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High school sweetheart’s heartbreaking tribute, NRL news 2022

High school sweetheart's heartbreaking tribute, NRL news 2022

Paul Green’s high school sweetheart has shared a heartbreaking tribute to the former rugby league coach after his tragic death rocked the NRL community this week.

The 49-year-old was found dead at his Brisbane home on Thursday morning, the day after his son’s ninth birthday. It has been confirmed he took his own life from him.

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The Courier Mail reports Green called his friend and longtime manager George Mimis at 4.30pm on Wednesday to speak about his son’s birthday celebrations.

The News Corp publication also reports the footy legend’s wife Amanda found him unresponsive at their home after returning from doing pilates at the gym.

Green’s death comes 11 months after he was sacked as head coach of the Maroons following Queensland’s loss in last year’s State of Origin series, which included a 50-6 win for the Blues.

Speaking on Gold Coast’s 92.5 Triple M Breakfast show, radio announcer Ali Plath fought back tears while grieving the loss of her first love.

“My heart is breaking today for his wife Amanda and his beautiful kids and obviously his parents, and his four siblings,” she said.

“Paul and I went to high school together, he was my first love. You only get one first love.

“We were together when I was in Year 12 for a year and then we split up. I had kids with (former partner) Mark and when that didn’t work out, Paul and I got back together.

“We then did nine years of on-off, long-distance, de facto… I guess we were that couple that I think our family and friends were so much happier than we were when we finally split up.

“Paul was a wonderful stepdad to my two older kids Jesse and Jake when we all lived in Sydney together when I finally had the courage to move them.

Gold Coast radio announcer Ali Plath has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her former high school sweetheart Paul Green on air.Source: Supplied

“For him to swallow his pride and I guess take my kids under his wing, I really didn’t appreciate how big that was at the time. It’s a big responsibility taking on someone else’s family.

“Paul was extremely loyal, he was highly intelligent — even though I used to tell him I was smarter than him. When I was in Year 12, he was two years older than me, and he was getting up for not doing my schoolwork.

“He just had such a great sense of fun as well as being so capable. If Paul said to you, ‘I’m going to be a pilot’, (you knew) he was going to be a pilot. And he did – he was a commercial pilot.

“My mum let him take me to Hervey Bay in this mosquito airplane when he was doing his training. That’s how capable Paul was. You trusted him, you knew he could do it, I never doubted him.

“He was just one of those people who you knew you could rely on. (As an NRL player), he was one of those players you could count on and he would give his all of him.

“I can’t believe that he’s done this, I can’t believe this has happened.

“That’s not Paul. I’m actually in complete and utter shock. I only spoke to him a couple of months ago.

“It’s horrible.”

Paul Green is remembered and honored at Suncorp Stadium. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Green’s family is still coming to terms with the footy legend’s passing and revealed plans for a celebration of his life.

Green’s brother Rick told The Sunday Mail the family had come together to plan a public funeral, expected to be held August 23 or 30 at Kougari Oval, the home of the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls, a team Green both played with and coached to premiership glory.

But Rick also revealed the family was struggling to come to terms with the enormous loss.

“Everyone is feeling overwhelmed,” he told The Sunday Mail.

“There’s certainly a lot of stories that we’re sharing about our times with Paul but as we reflect on those good times, there’s a great sadness at his passing.

“It’s still very raw and difficult to process.”

The family had earlier released a statement after the news broke of Green’s death.

“Today we are devastated,” the statement began.

“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 feeling, however we would like to extend our thanks to those who have reached out to us with their love and support.

“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. Thank you.”

Former Cowboys coach Paul Green. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty ImagesSource: Supplied

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F1 news 2022: FIA finally breaks silence on Oscar Piastri contract saga, Daniel Ricciardo

F1 news 2022: FIA finally breaks silence on Oscar Piastri contract saga, Daniel Ricciardo

The FIA ​​has finally broken its silence on the Oscar Piastri contract saga, confirming the ongoing dispute between McLaren and Alpine will be resolved without having to go to court.

Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo became embroiled in F1’s mid-year silly season following reports he will be replaced by young compatriot Piastri at McLaren next year.

The news erupted last week after two-time world champion Fernando Alonso blindsided the F1 world and jumped into Sebastian Vettel’s vacated seat at Aston Martin.

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Alpine then announced Piastri would be the man to replace Alonso, only for the 21-year-old Melburnian to reject the seat — a bold move for someone who is yet to drive in F1.

Alpine believes that Piastri should respect the contract, but the Victorian believes the commitment is not valid.

The French team threatened to file a civil lawsuit to recover the millions of dollars in training it has spent on Piastri this season.

“Going to the High Court is over 90 per cent certain that’s what we’ll do,” Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer told Reuters.

“If the CRB (Contract Recognition Board) says, ‘Your license is only valid at Alpine’, and then he (Piastri) says, ‘That’s great, but I’m never driving for them, I’ll just sit out a year ‘, then you’ve got to go to the High Court for compensation.”

On Friday, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem claimed the issue would be solved through their own means instead of in the courtroom.

“The FIA’s Driver Contract Recognition Board (CRB) was set up to deal with contract priority issues between drivers and F1 teams,” he tweeted.

“That’s why we rely on their decision to resolve any conflict.”

According to French publication Auto Hebdothe CRB has found that both Piastri’s Alpine and McLaren contracts are valid.

The CRB, a group made up of independent lawyers, was set up to determine the legality of driver contracts and settle disputes between teams.

The body was founded in 1991 after seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher signed for Benetton despite having agreed to discuss a contract with Jordan.

Szafnauer also hinted at a potential collusion between Piastri’s manager Mark Webber, Alonso and his manager Flavio Briatore.

Webber and Alonso are close friends after their time in F1, while Briatore, who was a former team boss at Bennetton and Renault, has been Alonso’s long-term manager.

“Look, I have no record of it, but this is Formula 1 and maybe in a couple of years someone says that they have evidence of shared information, I would not be surprised,” Szafnauer said.

“I always tell everyone that in Formula 1 you have to act as if everyone knows everything. That there are no secrets in these things. When you ask someone not to say anything, they act like everyone knows.

“That’s how I’ve run my business in Formula 1 for 25 years. And if this (information sharing) has happened, you should not be surprised.”

Meanwhile, former F1 driver turned pundit Christian Danner said Piastri’s tactics “clearly has the handwriting” of Briatore.

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Business

Cost of living: Product ‘shrinkflation’ tipped to continue as shoppers warned to ‘get used to’ higher costs

Cost of living: Product 'shrinkflation' tipped to continue as shoppers warned to 'get used to' higher costs

We’ve all been hearing a lot about inflation but it’s shrinkflation that shoppers really need to worry about.

Shrinkflation is where manufacturers charge the same or even more for smaller servings, betting on most consumers not noticing the difference.

And with rate rises and cost-of-living pressures hitting many hard households, these reductions are offering less and less value for money

Consumer group Choice has been getting tip-offs from peeved Aussies about products that have been downsizing, recently verifying Smith’s crinkle cut potato chips had been trimmed by 5g — or about three chips — to 170g per pack.

Shrinkflation is where manufacturers charge the same or even more for smaller servings, betting on most consumers not noticing the difference.
Camera IconShrinkflation is where manufacturers charge the same or even more for smaller servings, betting on most consumers not noticing the difference. Credit: The West Australian

There has also been a 20g drop in large packs of Red Rock Deli potato chips to 165g and boxes of Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes have shed 30g.

And sweet-toothed shoppers have been left with a sour taste with Cadbury family-sized chocolate blocks going from the once-standard 250g to 180g.

The latest to drop weight is Maltesers, with a spokeswoman for manufacturer Mars Wrigley saying it was “facing unprecedented cost pressures” like many Australian businesses.

“From time to time, external factors make it necessary for product changes so that we can continue to ensure the availability of our products to all Australians,” she said.

