later, Bulldogs flyer Josh Addo-Carr reeled in an intercept to charge away for an 80-meter try.
Multiple Warriors defenders charged across in cover defense but Addo-Carr streaked away to score.
17TH MINUTE
Bulldogs fullback Jake Averillo crossed for his side’s first of the night, running onto an Aaron Schoupp short ball.
Mick Potter’s side charged at the Warriors line, with Matt Burton breaking through before Averillo crossed.
“Matt Burton going so close on the previous play… good heads up play by Averillo,” Smith said.
Only moments later, the Warriors scored off the back of a scrum with Reece Walsh finding Edward Kosi in space.
“He is a class player Reece Walsh, that was beautifully done, he just skips on the outside,” Shane Flanagan said.
“That is all class from Reece Walsh.”
6TH MINUTE
The Warriors have opened the scoring courtesy of a Shaun Johnson short ball to find Viliami Vailea.
The 19-year-old crossed for an untouched try in his return to the New Zealand side after suffering a broken jaw.
The Bulldogs now trail 12-0 on return to Mt Smart Stadium, having played their last game across the Tasman in Round 1, 2019.
MATCH CENTER: New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
“Broken jaw, has been out now for the best part of ten games,” Warren Smith said.
Only moments later, veteran winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak intercepted Matt Burton pass to cross untouched from 90 meters out
“He is a real pro of wing play, a great carrier and he can still scoot,” Smith said.
“He’d have been a great decathlete, he has speed, he has power and great jumping ability.”
PRE-MATCH WRAP
The Bulldogs will make the trip abroad to New Zealand for the first time since Round 1, 2019 for their clash against the Warriors.
Kiwi-born players Jeremy Marshall-King, Jackson Topine, Zach Dokar-Clay and Raymond Faitala-Mariner will make a big homecoming to face their rivals across the Tasman.
Mick Potter’s Canterbury-Bankstown side will be without star enforcer Tevita Pangai Junior for family reasons, shifting Faitala-Mariner to lock.
An hour before kick-off, Potter also made a late change, shifting Harrison Edwards into the starting side in place of Jack Topine.
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MATCH CENTER: New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Meanwhile, the Warriors have made a raft of big changes.
Daejarn Asi returns at five-eighth, shifting regular hooker Wayne Egan back into the dummy-half role.
Young gun Viliami Vailea has also slotted into the centers, while interim head coach Stacey Jones has reintroduced Storm recruit Eliesa Katoa onto the bench.
Tom Ale, 23, will also make his first appearance of the 2022 season off the bench, taking the field for his fourth NRL game.
TEAMS
Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Edward Kosi 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jack Murchie 15. Bunty Afoa 13. Josh Curran 14. Freddy Lussick 16. Eliesa Katoa 22. Tom Ale 17. Jackson Frei
Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Jackson 16. Harrison Edwards 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jackson Topine 14. Zach Dokar-Clay 15. Joe Stimson 17. Chris Patolo 20. Kurtis Morrin
PAUL GREEN NEWS
‘DOESN’T HURT TO TALK’: V’landys’, Kevvie’s emotional pleas over Green tragedy
OBITUARY: 167cm great who became a giant and the gamble that set him up for glory
‘FUNNY, CARING’: Legends’ emotional tribute to ‘wonderful friend’ Green
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The Panthers have suffered yet another injury blow to their already-depleted stocks, with Liam Martin rolling his ankle in Thursday night’s clash with the Storm.
Martin suffered the injury in the second half and hobbled from the field in clear pain, supported by two trainers.
The 25-year-old Blues star later hobbled to the bench using crutches, and was seen with ice wrapped around his ankle.
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INJURED IN ROUND 22
Liam Martin (ankle) – TBC
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Liam Martin copped a painful ankle injury in another blow to the Panthers.Source: FOX SPORTS
Richmond has added three players to its extended squad for Sunday afternoon’s crucial clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
Veteran Tiger Shane Edwards is in line to return after being managed in last Saturday night’s win over Port Adelaide.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL RICHMOND ROUND 22 SQUAD >>
Tiger cub Rhyan Mansell and ruck Ivan Soldo have also been named in the 26-man squad following impressive performances in the Richmond VFL’s 82-point win last Sunday.
Mansell collected 15 disposals, three marks and three inside-50s, while Soldo amassed nine disposals, five marks and 30 hit-outs while hitting the scoreboard with two goals.
“We’re a much better team with Ivan in it, there’s no doubt about it,” Richmond VFL coach Steve Morris said of Soldo’s game.
“He’s a real presence in the ruck and also up forward. It was another good game from him.”
