South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou has implored the NSW government to allow the Rabbitohs to move to the new Sydney Football Stadium next season as the club waits in limbo without a home ground locked in for 2023.
As revealed in The Daily Telegraph, Souths chief executive Blake Solly said the club had “bucket loads of uncertainty” because a potential move to Moore Park hasn’t been approved by the state government.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Blake Solly is unimpressed with the stadium standoff. Picture: Lyndon MechielsenSource: News Corp Australia
The Rabbitohs have called the Olympic precinct home since 2006 but are keen to return to Allianz Stadium, which is on the same light rail line as their juniors club in Kingsford.
But the government has yet to approve the move, which means the Rabbitohs can’t sell memberships or corporate packages for 2023 because their fans don’t know which ground they’d be committing to.
“We’re a big club that deserves to be playing in big stadiums,” Demetriou said, joking that they’d gladly play at Redfern Oval if they had to.
“They’ve just built an $800m stadium in our backyard, so I think it makes common sense to me that we’re playing there.
“It’s a stadium that’s built in the heartland of South Sydney.
“It’s down the road from our junior leagues club, so there’s a real opportunity for us to spend some time there and venture into the ground from there and for our members to meet the players post-game.
“All that sort of stuff makes everything easier and that’s why we’re really excited and hopeful of getting in there.
“It’s in our area, so it’d be great to have us playing there and I’m sure our fans and our members and our supporters would love to have a venue closer to home. I know the players would be excited as well.”
The Rabbitohs will officially open the stadium in round 25 when they take on the Roosters in a game that could decide eighth spot on the ladder.
The lack of certainty around their future has had no impact on the playing group yet, but Demetriou says it could if things are left to fester.
The new stadium would be much more convenient for Rabbitohs fans. Picture: Sam RuttynSource: News Corp Australia
“We’ve got that much going on in terms of playing footy,” he said.
“It’s a distraction if we’re getting too caught up in it, but we have no control over it. I don’t as a coach, and I know the players don’t as players.
“But they’re excited about playing there in round 25 and there’s a genuine excitement to play there. I think sharing it with the Roosters and having 20 games a year would be outstanding, not just for clubs, but for the NRL as well.”
It’s a distraction the Bunnies could do without as they prepare for a brutal four-week stretch leading into the finals.
The Rabbitohs play western Sydney heavyweights Parramatta and Penrith and then finish the regular season with games against the second-placed Cowboys and the Roosters in a grudge game to open Allianz Stadium.
It’s a tough stretch but at least they go into Friday’s game at CommBank Stadium knowing they have the wood on Parramatta after five-straight wins over the Eels.
“The last time we played them we were coming off an ordinary performance so we were pretty motivated for that game,” the coach said.
“That’s our challenge tomorrow night – to bring that same motivation off the back of some good performances.
“We’re going in the right direction but we’re playing some bigger teams now that can score points. Parramatta is as good as anyone at scoring points and they are dangerous right across the park, so it’ll be a good test for our defence.”
The NRL community is in shock after premiership-winning coach Paul Green died at the age of 49.
Green played 162 first grade matches between 1994-2004, winning the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1995 as the game’s best and fairest. He played State of Origin for Queensland and represented Super League’s Australian team in 1997.
Turning to coaching after his retirement, he was in charge of North Queensland from 2014-2020, leading the club to its first ever premiership in 2015.
READMORE:Kyrgios’ touching note after beating world No.1 Medvedev
READMORE:Embarrassing blunder leaves baseball star ‘mortified’
READMORE:Aussie takeover revealed as part of rebel LIV Golf’s $300 million deal
Green coached Queensland in last year’s State of Origin series.
His family released a statement on Thursday afternoon.
“Today we are devastated,” it read.
“We have lost a devoted husband, loving father and wonderful brother and son. We cannot find the words that would come close to expressing our feelings, however we would like to extend our thanks to those who have reached out to us with their love and support.
Queensland Maroons coach Paul Green (Getty)
“Paul was loved by so many and we know that this news will generate immense interest, however at this time we ask for privacy.
“Our family is still trying to understand this tragedy and we request space and time as we come to terms with this loss.”
Green led the Cowboys to premiership glory in 2015, his side beating the Broncos in one of the most thrilling and memorable grand finals in the game’s history.