Choice spokesman Liam Kennedy said shrinkflation was a global trend that was expected to continue.

“Most of the examples that we see, a lot of the tips we receive, are in that snack area, cereals,” Mr Kennedy told The West Australian.

But it has hit pet food too, with bags of Purina One cat food contracting by 100g to 1.4kg but costing more.

Choice says 'shrinkflation' is a global trend expected to continue.
Camera IconChoice says ‘shrinkflation’ is a global trend expected to continue. Credit: Rebecca Le May/The West Australian

Owner Nestle blamed that on recipe changes and higher costs for raw materials, packaging and transport, Mr Kennedy said.

“A lot of business are feeling that right now,” he added.

Elizabeth Jackson, a food supply chain systems expert at Curtin University, warned shoppers to expect ongoing pain at the checkout, mainly due to high transport costs, saying the current inflation spike was reminiscent of that seen in the oil crisis of 1973.

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AFL scores, updates 2022, Port Adelaide Power def Essendon Bombers, Round 22: Scores, result, stats, blog

AFL scores, updates 2022, Port Adelaide Power def Essendon Bombers, Round 22: Scores, result, stats, blog

Essendon has been demolished by Port Adelaide – 23.8 (146) to 9.8 (62) – in a dismal showing sure to ramp up the pressure on the Bombers heading into the off-season.

Barring a third-quarter fightback, Port Adelaide was barely troubled by the Bombers, kicking its highest score of the year.

It marks a welcome pressure release for Port Adelaide and sets the stage for a Showdown with Adelaide to close out its season.

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QUARTER-BY-QUARTER RECAP

There were no late changes for either side. Ben Hobbs (Essendon) and Jackson Mead (Port Adelaide) were the medical substitutes.

Port Adelaide got off to the perfect start, with Travis Boak finishing off a crisp bit of play in the first 15 seconds of the match.

Essendon responded via Nic Martin, who streamed into the forward 50 and finished cleanly.

Todd Marshall and Mitch Georgiades combined for the next two majors, then a brilliant mark from Charlie Dixon was followed by an assured set shot, giving the Power some breathing room on the scoreboard.’

Mid-season draftee Massimo D’Ambrosio helped bring his side back into the mix, kicking his first AFL goal and then his second just minutes later.

Essendon gave away a costly free kick during a scuffle with Jeremy Finlayson, which resulted in Sam Powell-Pepper kicking a goal just before the quarter-time siren.

Port Adelaide led by eight points at the first change.

Powell-Pepper’s late goal was only the beginning of the Power’s surge, with Ken Hinkley’s side running rampant over Essendon as the second term began to unfold.

Essendon barely fired a shot as Port Adelaide kicked four goals in seven minutes, with some passaged dubbed “a training drill” by Fox Footy commentator Dwayne Russell.

The Power continued to pile on the goals, with Karl Amon making it a 52-point margin and eight unanswered goals.

“It seems like they’ve given up in a sense Essendon,” Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy, pointing to the Bombers’ lack of communication and effort.

By half-time, the Bombers trailed by 51 points.

Todd Marshall kicked the first goal of the second half, but Essendon was then let off by a couple of misses from Port Adelaide in front of goal.

An Archie Perkins set shot finally broke Essendon’s goal drought, but Zak Butters restored a 60-point lead for his side with a goal shortly after.

Peter Wright and Nick Hind got back-to-back goals for the Bombers as they began to show a bit more fight through the middle of the ground, but Port Adelaide still managed to get looks at goal.

By three-quarter time, Essendon had won the quarter, reducing a 51-point margin to 49.

Unfortunately for Essendon fans, the final quarter was far from impressive, with Port Adelaide rapidly extending its lead.

Several goals for the visitors came with alarming ease as the margin continued to grow as much of the Bombers crowd began to head home.

THE 3-2-1

3) PRESSURE SOARS FOR BOMBERS AFTER BRTUAL LOSS

Ben Rutten must be wondering why the message didn’t get through to his players.

The Bombers were well beaten by Greater Western Sydney last week and, heading into Sunday, the focus was clear.

