Andrew McCullough – Michmutters

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teamnews; early mail, ins and outs for Round 22; Penrith Panthers injuries; Taylan May in sling, news, updates

teamnews; early mail, ins and outs for Round 22; Penrith Panthers injuries; Taylan May in sling, news, updates

The Panthers are facing an injury crisis ahead of their blockbuster clash with the Melbourne Storm.

The Premiers are already without a host of players and could now add young gun Taylan May to the list.

Read on for all the latest NRL team news

THURSDAY

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm 7.50pm at BlueBet Stadium

panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Chris Smith 12 Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Sunia Turuva 18. Charlie Staines 19. J’maine Hopgood 20. Robert Jennings 21. Kurt Falls 22. Viliame Kikau

Early Mail: The Panthers’ injury toll could be about to get worse after young gun Taylor May turned up to training in a sling. He was named in the Panthers side on Tuesday but will be in doubt for the blockbuster clash with the Storm.

storm-team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Johns 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Tyran Wishart 18. Alec MacDonald 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Young Tonumaipea 21. Jordan Grant 22. Jack Howarth

Broncos set to make changes after losses | 01:53

FRIDAY

Warriors vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 6pm at Mt Smart Stadium

warriors team: 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 13. Josh Curran 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Jackson Frei 18. Bayley Sironen 20. Adam Pompey 21. Taniela Otukolo 22. Tom Ale 23. Rocco Berry

bulldogs team: 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 12 Jackson Topine 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Zach Dokar-Clay 15. Joe Stimson 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Chris Patolo 19. Declan Casey 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Phillip Makatoa

Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs 7.55pm at CommBank Stadium

eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore 18. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Sean Russell 22. Elie El Zakhem

rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13 Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Siliva Havili 17. Davvy Moale 18. Taane Milne 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Shaq Mitchell 22. Josh Mansour

MORE NRL NEWS

REVEALED: NRL’s punishment for Ricky for ugly spray as Kent slams

NEW ERA: Storm in ‘serious decline’ if Munster leaves as ‘biggest test’ looms

‘RATTLED THE CAGE’: The moment Eels star began mulling over Tigers backflip

Eels tired of ’embarrassment’ by Souths | 01:22

SATURDAY

Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys 3pm at SCG

roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Drew Hutchison 17. Terrell May 18. Adam Keighran 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Kevin Naiqama 21. Ben Thomas 22. Siua Wong

cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jordan McLean 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Griffin Neame 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Ben Hampton 20. Jake Granville 21. Riley Price 22. Connelly Lemuelu

Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks 5.30pm at Scully Park, Tamworth

tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. James Roberts 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Starford To’a 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jock Madden 8. James Tamou 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Alex Seyfarth 12 Kelma Tuilagi 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Fonua Pole 15. Austin Dias 16. Thomas Freebairn 17. Tyrone Peachey 18. Luke Garner 19. Jake Simpkin 20. Brandon Tumeth 21. Junior Tupou 22. Justin Matamua

sharks team: 1. Kade Dykes 2. Lachlan Miller 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Dale Finucane 14. Teig Wilton 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Kayal Iro 19. Royce Hunt 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Matt Ikuvalu

Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights 7.35pm at Suncorp Stadium

broncos team: 1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Jake Turpin 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Corey Jensen 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Cory Paix 19. Ryan James 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Zac Hosking

knights team: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13 Mathew Croker 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Jack Johns 19. Sauaso Sue 20. Chris Randall 21. Edrick Lee 22. Hymel Hunt

Rudolf opens up on Pride support | 01:19

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SUNDAY

Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons 2pm at GIO Stadium

raiders team: 1. Xavier Savage 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Emre Guler 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott 14. Tom Starling 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 18. James Schiller 19. Ata Mariota 20. Matt Frawley 21. Peter Hola 22. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

dragons team: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Josh Mcguire 12. Jaydn Su ‘A 13. Michael Molo 14. Tyrell Sloan 15. Aaron Woods 16. Tyrell Fuimaono 17. Billy Burns 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Jackson Ford 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Cody Ramsey 22. Jack Gosiewski

Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles 4.05pm at Cbus Super Stadium

titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Sosefo Fifita 3. Phillip Sami 4. Brian Kelly 5. Patrick Herbert 6. AJ Brimson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu 14. Greg Marzhew 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Sam McIntyre 18. Corey Thompson 19. Toby Sexton 20. Paul Turner 21. Klese Haas 22. Jarrod Wallace