“Paul first came to our club as a player in the late 90s and was the club’s first Origin representative, but his lasting legacy emanated from his seven-season tenure as head coach of the North Queensland Cowboys,” said Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay.
“Paul’s arrival as head coach transformed our club from finals contenders to an immediate premiership force, culminating in the historic 2015 grand final victory.
Green comments on Cowboys exit
“We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history.”
Those thoughts were echoed by the Brisbane Broncos.
“We are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Queenslander and former Bronco, Paul Green,” the club said in a social media post.
“A legend on and off the field gone far too soon.”
He made his first grade debut for Cronulla in 1994, and immediately made his mark at halfback.
“Green had a magnificent first year in the Winfield Cup, and by season’s end was being spoken of in most quarters as Allan Langer’s likely successor as the Queensland State of Origin halfback,” David Middleton wrote in his 1994 yearbook.
“I have finished second in the Norwich Rising Star voting and third in the Rothmans Medal, and impressed all with his courage, flair and skill.
“Perhaps if one moment best captured his season, it was a try scored against St George on a Friday night at Kogarah, when he ran from a scrumbase deep inside his own quarter, and when met by the cover defence, which included Saints captain Mark Coyne, a renowned defender, he simply stopped, changed tack, and sped away, leaving his rivals stumbling in his wake.”
Green was even better in 1995, taking out the Rothmans Medal in just his second year in the top grade, leading the Sharks to fourth on the ladder, the best result for the club since claiming the minor premiership in 1988. Inexperience cost Cronulla however, who were eliminated from the finals after giving up 12-point leads against both Manly and Newcastle.
A Super League grand final in 1997 against Brisbane was the high point of Green’s time at the club, a season that saw him represent the breakaway competition’s Queensland and Australian sides.
A shoulder injury ruined his 1998 season, after which he became something of a nomad, spending seasons with North Queensland (1999-2000), Sydney Roosters (2001-02), Parramatta (2003) and Brisbane (2004).
He transitioned into coaching almost immediately, in an assistant role to Wayne Bennett at the Broncos, before landing the head coaching role at the Cowboys in 2014.
He was at the helm in 2015 when the club memorably claimed its maiden premiership, and again in 2017 when the Cowboys went down to Melbourne in the decider. Green remained in the job until he stepped down midway through the 2020 season.
Paul Green in action for Cronulla during his playing days. (Craig Golding/Fairfax)
Appointed Queensland State of Origin coach for 2021, his position was quickly under scrutiny after a 50-6 loss in game one, and a 26-0 defeat in game two. A 20-18 victory in game three wasn’t enough to save Green, who was replaced by Billy Slater for 2022.
Former teammate Martin Lang, who played alongside Green at the Sharks, paid tribute to his friend on social media.
“This is so sad,” he wrote.
“Paul was a close mate, we moved to Sydney together in 1993….the beginning of an outstanding NRL playing/coaching career. My sincere condolences to Paul’s wife, children and his dear mum and dad. Rest In Peace mate.”
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said: “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and on behalf of the game, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family, his friends, and those who have been inspired and mentored by him over the course of his long career.”
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys added: “Paul was a brilliant player, and then became one of the few to make a very successful transition into coaching.
“I had the pleasure of sitting on the NRL competition committee and found Paul to be a passionate, smart and witty individual. Our condolences go to his family and to his many friends.”
Paul Green with Allan Langer after a Queensland State of Origin win in 2001. (Simon Alekna)
The cause of death is not yet known.
“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.
“There are no suspicious circumstances. A report will be prepared for the coroner.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter byclicking here!
An institutional “culture of callousness” led The Angels County deputies and firefighters to shoot and share photos of the remains of Kobe Bryant and other victims of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed the Lakers star, his 13-year-old daughter, and seven others, a lawyer for Bryant’s widow told a jury Wednesday.
Vanessa Bryant’s attorney Luis Li told jurors in his opening statement in US District Court in her invasion of privacy trial against the county that the cell-phone photos shot at the crash scene by a deputy and a fire captain were “visual gossip” viewed “for a laugh,” and had no official purpose.
“They were shared by deputies playing video games,” Li said.
“They were shared repeatedly with people who had absolutely no reason to receive them.”