Jason Castagna, last week’s activated medical substitute, also features in the extended squad.
Richmond will confirm its starting 22 tomorrow night at 5.00pm AEST.
The Club will then name its medical substitute 60 minutes prior to the bounce on Sunday.
Sunday’s game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
Richmond squad v Hawthorn, Sunday, August 14, 1.10pm AEST, MCG (Swipe across on mobile)
Broncos coach and Kevin Walters have pleaded for the NRL to increase its mental health support in the wake of the shock death of Paul Green.
The representative halfback and legendary Cowboys coach died at his Brisbane home on Thursday, leaving the entire rugby league community in mourning.
Queensland police issued a statement after Green’s death and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
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‘He’s an elite few’ – Meninga on Green | 03:49
PAUL GREEN NEWS
OBITUARY: 167cm great who became a giant and the gamble that set him up for glory
‘FUNNY, CARING’: Legends’ emotional tribute to ‘wonderful friend’ Green
‘HAD TOO MUCH TO OFFER’: Bennett reveals Dolphins’ talks with Green in tribute
“Police were called to a Wynnum residence just after 10am this morning after a 49-year-old was located unresponsive,” a Queensland police spokeswoman said.
“He was declared deceased by emergency crews a short time later.”
Walters, who were Queensland teammates, reflected on his 30-year relationship with the premiership-winning coach and called on the NRL to do more to support players, coaches and support staff.
“It’s very sad news,” Walters said on Friday morning.
“I was fortunate enough to play Origin football with ‘Greeny’ and had many battles against him during his days at the Sharks and Cowboys.
My feelings go out to his family, friends and everyone involved with Paul. It’s just so sad.
“It’s important we check on each other each day – particularly with the mental health side of things.
“It’s something I believe the NRL needs to put more focus on, particularly around our players, coaches and support staff. Everyone that’s involved in the game.
“We need to make sure there’s someone there for you if you want to reach out.”
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys earlier delivered a heartfelt plea to the NRL world in the wake of Green’s death.
Some of the 49-year-old former teammates took the opportunity to share anecdotes, which spoke to his character — both on and off the field.
V’landys did similar in paying tribute to Green on 2GB Radiuson Friday morning but also wanted to send a strong message in the wake of the tragedy.
“[It is] extremely sad. We were devastated yesterday when we heard the news,” V’landys said.
“It just shows you how fragile life is and that we should take care of each other. If there’s a message here is if people self-doubt themselves or have problems, it is normal human reaction. Speak about it, talk about it.
Fletch lauds Green’s Roosters influence | 03:04
“We all go through doubting ourselves, we all go through some terrible times but it doesn’t hurt to talk to somebody about it and this is a classic example. If anything comes out of this, which is one of the saddest things I’ve been involved in rugby league, it is that people do reach out if they have troubles.”
V’landys described Green as a “champion” on and off the field, with a “heart bigger than himself”.
“Paul was a very intelligent person, always passionate, witty, happy-go-lucky and he was the last person in the world you would expect to have these troubles,” he said.
“But as I said, we all go through this, we all have self-doubt. Look, I remember Paul as a player, he was a brilliant player and he was a great coach. Who could forget the 2015 premiership that he won and took them again to the semi-finals in 2017.
“He was a champion in his field. He was short in stature but had a heart bigger than himself and was able to go to the elite level of the game. But just as important, he was a great father and a husband, we are just in complete and utter shock.”
‘He just wanted to help people’ – Tallis | 01:35
V’landys urged the rugby league community to get behind the Gotcha4Life charity to honor Green’s memory while also encouraging anyone who is struggling to speak up.
“I think you’d be lying if you didn’t say that at times you feel down and have self-doubt because you do and I do,” he said.
“People think that I’m as strong as a wall but at times you’re human and doubt yourself, you lack self-esteem and confidence. We all go through that. But I talk about it to people.
“I’m not embarrassed to talk about it. When you’re feeling down, you have to let those emotions out. It can happen to anyone. Don’t be proud because you have people who love you and should reach out.
“I think we need to support Gotcha4Life… that will go well for the memory of Paul Green.”
In a complex case, Kellam said there had been a “failure to afford procedural fairness amounts to error of the law. Because we’re unable to identify the evidentiary basis of the finding, ‘the actions of Cripps were in the bumping of an opponent’, we conclude findings of the jury were unreasonable”.
The appeal board’s decision has left many in the industry confused, for the league had made it clear over the off-season that players had a duty of care to each other, and any player which chose to bump had to live with the consequences, should it go awry, particularly if the player hit was concussed.