Early Mail: The Daily Telegraph reports Titans coach Justin Holbrook could recall struggling half Toby Sexton. The cellar dwellers are looking to snap a 10-game losing streak and could promote Sexton from the extended bench

Sea Eagles team: 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12 Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dylan Walker 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai 18. Josh Schuster 19. Kurt De Luis 20. Brad Parker 21. Kaeo Weekes 22. Morgan Boyle

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NRL 2022: Tariq Sims tackle, Dragons, Connor Tracey, Sharks, Ashley Klein, no bin, charge sheet, James Fisher-Harris

NRL 2022: Tariq Sims tackle, Dragons, Connor Tracey, Sharks, Ashley Klein, no bin, charge sheet, James Fisher-Harris

Tariq Sims’ time at the Dragons appears to be over with the second rower looking at a minimum of four weeks on the sidelines for a high shot on Connor Tracey.

NRL referee Ashley Klein has been blasted as “gutless” for failing to send off Sims after the Dragons enforcer knocked out the Sharks winger in their 24-18 loss on Saturday.

Tracey’s game ended after just 12 minutes after running the ball out of his own half when Andrew McCullough took his legs and Sims came over the top.

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 >

Sims’ shoulder caught Tracey flush on the jaw the Sharks winger appeared to be unconscious before he hit the ground.

Sims immediately called for Tracey to be helped by trainers and he looked visibly uncomfortable as the Cronulla star was being treated by medical staff.

The game was held up for more than five minutes as Tracey was placed onto a stretcher and driven off the field.

Sims has been charged with a grade three careless high tackle and given it is his third and subsequent offence, he is looking at four games on the sideline even with an early plea.

Should he fight the charge unsuccessfully, Sims will be banned for five matches.

Either way, it looks like Sims’ career at the Dragons is over, with the 32-year-old set to join the Melbourne Storm next season.

speaking on Fox League During commentary of Saturday’s game, experts questioned whether Sims should have even been allowed back on the field.

“Oh, there’s a hit here that is going to get the attention of the bunker and it’s Connor Tracey. That had the concern of the Dragons players as well,” Dan Ginnane said on Fox League.

“I think he knows he’s about to be punished but also some concern for the player he struck. We’re not seeing Connor Tracey again tonight.”

Sims was binned which several commentators deemed fortunate for the 32-year-old leaving the club at the end of the season.

“That was the best case scenario for the Dragons,” Ginnane said.

ABC Grandstand commentator Andrew Moore exploded at Klein while Sims was in the bin.

“That is a gutless decision, and is not in the best interest of the game. I find that absolutely disgusting,” Moore said.

Sims showed plenty of remorse and Tracey was soon back up and walking in the sheds.

“Some good news on Connor Tracey’s welfare, he’s up and about in the sheds … but obviously will not be back tonight,” Fox League sideline reporter Lara Pitt said in the 22nd minute.

In other match review committee news, Panthers front rower James Fisher-Harris is looking at a minimum of two weeks on the sideline for a high shot on Joseph Tapine.

Fisher-Harris was charged with a grade three careless high tackle and faces three weeks out should he fight the ruling and be found guilty at the panel.

The Panthers are set to play the Storm and Rabbitohs in the next fortnight and are already without halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.

Raiders winger Nick Cotric is also set for a stint on the sideline for high careless high tackle on Dylan Edwards, facing one game out if he takes the early plea.

Like Fisher-Harris, Cotric was sent to the sin bin for his high shot and is looking at two weeks should he fight the charge and be found guilty at the panel.

Raiders teammate Tapinewas also charged for a grade one crusher tackle but will escape with a fine if he takes the early plea.

Originally published as Tariq Sims’ Dragons career as good as over as ref slammed as ‘gutless’

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Sports

Tariq Sims tackle, Dragons, Connor Tracey, Sharks, Ashley Klein, no bin, charge sheet, James Fisher-Harris

Tariq Sims tackle, Dragons, Connor Tracey, Sharks, Ashley Klein, no bin, charge sheet, James Fisher-Harris

Tariq Sims’ time at the Dragons appears to be over with the second rower looking at a minimum of four weeks on the sidelines for a high shot on Connor Tracey.

NRL referee Ashley Klein has been blasted as “gutless” for failing to send off Sims after the Dragons enforcer knocked out the Sharks winger in their 24-18 loss on Saturday.

Tracey’s game ended after just 12 minutes after running the ball out of his own half when Andrew McCullough took his legs and Sims came over the top.