Adam Dergazarian, bottom center, pays his respects for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in front of a mural painted by artist Louie Sloe Palsino in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) (AP)Firefighters work the scene of a helicopter crash where former NBA basketball star Kobe Bryant died in Calabasas, Calif. Jan. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) (AP)
An attorney for the county defended the taking of the photos as an essential tool for first-responders seeking to share information when they thought they might still save lives at the chaotic, dangerous and hard-to-reach crash scene in the Calabasas hills west of The Angels
“Site photography is essential,” county lawyer J Mira Hashmall said.
Vanessa Bryant cried frequently during her lawyer’s presentation. She was still wiping tears from her eyes minutes afterward during a break.
Li told jurors that learning a month after the crash about the photos’ circulation not from the county but the Los Angeles Times compounded her still-raw suffering.
Life and times of former NBA star Kobe Bryant
Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, leaves a federal courthouse in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. Kobe Bryant’s widow is taking her lawsuit against the Los Angeles County sheriff’s and fire departments to a federal jury, seeking compensation for photos Deputies shared of the remains of the NBA star, his daughter and seven others killed in a helicopter crash in 2020. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (AP)Vanessa Bryant and Kobe Bryant. (instagram)
“January 26th, 2020, was the worst day of Vanessa Bryant’s life. The county made it much worse,” Li said.
“They poured salt in an open wound and rubbed it in.”
Li played jurors security video of an off-duty sheriff’s deputy drinking at a bar showing the photos to the bartender, who shakes his head in dismay.
The lawyer then showed an image of the men laughing together later. Li described firefighters looking at the phone photos two weeks later at an awards banquet, and showed the jury an animated chart documenting their spread to nearly 30 people.
Li said the county failed to conduct a thorough investigation to make sure every copy of the photo was accounted for, and because of the fear that they will someday surface, and her surviving children may see them online, Vanessa Bryant “will be haunted by what they did forever.”
A bronze sculpture honoring former Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, and the names of those who died, is displayed at the site of a 2020 helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. (AP Photo/Ringo HW Chiu) (AP)
During the defense’s opening statement, Hashmall told jurors that the fact that the pictures have not appeared in more than two years showed that leaders in the sheriff’s and fire department did their jobs.
“They’re not online. They’re not in the media. They’ve never even been seen by the plaintiffs themselves,” Hashmall said.
She added, “That is not an accident. That is a function of how diligent they were.”
Sheriff Alex Villanueva and department officials immediately brought in all those involved and ordered them to delete the photos, rather than conduct a long official investigation that might harm the families further, she said.
“He picked what he viewed as the only option — decisive action,” Hashmall said. “He felt like every second mattered.”
Hashmall told the jury that the reason Li even had the video of the bartender to show, which she suggested was deceptively edited to show the men laughing together, was because the Sheriff’s Department had gotten it the same day they received a complaint from another bar patron who witnessed the photo sharing.
She said the deputy was struggling emotionally from the difficulty of dealing with the crash scene, and that the bartender was a longtime friend in whom he was confiding.
“He pulled out his phone, and that shouldn’t have happened,” she said.
“In a lapse, in a moment of weakness, he showed those photos, and he has regretted it every day of his life.”
A young LA Lakers fan looks up to the hill where NBA legend Kobe Bryant was one of nine people killed in a helicopter crash. (AP)
The defense attorney urged jurors to look past the grief of those who brought the lawsuit and focus on the matter before them.
“There is no doubt these families have suffered,” she said.
“It’s unspeakable. But this case is not about the loss from the crash. It’s about the pictures.”
Chris Chester, whose wife, Sara, and daughter Payton were also killed in the crash, is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit, which seeks unspecified millions.
The county already agreed to pay US$2.5 million to settle a similar case brought by two families whose relatives died in the January 26, 2020, crash.
Bryant and Chester declined to settle.
Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and other parents and players were flying to a girls basketball tournament when their chartered helicopter crashed in the fog.
Federal safety officials blamed pilot error for the wreck.
The Brodie Grundy trade links have been revitalized following the latest report.
7 News’ reporter Mitch Cleary said on Wednesday night that Collingwood is willing to pay up to $300,000 of his salary per season to a rival club in order to facilitate a trade.
Grundy has been linked to several clubs including Melbourne, GWS and Geelong in recent weeks, although neither Grundy nor the Magpies have publicly indicated any desire to facilitate a trade.
However, the rise of Darcy Cameron and the form of Mason Cox have seen Collingwood fans miss Grundy less and less throughout the season while he’s been injured.