“We need to respond really quickly, in particularly in and around the contest,” Rutten told Fox Footy pre-game.

“Our ability to tackle and win our share of contested ball and pressure the opposition… we’re really looking forward to seeing how we shape up against them tonight.”

With such a focus on the contest, it must’ve been quite alarming for Rutten at the main break, with his side conceding 43 points from stoppage while scoring just seven on its own end.

“Around the contest it’s terrible … they’d been the number one stoppage team in the last month of football but were smashed last week and were absolutely smashed around the football today, especially in the second quarter,” Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy at half-time.

“It started from the centre-bounce in the first quarter but then around the ground in the second quarter.

“They’ve given up seven goals from stoppage, which is an unbelievable number for a game of football let alone a half.”

The midfield responded with a better showing in the third quarter, but limped to the finish line, doing nothing to mask questions the Bombers must address ahead of a searching off-season.

“Parish is there, Shiel is back, Merrett is there, they’ve got dominance in the ruck because Draper has height over Finlayson … they need to change something,” Brown said.

“I’d be saying if I was Ben Rutten, ‘if you boys want to play in the midfield you need to earn it, so out’.”

Such was the scale of the loss, Brown in the immediate aftermath noted: “I don’t know what to say.”

2) ALIIR’S GREAT STRIDES

Aliir Aliir has been a tremendous intercept defender, but perhaps that description is selling him short.

Few players this season have been able to stop Peter Wright from having an impact on the scoreboard or up the ground, but Aliir provided an exception to the norm.

“He’s been outstanding, Aliir Aliir,” Jonathan Brown said.

“I’ve been really impressed. He’s not just a zone-off defender. Peter Wright is one of the best key-position forwards in the competition this season.

“He has not only shut him down, he’s had an impact offensively as well and been able to get across and spoil not just Peter Wright but other opposition players as well and help out his teammates.

“I think he’s had an outstanding game and I think it highlights his development as a key defender.”

1) RIVETING RUCK CONUNDRUM

Ken Hinkley has a lot of headaches after a disappointing season, but perhaps a good one is in the ruck.

Scott Lycett’s injury early in the season certainly hurt the side in the short-term, but as the season has progressed there have been promising signs in that department.

Sam Hayes came in for a lengthy period and showed promise with the number one ruck mantle, then Brynn Teakle burst onto the scene as a mid-season draftee, showing plenty before going off injured on his AFL debut.

Jeremy Finlayson, however, could be the pick of the bunch and a shrewd bit of recruiting.

Many questioned the need for Finlayson when he came across via trade at the end of last year, but he has shown some incredibly impressive potential when handed the reigns in the ruck.

On Sunday, he demolished opponent Sam Draper and made the ruck case even more curious for Port Adelaide in 2023.

“We’ve pumped up Draper a lot this season, we think he’s going to be a really good ruckman in the competition going forward,” Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy.

“He’s had four disposals, his opponent Jeremy Finlayson has had 21, four clearances and two goals.

“It shows the difference in the day, it also shows the impact a player like Finlayson can have.”

Recap Essendon v Port Adelaide in our blog below!

If you can’t see the blog, tap here.

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Raiders Dragons finish, Matt Feagai, Corey Harawira-Naera, penalty, no call, referee Andrew Gee, Round 22, Round 16

The final play between the Raiders and Dragons.

Rugby league has a funny way of balancing itself out.

The Dragons and Raiders have now been handed wins against each other this season in “almost identical” controversial fashion.

Canberra led 24-22 on Sunday afternoon when St George Illawarra winger Matt Feagai made a 70-metre break with just 10 seconds left in the game.

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Feagai was tackled 15 meters out from the Raiders’ line when Corey Harawira-Naera laid on top of him as time expired.

“They’re told to get up, penalty brewing, but referee (Adam Gee) says that will do us, oh it’s almost identical,” Brenton Speed ​​said on Fox League.