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 >

Sims’ shoulder caught Tracey flush on the jaw the Sharks winger appeared to be unconscious before he hit the ground.

Sims immediately called for Tracey to be helped by trainers and he looked visibly uncomfortable as the Cronulla star was being treated by medical staff.

The game was held up for more than five minutes as Tracey was placed onto a stretcher and driven off the field.

Sims has been charged with a grade three careless high tackle and given it is his third and subsequent offence, he is looking at four games on the sideline even with an early plea.

Should he fight the charge unsuccessfully, Sims will be banned for five matches.

Either way, it looks like Sims’ career at the Dragons is over, with the 32-year-old set to join the Melbourne Storm next season.

Tariq Sims tackles Sharks star Connor Tracey.Source: FOX SPORTS

MORE NRL NEWS

‘WEAK GUTTED DOG’: Ricky’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers star over low blow

BIG HITS: Brave Edwards leads Panthers to victory as Raiders’ finals hopes fade

GONE: Dragons shock call to sack NRL great as coaching clean out continues

WHISPERS: Titans’ odd man out revealed, four clubs plot raid for Cowboys star

LATE MAIL: Storm considered big Munster switch; Panthers to unleash sensation

RESURGENCE: How Dogs escaped Baz’s ‘shackles’ as roster calls wake sleeping giant

speaking on Fox League During commentary of Saturday’s game, experts questioned whether Sims should have even been allowed back on the field.

“Oh, there’s a hit here that is going to get the attention of the bunker and it’s Connor Tracey. That had the concern of the Dragons players as well,” Dan Ginnane said on Fox League.

“I think he knows he’s about to be punished but also some concern for the player he struck. We’re not seeing Connor Tracey again tonight.”

Sims was binned which several commentators deemed fortunate for the 32-year-old leaving the club at the end of the season.

“That was the best case scenario for the Dragons,” Ginnane said.

ABC Grandstand commentator Andrew Moore exploded at Klein while Sims was in the bin.

“That is a gutless decision, and is not in the best interest of the game. I find that absolutely disgusting,” Moore said.

Sims showed plenty of remorse and Tracey was soon back up and walking in the sheds.

“Some good news on Connor Tracey’s welfare, he’s up and about in the sheds… but obviously will not be back tonight,” Fox League sideline reporter Lara Pitt said in the 22nd minute.

MORE NRL NEWS

‘BIGGEST JOKE’: Reynolds’ stand as Klemmer call leaves teammates ‘frustrated’

HOOPER: O’Brien blow-up exposes Knights divide; Roosters move to wrap up star

HEALTH CHECK: Bellamy’s nightmare laid bare as Des’ dream on brink of collapse

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!

In other match review committee news, Panthers front rower James Fisher-Harris is looking at a minimum of two weeks on the sideline for a high shot on Joseph Tapine.

Fisher-Harris was charged with a grade three careless high tackle and faces three weeks out should he fight the ruling and be found guilty at the panel.

The Panthers are set to play the Storm and Rabbitohs in the next fortnight and are already without halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.

Raiders winger Nick Cotric is also set for a stint on the sideline for his careless high tackle on Dylan Edwards, facing one game out if he takes the early plea.

Like Fisher-Harris, Cotric was sent to the sin bin for his high shot and is looking at two weeks should he fight the charge and be found guilty at the panel.

Raiders team mate tapine was also charged for a grade one crusher tackle but will escape with a fine if he takes the early plea.

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Categories
Sports

Tariq Sims tackle, Dragons, Connor Tracey, Sharks, Ashley Klein, no bin, charge sheet, James Fisher-Harris

Tariq Sims tackle, Dragons, Connor Tracey, Sharks, Ashley Klein, no bin, charge sheet, James Fisher-Harris

Tariq Sims’ time at the Dragons appears to be over with the second rower looking at a minimum of four weeks on the sidelines for a high shot on Connor Tracey.

NRL referee Ashley Klein has been blasted as “gutless” for failing to send off Sims after the Dragons enforcer knocked out the Sharks winger in their 24-18 loss on Saturday.

Tracey’s game ended after just 12 minutes after running the ball out of his own half when Andrew McCullough took his legs and Sims came over the top.

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 >

Sims’ shoulder caught Tracey flush on the jaw the Sharks winger appeared to be unconscious before he hit the ground.

Sims immediately called for Tracey to be helped by trainers and he looked visibly uncomfortable as the Cronulla star was being treated by medical staff.