The speculation comes just over two years after Collingwood signed Grundy to a seven-year deal at big money.
The 28-year-old hasn’t consistently reached his peak form since inking the contract. He struggled in the hubs in 2020, played better in 2021 but only managing six games this season.
All the information available can only say one thing about Grundy’s contract, according to Kane Cornes.
“If Collingwood are now really open and he is open and he’s meeting with clubs on the eve of Collingwood’s finals series and the fact that I heard Collingwood are prepared to pay $300,000 of his wage next year, it might even be more,” the Port Adelaide great began on SEN’s Whateley.
“If that’s the case, and you’ve got five years left on a deal, that’s been an absolute disaster for them.
“To give a guy $7 million for seven years and only after two years you’re looking to pay a large chunk of his salary for him to play for another premiership candidate.
“I don’t think there’s any way you can look at that contract other than a massive failure, it’s an embarrassment really.”
As to where Grundy could end up, Cornes believes Melbourne is chief among suitors.
“I think he works at Melbourne, just because of Max Gawn’s flexibility and Gawn’s willingness to play a team-first role,” he added.
“I mean Max Gawn doesn’t need the 80 per cent touches in the ruck, he’s happy to play wherever Simon Goodwin needs him, be that forward, be that behind the ball or in the ruck.
“I’d love to see him go to Melbourne, I think it works.
“You’re upgrading Luke Jackson for probably a two-year period where you’re going to get Brodie Grundy in the sweet spot.”
Jackson is widely tipped to return home to Western Australia and join Fremantle during the 2022 trade period.
Green’s legacy as the first coach to take the Cowboys to premiership glory would follow him even as he farewelled the club in 2020.
With two grand finals and a long-awaited trophy under his belt, the question was always going to be ‘what’s next?’
For Green, it was the Broncos.
The powerhouse club had let Anthony Seibold go, and for many, Green was the natural man to step into the seat. Experienced, respected, and a Broncos Old Boy to boot.
And while his interview was reportedly exceptional, Kevin Walters stood fair and square in his way.
“Look, I was disappointed to miss out on the Broncos,” he told The Courier-Mail’s Peter Badel.
“But I knew the situation I was walking into. I knew what ‘Kevvie’ brought to the job and I knew what I brought to the job.
“There’s no ill-feeling at all towards the Broncos at all.”
Instead, Green would take the head coach role at the Maroons, in what would be a transition period between the old and the new as the rep team moved from Wayne Bennett, to Green, and eventually to Billy Slater.
It was a brutal result, with a dominant Blues outfit getting the job done in the first two games.
Green would however go on to claim Origin III, and mark himself in the record books as one of only 13 men to coach the mighty Maroons.
New Zealand Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs, 6pm Friday, Mt Smart Stadium The Warriors have hit their lowest point since Stacey Jones took over as coach and he has turned to a fresh halves pairing in a bid to turn things around against a resurgent Canterbury outfit. daejarn asi shifts back into the halves with wayde egan moving to hooker to face a Bulldogs pack missing Tevita Pangai jnr, who has stayed in Australia for family reasons. In Raymond Faitala-Mariner they have a capable replacement. The Warriors are back home in Auckland but they’ll struggle to rein in a reinvigorated Bulldogs attack. Bulldogs by 10. Caden Helmers
Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm, 7.50pm Thursday, BlueBet Stadium The contest between these two never disappoints. The Panthers showed no signs of slowing down against Canberra, and were defensively excellent once again. And with no Jahrome Hughes for the Storm, their attack could start a little clunky. Viliame Kikau would be a big inclusion for the premieres, but you cannot underestimate the loss of James Fisher-Harris and his work rate. A big win can basically seal the minor premiership with three rounds remaining. Panthers by 6. Christian Nicolussi
Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.55pm Friday, CommBank Stadium Souths are humming and have a good record against the blue-and-golds. The Eels Won Without Mitchell Moses last Friday, but Manly could not have played any worse than the final 20 minutes of that game. Latrell Mitchell is a good enough reason to back the Bunnies. Mitchell, Cody Walker, Lachlan Ilias and Damian Cook have now played nearly half-a-dozen games together as a spine. Clint Gutherson and Dylan Brown need five-star performances again, while Shaun Lane has been solid on the left edge. Souths by 4. Christian Nicolussi