“Round 16 all over again in reverse. The Dragons are thinking ‘where’s our penalty’ that the Raiders did not get in Wollongong but Adam Gee says that is full-time and Canberra’s season is still alive and the Dragons are done.”

Back in July, the Raiders were robbed of an opportunity to kick a penalty goal to send their clash with the Dragons to golden point.

Canberra had the ball in front of the goalposts on the fifth tackle, when Ben Hunt and Jack Bird intentionally slowed the play-the-ball.

The Raiders were awarded a six again before Hunt charged from market to tackle dummy-half Tom Starling — a play which NRL head of football Graham Annesley later admitted should have been awarded a penalty.

Annesley also conceded a penalty could have been awarded for the flop and an off-side call in the lead-up to the fifth tackle.

Broncos make light work of Knights | 02:15

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The scenes reversed on Sunday afternoon as a stunned Dragons coach Anthony Griffin looked on in disbelief.

“He should have been penalized at the very least for a professional foul,” Braith Anasta said on Fox League.

“There was just one last shove from (Harawira-Naera), because as Feagai was getting tackled the clock was ticking down… but there was a little shove,” Greg Alexander said.

“It’s incredible that we’ve had both teams win games in very similar circumstances.”

But speaking in the post-game press conference, Griffin wasn’t too upset about what he had played out — he even conceded it was “a little bit ironic” given what had happened in Round 16.

Asked if I found the ending frustrating Griffin said: “Nah, it’s probably a little bit ironic compared to the first game.

“We just ran out of time, it was a fantastic linebreak at that time of the game and the captain did everything he could with his kicking game to get us into field position and put Matty away,” he added.

“We just needed one more play the ball but that’s the way the world works.”

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Fans erupt over Chris Rock sighting, Sydney Swans vs Collingwood score, Brian Taylor commentary

Fans erupt over Chris Rock sighting, Sydney Swans vs Collingwood score, Brian Taylor commentary

Chris Rock is a Sydney Swans fan, who knew?

The Hollywood star was spotted in the crowd at the SCG on Sunday afternoon for the Round 22 contest between Sydney and Collingwood.

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Rock was wearing a red Swans cap and was enjoying the action on his visit to Sydney.

The Swans posted a photo of the actor and comedian holding a jersey signed by the whole Sydney team.

Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor couldn’t help himself, making a not-so-subtle reference to when Rock was famously slapped by Will Smith at the Academy Awards earlier this year.

“Famous face here Chris Rock, of course of Grow Ups fame and he just accepts a slap really well these days doesn’t he, Chris Rock,” Taylor said tongue-in-cheek.

Alister Nicholson valiantly tried to get the commentary back on track, adding: “I reckon in terms of A-listers he’s just behind Buddy Franklin in terms of No. 1 at the SCG today BT.”

AFL fans couldn’t believe Taylor had made ice cold remark on live TV.

The Swans controlled the first half and took a 37-22 lead into the main break.

The Magpies are still in touching distance and the match appears set to go down to the wire in typical Collingwood fashion.

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Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles, live updates, stream, start time, teams, SuperCoach scores, video

Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles, live updates, stream, start time, teams, SuperCoach scores, video

The Gold Coast Titans are on the cusp of one of the upsets of the season as they lead the Sea Eagles 38-24 with 10 minutes remaining.

Justin Holbrook’s men are playing with a freedom barely seen this season, while Manly need a miracle in the final stages to keep their season alive.

MATCH CENTER: Titans vs Sea Eagles live updates, video stats

Titans forward Jaimin Jolliffe went from zero to hero in the opening minutes of the game.

Jolliffe was a late replacement for Gold Coast skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui who was a late omission due to the birth of his child.

Jolliffe dropped the first hit-up of the game but quickly made amends by scoring the opening try of the match in the seventh minute.

Manly struck back when Reuben Garrick scored in the 12th minute and converted his own try.

Sea Eagles utility Dylan Walker came into the game at the 20-minute mark and lasted just 20 seconds before he was binned for a high shot.

“The very first tackle he’s made and he’s gone 10 in the bin,” Corey Parker said on Fox League.