The game was held up for more than five minutes as Tracey was placed onto a stretcher and driven off the field.

Sims has been charged with a grade three careless high tackle and given it is his third and subsequent offence, he is looking at four games on the sideline even with an early plea.

Should he fight the charge unsuccessfully, Sims will be banned for five matches.

Either way, it looks like Sims’ career at the Dragons is over, with the 32-year-old set to join the Melbourne Storm next season.

Tariq Sims tackles Sharks star Connor Tracey.Source: FOX SPORTS

MORE NRL NEWS

‘WEAK GUTTED DOG’: Ricky’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers star over low blow

BIG HITS: Brave Edwards leads Panthers to victory as Raiders’ finals hopes fade

GONE: Dragons shock call to sack NRL great as coaching clean out continues

WHISPERS: Titans’ odd man out revealed, four clubs plot raid for Cowboys star

LATE MAIL: Storm considered big Munster switch; Panthers to unleash sensation

RESURGENCE: How Dogs escaped Baz’s ‘shackles’ as roster calls wake sleeping giant

speaking on Fox League During commentary of Saturday’s game, experts questioned whether Sims should have even been allowed back on the field.

“Oh, there’s a hit here that is going to get the attention of the bunker and it’s Connor Tracey. That had the concern of the Dragons players as well,” Dan Ginnane said on Fox League.

“I think he knows he’s about to be punished but also some concern for the player he struck. We’re not seeing Connor Tracey again tonight.”

Sims was binned which several commentators deemed fortunate for the 32-year-old leaving the club at the end of the season.

“That was the best case scenario for the Dragons,” Ginnane said.

ABC Grandstand commentator Andrew Moore exploded at Klein while Sims was in the bin.

“That is a gutless decision, and is not in the best interest of the game. I find that absolutely disgusting,” Moore said.

Sims showed plenty of remorse and Tracey was soon back up and walking in the sheds.

“Some good news on Connor Tracey’s welfare, he’s up and about in the sheds… but obviously will not be back tonight,” Fox League sideline reporter Lara Pitt said in the 22nd minute.

MORE NRL NEWS

‘BIGGEST JOKE’: Reynolds’ stand as Klemmer call leaves teammates ‘frustrated’

HOOPER: O’Brien blow-up exposes Knights divide; Roosters move to wrap up star

HEALTH CHECK: Bellamy’s nightmare laid bare as Des’ dream on brink of collapse

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!

In other match review committee news, Panthers front rower James Fisher-Harris is looking at a minimum of two weeks on the sideline for a high shot on Joseph Tapine.

Fisher-Harris was charged with a grade three careless high tackle and faces three weeks out should he fight the ruling and be found guilty at the panel.

The Panthers are set to play the Storm and Rabbitohs in the next fortnight and are already without halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.

Raiders winger Nick Cotric is also set for a stint on the sideline for his careless high tackle on Dylan Edwards, facing one game out if he takes the early plea.

Like Fisher-Harris, Cotric was sent to the sin bin for his high shot and is looking at two weeks should he fight the charge and be found guilty at the panel.

Raiders team mate tapine was also charged for a grade one crusher tackle but will escape with a fine if he takes the early plea.

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Sports

Newcastle Knights, Adam O’Brien, David Klemmer future, news, latest, transfers, Sam Walker, Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell

Newcastle Knights, Adam O'Brien, David Klemmer future, news, latest, transfers, Sam Walker, Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell

The divide in the Newcastle dressing room has been simmering for the past few months with Knights coach Adam O’Brien telling the playing group after a recent loss: “I know what you blokes are saying about me. I’m going nowhere.”

The point blank message from O’Brien can be revealed as the Knights go into damage control in the wake of the coach’s loose carry press conference last Sunday.

O’Brien fronted the media again on Tuesday to try and walk things back off the cliff but by that stage the cracks in the Newcastle dressing room had been prized wide open.

The David Klemmer situation has only driven a further wedge into the struggling club which has only managed five wins out of 19 games this year.

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 >

The Knights started this season full of optimism after back-to-back wins over the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers before going on a run of seven losses leading into Magic Round.

It’s been slim pickings since with Newcastle now having the worst defensive record in the NRL having leaked 522 points at an average of 27.47 points per game along with currently having the worst differential in the competition of minus 238 points.

There’s no question O’Brien’s penchant for a blow-up is wearing thin with elements of the Newcastle playing group.