Corey Horsburgh, Dale Finucane, David Klemmer, and Latrell Mitchell.Credit:Getty
Sydney Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys, 3pm Saturday, Sydney Cricket Ground The Cowboys boast the competition’s second-best away record, enough to suggest they won’t be haunted by any ghosts of seasons past when they arrive at the hallowed turf of the SCG this weekend. One thing they will need to account for is James Tedesco, the Roosters fullback who is doing absolutely everything in his power to will his side towards a finals appearance. He is breaking tackles at will and setting up tries and line-breaks like they’re going out of fashion. Jordan McLean is back for North Queensland after overcoming the hamstring injury which ruled him out of the Origin decider, but the Roosters have everything to play for in one of the games of the round. Roosters by 6. Caden Helmers
Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks, 5.30pm Saturday, Scully Park (Tamworth) Captain Dale Finucane returns for a Cronulla side that did enough to get past the Dragons last week, but not too much more. Based on the Tigers’ drop-off on Sunday, a similar effort will get a similar result for the Sharks but Craig Fitzgibbon will be praised to accept it. Kade Dykes looked great on debut at fullback and gets another crack in Tamworth. The Tigers had been so good until they found themselves in reverse against Newcastle, with coach Brett Kimmorley suddenly short on outside backs now David Nofoaluma is in Melbourne instead of on the wing for the injured Ken Maumalo. Sharks by 18. dan walsh
Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights, 7.35pm Saturday, Suncorp Stadium Te Maire Martin has been bussed in at fullback for the Broncos in place of Tesi Niu in a bid to halt a worrying two-game slump. Only catastrophe will cost Brisbane a well-deserved finals spot but they’ll be week-one cannon fodder if they can’t pull up their socks, particularly in the opening 20 minutes. Newcastle welcome back David Clemmer after last week’s HR nightmare, though their backs-to-the-wall win over the Tigers came at a cost: half Jake Clifford (broken arm) and Mitch Barnett (thumb) are both out. Tipping Brisbane to shake themselves out of a late-season funk at home. Broncos by 14. dan walsh
Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons, 2pm Sunday, GIO Stadium Perhaps the last Ricky Stuart press conference really worth watching before the “weak gutted dog” attack was the match between these two teams, when the Raiders lost a cliffhanger in cyclonic conditions in Wollongong. The NRL later said Ben Hunt should have been penalized three times in the final 10 seconds – and yet the Raiders never got a whistle to send the game into golden point. This time, both teams are playing for their seasons and the Raiders will be without their coach after his one-week ban. They will also miss Joseph Tapine (ribs) and Nick Cotric (suspension), but Xavier Savage is back with Corey Horsburgh. Cody Ramsey is a chance of returning for the Dragons after being named in the extended squad, but there’s no Francis Molonorth Tarik Simswho has played his last game for the Dragons. Raiders by 12. adam pengilly
Collingwood youngster Trent Bianco has triggered a one-year contract extension for 2023, reports AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.
The 21-year-old spent several weeks in the VFL before earning a senior recall against Adelaide in Round 18.
Bianco gathered a career-high 20 disposals against the Crows and set up Jamie Elliott’s after-the-siren goal winner against Essendon the following week.
“A new deal for young Magpie Trent Bianco, who has triggered a one-year extension, reported today from Josh Gabelich on afl.com.au,” Twomey told SEN Breakfast.
Bianco has played 19 games for Collingwood since arriving at the club in the 2019 National Draft.
Subscribe to the SEN YouTube channel for the latest videos!
The Magpies are also working on a new deal for young out-of-contract forward Oliver Henry.
“I think Ollie Henry is likely to stay at Collingwood,” Twomey said.
“They’ve been in talks on a deal for a little bit now, but just hasn’t got to that point of agreement.
“Certainly you’d expect Collingwood would want to keep him given he was a first-round pick only two years ago.”
Elsewhere, a trio of Carlton players are also set for new contracts.
“Riley Beveridge reports that Carlton trio Matt Owies, Matt Cottrell and Jordan Boyd are all set for fresh two-year extensions as well,” Twomey said.
“All three of those have been pretty important for the Blues and they’re all keen to stay.”
Blues quintet Lochie O’Brien, Caleb Marchbank, Liam Stocker, Will Setterfield and David Cuningham all remain unsigned beyond 2022.
Hawthorn has refused to rule itself out of a Brodie Grundy pursuit as new information surfaces regarding a potential trade for the Collingwood ruckman.