The Titans celebrate scoring. Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

The Gold Coast quickly made them pay with teenager Tanah Boyd throwing a beautiful cut-out pass for Jojo Fifita to score in the corner.

Despite being a man down, Manly found a way to strike back with Jake Trbojevic barging over from close range to score his first try of the season.

Daly Cherry-Evans was looking for the Sea Eagles’ third when he threw a cut-out pass that was picked off by Titans center Brian Kelly who dashed 60 meters to score.

Boyd slotted a penalty on the stroke of halftime push the lead past a converted try.

The Titans burst out of the blocks in the second half to score three tries between the 46th and 57th minutes.

Beau Fermor, AJ Brimson and David Fifita all crossed, with the latter scoring a brilliant try to the delight of Holbrook.

Brad Parker and Tolutau Koula pulled back consolation tries in the 61st minute but it looks too little, too late for Manly.

Follow the action live in our blog below. If you can’t see it, click here.

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Australia

Charlie Teo: Controversial neurosurgeon performing surgery on Australian patients in Spain

Charlie Teo: Controversial neurosurgeon performing surgery on Australian patients in Spain

Controversial neurosurgeon Charlie Teo has been performing thousands of dollars worth of surgery in Spain while under strict conditions on him operating in Australia.

One Australian family has paid $90,000 to fly their 20-year-old son to a Spanish hospital to have Dr Teo remove a tumor from his back.

Dr Teo was one of Australia’s most high-profile brain surgeons, and had been often referred to by patients as a “miracle worker” before he was placed under strict conditions by the NSW medical regulator last year because of concerns his practice was a risk to the public.

The conditions require Dr Teo to gain written approval from an approved neurosurgeon before he performs certain operations in Australia.

Those conditions do not extend beyond Australia, however, and it has emerged that Dr Teo has assisted in at least three surgeries in the last year in hospitals in Madrid and Alicante in Spain.

He has also been present at operations in South Africa.

Charlie Teo (left) performed surgery on Billy Baldwin in Madrid earlier this year, after strict conditions were placed under him in Australia.
Camera IconCharlie Teo (left) performed surgery on Billy Baldwin in Madrid earlier this year, after strict conditions were placed under him in Australia. Credit: Supplied

Dr Teo, alongside other neurosurgeons operated on Billy Baldwin at the Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jimenez Diax in July this year, at the cost of $70,000.

Dr Teo had removed a brain tumor from Mr Baldwin when he was five-years-old.

His father Alasdair Baldwin said he had always had “complete faith” in Dr Teo.

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Sports

AFL 2022: Fans erupt over Chris Rock sighting, Sydney Swans vs Collingwood score, Brian Taylor commentary

AFL 2022: Fans erupt over Chris Rock sighting, Sydney Swans vs Collingwood score, Brian Taylor commentary

Chris Rock is a Sydney Swans fan, who knew?

The Hollywood star was spotted in the crowd at the SCG on Sunday afternoon for the Round 22 contest between Sydney and Collingwood.

Watch every blockbuster AFL match this weekend Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Rock was wearing a red Swans cap and was enjoying the action on his visit to Sydney.

The Swans posted a photo of the actor and comedian holding a jersey signed by the whole Sydney team.

Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor couldn’t help himself, making a not-so-subtle reference to when Rock was famously slapped by Will Smith at the Academy Awards earlier this year.

“Famous face here Chris Rock, of course of Grow Ups fame and he just accepts a slap really well these days doesn’t he, Chris Rock,” Taylor said tongue-in-cheek.

Alister Nicholson valiantly tried to get the commentary back on track, adding: “I reckon in terms of A-listers he’s just behind Buddy Franklin in terms of No. 1 at the SCG today BT.”

AFL fans couldn’t believe Taylor had made ice cold remark on live TV.

The Swans controlled the first half and led 5.7 (37) to 3.5 (22) at the main break.

The Magpies are still in touching distance and the match appears set to go down to the wire in typical Collingwood fashion.

Read related topics:sydney

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