The problem for O’Brien is in 2022 it’s so much easier to get rid of a head coach than it is to completely try and turn over a roster.

The old saying goes you’ve never really been a head coach until you’ve lost four games in a row and the heat is on – which is exactly where O’Brien finds himself now.

‘AT A TIPPING POINT’: Knights at a crossroads, O’Brien feels for running ‘soft ship’

David Klemmer’s future at Newcastle is clouded. NRL PHOTOSSource: The Daily Telegraph

The Knights are adamant O’Brien will remain as the head coach next season but the biggest immediate challenge the Newcastle coach faces is getting the playing group all back on the same page.

New Director of Football Peter Parr has arrived at Newcastle and could only be shaking his head at the bun fight he’s walked into.

O’Brien is signed with Newcastle until the end of 2024 which if the Knights stay the course would mean he’s had a five-year tenure at the club.

After the events of the past week it’s now become blatantly clear the Knights coach needs a fast start to next season to ensure his own job security.

Let’s call the Klemmer play from Newcastle for what it is – the Knights are clearly trying to free up some money to try and go in a different direction next season.

Klemmer is on $800,000-plus which would give Newcastle some serious money to go to the open market with.

Plenty of ex-players are happy to tell you middle forwards often protest against being dragged from the field.

Newcastle have clearly identified they no longer want the ex-NSW and Australian prop at the Knights and so have started the process of steering him towards another club.

Adam O’Brien has come under scrutiny this week. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

ROOSTERS MOVE TO LOCK UP WALKER

The Sydney Roosters are set to launch a multi-million dollar play aimed at keeping young gun halfback Sam Walker at the Tricolours long-term.

Walker, 20, will be a free agent for rival clubs to approach as of November 1 but like all the good clubs the Roosters will try and make sure they strike a deal well beforehand.

The other rookie who has everyone talking at the Chooks is emerging superstar Joseph Suaalii. The Roosters clearly value his contribution to the team at the point where champion frontrower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been bringing him into leading the club’s team song over the past fortnight.

Jared has long been the Roosters leader in charge of leading the team song. Even after the Roosters were disappointed with their round 20 win over Manly, JWH still insisted on Suaalii riding shot gun with him leading the celebrations.

Nofoaluma vows to honor Tigers deal | 01:16

MORE NRL NEWS

‘DONE 100’: Roosters star Keary’s confession reveals NRL big hip-drop problem

STADIUM WARS: NRL’s $800m threat to NSW govt over stadium funding backflip

‘VERY FEW LIVE BY 10 COMMANDMENTS’: Anonymous player blasts Manly seven

‘EMBARRASSING’: NRL slammed for ‘dumbest explanation’ over star’s non-charge

DRAGONS CHASE ROOSTERS HOOKER

THE Gold Coast Titans aren’t the only club having a crack at signing Sydney Roosters hooker Sam Verrills.

The St George Illawarra Dragons are also making a play for the premiership-winning no.9.

Where it gets interesting is the Dragons have had a tough conversation with current hooker Andrew McCullough.

McCullough, 32, still has a year to run on his contract next season but the Red V are clearly exploring going in a different direction.

McCullough is one of the ex-Broncos clique of Dragons players who enjoys a close rapport with Red V coach Anthony Griffin.

The hooker, Dragons captain Ben Hunt and Josh Maguire all played in an under 20s grand finale with the Broncos in 2008 when Griffin was the coach.

‘This is what gives me the s****!’ | 02:04

FARAH GETS HANDS ON IN TIGERS FRONT OFFICE

The Wests Tigers putting the band back together with Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah is a smart play from the struggling club.

What’s equally as smart is Farah’s new contract stipulating that he’s also set to learn the ropes in terms of front office administration with the club.

The Tigers have long been laughed at by rival clubs about the way the club has been run.

Getting a figurehead like Farah who has bled for the club more hands-on in this department makes a lot of sense.

SOUTHS MOVE TO KEEP LATRELL, CODY AT REDFERN

We told you last week how South Sydney had a delicate $6 million balancing act on their hands around the re-signings of superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell and five-eighth star Cody Walker.

We were told there was a big chance the two key position players would wait until after November 1 to re-commit to South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs have swiftly moved to try and nip the scenario in the bud by meeting with the star duo earlier this week.

Both Latrell and Cody are off-contract at the end of next season but with talks progressing positively there’s every chance they can soon re-commit to the Bunnies.

It will be a huge coup for the red and green club and also for CEO Blake Solly.

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