7 News’ Mitch Cleary reported on Tuesday night that clubs have been told the Magpies are willing to pay up to $300,000 annually of Grundy’s contract going forward.
Opposition clubs have been told the Pies would be willing to pay $300,000 per season of Brodie Grundy’s remaining five years should he leave https://t.co/Fxq8814Ikr
He’s believed to be on between $950,000 and $1 million per season.
Sportsday’s Sam McClure reported on Tuesday night Melbourne has gone hard on a pitch to entice Grundy to the club, while GWS has also met with his manager.
Speaking following the retirement announcement of Hawthorn big man Ben McEvoy, SEN’s Andy Maher raised the Hawks as an underdog to snare Grundy.
In Sam Mitchell’s first trade period as head coach in 2021, Hawthorn looked to stockpile draft capital by trading out numerous key players in a plot that was ultimately unsuccessful.
However, they’re well placed for a trade period assault in October with plenty of reported salary cap space.
“There’s an obvious (trade target) now (for Hawthorn),” Maher said on SEN’s The Run Home.
“With Ben McEvoy retiring, there is an obvious target for Hawthorn. If they want to go big and make a splash now, I’m saying Brodie Grundy.
“Forget about him lining up alongside Max Gawn and splitting duties at Melbourne… when you think about the better fit, Brodie Grundy at Hawthorn makes a whole lot of sense.”
Maher also acknowledged emerging Hawks ruckman Ned Reeves has “come on in leaps and bounds” over the last season.
But with Grundy five years his senior at 28 years of age, the Collingwood ruckman could fill an immediate need at Waverley Park.
“In the meantime, if you can get Brodie Grundy right, what a magnificent man to lead the following brigade as Reeves develops,” he added.
“I would green light it the whole way if I was Hawthorn.”
Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves played a straight bat when asked about the possibility of recruiting Grundy, but refused to rule it out.
“That’s one for Mark McKenzie (list manager). I know that’s a cop out but the reality is there are so many variables in that,” Reeves said.
“He’s probably got plenty of footy left in him, I don’t know the figures of his contract but what we should say is you look at every opportunity that you think would make your football club better.”
McEvoy will retire at the end of the season, while Grundy won’t play again in 2022 after a stress fracture in his ankle.
Adam Goodes has turned to football in an official capacity for the first time with a place on an advisory council charged with overseeing the development of Indigenous football in Australia.
The AFL great, who has largely shunned Australian football rules since he was forced into retirement from the game in 2015, has a longstanding affection for the round-ball code and has played in a Sydney over-35s park competition in recent years.
Goodes grew up playing football and only switched to Australian rules after he and his family moved to a small country town in Victoria, where there was no junior football club to play for.
He told SBS in 2018 that he always knew he would return to football “because the love for the game has never left me”, and he will now have a chance to shape pathways into the game for young Indigenous people.
Indigenous Football Australia (IFA) – set up to oversee the strategy and expansion of Australia’s longest-running Indigenous football initiative, John Moriarty Football – aims to help create social change through the game, making it more accessible for grassroots and elite Indigenous players.
“I am really excited to be able to share my life experience in sport and business to help others on a similar journey,” Goodes said. “I am looking forward to learning from other experts who are on the council. But most of all it is about the young people and giving them the best opportunity to achieve their dreams.”
With poor Indigenous representation at higher levels of the game in Australia, it is hoped Goodes can help facilitate pathways for young Indigenous football talent to break through.
“Using sport to drive social change for Indigenous Australians … that expertise doesn’t matter what sport background you’re from,” IFA council conveyor and JMF program director Jamie Morriss said.
“We know Indigenous Australians do love AFL [football] and the AFL has done a better job [than Football Australia] at bringing through talent at the highest level. Football hasn’t achieved that just yet but Adam will potentially have some great insights into what needs to be done to become more successful in bringing through this talent to the top of the game.”
The dual Brownlow medalist and Australian of the Year will sit on the IFA council along with a number of prominent Indigenous football names, including current A-League Women players Gema Simon, Allira Toby and Jada Whyman.
Former Socceroo turned human rights campaigner Craig Foster, one of Goodes’s Waverley Old Boys teammates in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and Travis Dodd, the first Indigenous man to score for the Socceroos, have also been named on the council, which has a majority Indigenous membership and is gender equal.