Callum Ah Chee left the field and was found to have concussion after his collision with Patrick Cripps.Credit:Getty Images
The league has strengthened its concussion protocols recently, fearing a class action from disgruntled former players impacted by head knocks.
AFL executive general manager of football Andrew Dillon – one of the leading contenders to replace Gillon McLachlan as league chief – said it was too early to indicate whether the decision would prompt changes in regulations or tribunal procedures. However, Dillon said the league would act if needed.
“The health and safety of our players is of paramount importance to the AFL and we will continue to evaluate and, where necessary, act to prioritize that objective in relation to the occurrence of concussion and other injuries in the playing of our game,” Dillon said.
King, the two-time North Melbourne premiership player and a long-time concussion advocate, said the ruling was bewildering.
“It contradicts everything that we’ve been talking about for the last three to four years about protecting the head,” King said on SEN.
“This, in my opinion, is not as a line ball as what others think. I was staggered by the AFL counsel Nicholas Pane last night. He said he was adamant a player could contest the ball whilst watching with eyes on the ball and still maintain the action of bumping an opponent – I think they’re two different things.
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“You’re either contesting the ball or you’re bracing or bumping. They’re not the same.
“I think the game’s never been more lost than what it is now. No one knows what dissent is, no one knows what holding the ball is, no one knows what protecting the head is anymore, no one knows what’s a fair contest and what isn’t, we’ve got no idea on basics of the game that we’ve always had a clear understanding of. We’ve never been more lost than what we are right now.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss said the decision was “clearly good news”, for the Blues now had their captain for the crucial final two rounds, with the team battling to hold on to a finals berth.
Voss said the Blues had always maintained Cripps had been playing the ball, and hoped the appeals board had brought clarity.
“The game still lends to even contesting the ball. That has not changed and the rules state it that way,” he said.
“It probably played out as we hoped. Our read on it at the start, we maintained, and thankfully the appeals board saw it that way as well.”
AFL great Leigh Matthews said he was surprised the ban had been overturned.
“It’s not a travesty of justice, or anything like that, because I think it’s a very fine line on this particular incident… most of us who have looked at it think it’s probably more careless than incidental. It’s in the margins, this one,” Matthews said on 3AW.
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Former Australian boxing champion Marc Bargero is fighting to avoid being sent to jail after being found guilty of drunkenly sexually assaulting a teenage girl as she slept.
Bargero contested allegations he had performed an oral sex act on the 15-year-old girl after putting her to bed, however was found guilty after facing a judge-alone trial earlier this year.
Bargero confessed to “sniffing” the girl’s crotch in an attempt to relive his first sexual experience, but had denied he had licked the girl’s vagina.
The court was told during his trial that Bargero was visiting a woman at her home on Sydney’s northern beaches when the teen arrived with a group of other youths.
When the girl passed out after drinking alcohol, Bargero took her upstairs and placed her on a bed.
The court was previously told he returned a short time later, moved the girl towards the edge of the bed, pulled her pants down, got on her knees, kissed her stomach and licked her vagina.
The girl woke up and fled downstairs, crying and saying: “I just woke up and he was just eating me out.”
In an interview with police, Bargero told officers he wanted to relive his first sexual experience, where he would get under a table and “sniff” an older woman.
“I had my head down there but I was just sniffin’ it,” Bargero told police, the court previously heard.
“I got carried away at the moment, I got a bit too drunk.”
He stated that he had not touched the girl’s vagina.
However, Judge Tim Gartelmann accepted the girl’s evidence and noted that due to his level of intoxication, Bargero could not remember all he did that night.
Bargero was found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and intentionally sexually touching the girl.
During a sentence hearing on Friday afternoon, his barrister Stephen Russell said he had shown considerable contrition, despite pleading not guilty and fighting the allegations.
Mr Russell said Bargero had experienced significant “public shame and humiliation” through social media and the media.
The court heard that during his police interview he had asked officers if he could meet with the complainant and her family to apologize for his actions.
He had also offered to plead guilty to lesser charges, however it was rejected by the prosecution.
Mr Russell said Bargero had been “through the ringer” in life, had suffered mental illness and depression and had to be hospitalized and medicated following the death of his mother.
He submitted that Bargero could serve his sentence by way of a community corrections order or intensive corrections order, pointing to his lack of criminal history.
“He’s a man who had no history of anything like this,” Mr Russell said.
“People speak of him being respectful. The evidence given before your honor by a female witness indicated that he was very respectful towards women.
“This event must be seen as… a complete aberration. And he knows that himself.
“He was offended by his own behavior that he believed he had committed at that time, he stressed it so profoundly in both interviews.”
However, the crown prosecution submitted he should be jailed, with Judge Gartelmann to decide his fate later this month.