Yanyuwa man John Moriarty – the first Indigenous footballer to be selected for Australia and co-founder of the JMF – said the diversity and strength of the Indigenous-led panel were “unparalleled”.
“Each member is more than a symbolic appointment,” Moriarty said. “They all bring unique, lived experience plus skills, aligned values and goals for Indigenous football in Australia. Each member is committed to creating tangible, equitable and lasting change.”
Kanulu/Gangulu woman Toby, who plays for Canberra United, said it was “a long-awaited step in the right direction for our people”, while Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman and Matildas goalkeeper Whyman said she was “incredibly honored and humbled” to be part of the initiative.
Football Australia, the game’s governing body, is not directly affiliated with IFA but launched its own inaugural National Indigenous Advisory Group last year and has had involvement with programs the JMF has run over the past 10 years.
Morriss said the IMF would be willing to work more closely with FA or “anyone who is supportive of the program we’ve been running”.
Goodes was booed out of the AFL in 2015 and has since distanced himself from the code, although he made a rare public appearance at the Sydney Swans’ 10-year premiership celebrations earlier this year.
The rugby league world is in mourning after the sudden death of Paul Green at 49 years old in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning.
the Daily Telegraph reported that Green had not said anything about feeling ill before his sudden passing, with a postmortem to determine the cause of his death.
Green had been in Sydney last weekend for the Cronulla ex-players’ reunion, one of five teams the former Australian and Queensland representative halfback played for during his career.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
‘HARD TO BELIEVE’: Tributes flow as NRL rocked by death of Paul Green
Remembering Paul Green’s amazing career | 08:32
Green had a decorated playing career which spanned 162 games, suiting up for the Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos.
He then made the switch to coaching after he hung up the boots, taking the Cowboys to their first-ever premiership in 2015 before also taking over the Queensland Maroons Origin side.
In a playing and coaching career of many highlights, Green’s greatest would be his role in taking North Queensland to its maiden premiership in 2015.
Green first took the helm at the Cowboys in 2014 and saw immediate results as the Cowboys won the inaugural NRL Auckland Nines tournament.
MORE NRL NEWS
The side of Green few got to see… and why it made him so special
The masterstroke in Green’s greatest triumph and iconic celebration that will live forever
Green’s final interview at Old Boys Day | 00:28
North Queensland carried the pre-season form into the season proper, finishing in fifth spot on the ladder before being eliminated by the Roosters in dramatic fashion in the semi-finals.
The Cowboys improved to third in the 2015 season and this time around went all the way to the title, taking down the Broncos in a golden-point thriller for the ages.
North Queensland got back to the grand finale under Green’s watch in 2017 too, even without legendary halfback Johnathan Thurston, but were outclassed by Melbourne.
Paul Green in action for Cronulla.Source: News Corp Australia
North Queensland carried the pre-season form into the season proper, finishing in fifth spot on the ladder before being eliminated by the Roosters in dramatic fashion in the semi-finals.
The Cowboys improved to third in the 2015 season and this time around went all the way to the title, taking down the Broncos in a golden-point thriller for the ages.
North Queensland got back to the grand finale under Green’s watch in 2017 too, even without legendary halfback Johnathan Thurston, but were outclassed by Melbourne.
Last year Thurston revealed the first conversation he had with Green that led to the drought-breaking title triumph in 2015.
“He arrived to the club in 2014 and I remember the first meeting we had at the Dally M’s of 2013,” Thurston told WWOS.
“He asked me what was the perception of the Cowboys at that time. I said, ‘We’re pretty inconsistent’. He stopped me pretty much and said ‘You can’t win away from home, and you can’t win when you’re on the sidelines’ so what do I need to do to change that?
Johnathan Thurston and Paul Green after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia
“We needed to get everyone training to an intensity that is required and he did that, and over those years we went on to win a premiership, make four straight finals and another grand final so he’s a great coach.
“I was bought to the club in 2005 to win a premiership. He got everyone to that level and won that first ever premiership for the club which was great scenes for North Queensland and we’ll never forget it.”
Green said he would “always treasure” the premiership-winning year with the Cowboys upon his exit from the club in 2020.
“I am grateful to the board for allowing me to lead this club whilst creating some lifelong memories,” he said at the time.
Iconic: Green goes wild in 2015 GF win | 00:27
‘AN OUTSTANDING CAREER’: NRL WORLD COUNTRIES TRIBUTE TO GREEN
Tributes were quick to flow in from the rugby league world after news broke of Green’s sudden death.
Former Melbourne Storm and Maroons hooker Cameron Smith called it “shocking news” on SEN Radio.
“A very sad part of the day,” Smith said, reacting to the news alongside Denan Kemp, who was coached by Green in the early stages of his rugby league career.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Maroons coach Paul Green celebrate. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“It’s certainly rocked myself and Kempy in the studio and everyone in the rugby league world.
“It’s a sad day for everyone involved in the rugby league family and community. We send our best wishes and condolences out to the entire Green family.”
Kemp spent a bit of time learning from Green in the early stages of his career and paid tribute to his ability to turn around the Queensland Cup team the Wynnum Seagulls after a challenging start to the season.
“I was fortunate enough, he was my kicking and catching coach when I was coming through at the Broncos and he was also my coach when I was at Wynnum,” Kemp said.
“I had a small amount to do with him but in the time I did, it was actually really interesting the year I was at Wynnum I ended up signing with another club to leave but we had a really tough start to the season. Greeny managed to turn the Wynnum Seagulls around and we won the premiership that year.
“He’s a fighter. It’s a very sad day to see Greeny go like that.”
‘It’s numbered the state of Queensland’ | 03:08
Former teammate, Martin Lang, posted on Twitter: “This is so sad. Paul was a close mate, we moved to Sydney together in 1993….the beginning of an outstanding NRL playing/coaching career. My sincere condolences to Paul’s wife, children and his dear mum and dad. Rest In Peace mate.”
Meanwhile, Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings wrote: “Can’t believe the Paul Green news this morning. Achieved it all as a player and coach still had so much to give, taken way to soon. Thoughts and prayers with family and friends. Makes you realize to take nothing for granted. RIP.”
North Queensland halfback Chad Townsend also paid his respects, writing: “RIP Paul Green. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends of him at this time. ”
The Eels, Sharks and Roosters Broncos also posted tributes to Green on social media while the Cowboys made a statement on the club’s website.
“Paul first came to our club as a player in the late 90s and was the club’s first Origin representative, but his lasting legacy emanated from his seven-season tenure as Head Coach of the North Queensland Cowboys,” chairman Lewis Ramsay said.
“Paul’s arrival as Head Coach transformed our club from finals contenders to an immediate premiership force, culminating in the historic 2015 Grand Final victory.
“We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history.”
NRL OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys said: “Paul was a brilliant player, and then became one of the few to make a very successful transition into coaching. As a player, he represented Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos, and throughout his career he had a reputation as a halfback who was as tough as he was skilful. Paul was rewarded with the Rothmans Medal in 1995.
“As a coach he led the North Queensland Cowboys to one of the most famous Grand Final victories of all time – against Brisbane Broncos in 2015. He represented Queensland and Australia as a player, and only last year coached the Maroons in the State of Origin series.
“I had the pleasure of sitting on the NRL Competition Committee and found Paul to be a passionate, smart and witty individual. Our condolences go to his family and to his many friends of him. ”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said: “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and on behalf of the game, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family, his friends, and those who have been inspired and mentored by him over the course of his long career.”
PAUL GREEN FACT FILE
Playing record:
-Halfback; played 162 first grade games 1994-2004.
* Played 95 games for Cronulla (1994-98)
* 35 for North Queensland (1999-2000)
* 20 for Sydney Roosters (2001-02)
* 7 for Parramatta (2003)
* 5 for Brisbane (2004)
– Played for Cronulla in 1997 Super League grand final
– Represented Queensland in seven State of Origin games 1999-2001.
– Played two Super League Tests for Australia 1997
Coaching appointments:
– Brisbane Broncos Assistant Coach 2009
– Wynnum-Manly Intrust Super Cup 2010-12
-Sydney Roosters Holden Cup 2013
– Sydney Roosters Assistant NRL coach 2013
– Queensland Residents 2012-13
– North Queensland 2014-20
-Queensland 2021
Coaching achievements:
– Won Intrust Super Cup titles with Wynnum-Manly 2011, 2012
– Steered Sydney Roosters Holden Cup team to Finals Series 2013
– Took North Queensland to Finals Series 2014-17
– Won premiership with North Queensland 2015
– Won World Club Championship with North Queensland 2016
