Brad Arthur – Michmutters

Tag: Brad Arthur

Categories
Sports

Transfer Whispers, Dylan Brown, contract extensions, transfer news, Parramatta Eels signing, re-signing, off-contract players, Isaiah Papali’i backflip

Transfer Whispers, Dylan Brown, contract extensions, transfer news, Parramatta Eels signing, re-signing, off-contract players, Isaiah Papali'i backflip

Isaiah Papali’i’s management has reportedly confirmed the Eels backrower will honor his Tigers contract, ending speculation surrounding his future.

According to the SMH, Tim Sheens, who will take the coaching reins in 2023, spoke to agent Dan O’Loughlin regarding Papali’i’s doubts.

The merger club were reportedly assured the 23-year-old would land in Leichhardt for the club’s pre-season training alongside star recruit Apisai Koroisau.

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 >

Papali’i previously explained he wants to have “no regrets” regarding his decision.

“Obviously people ask me about it, just even on the street or family and friends are hitting me up but that’s kind of for my manager look after and even if I don’t stay here or I do go next year, I want to make sure that this year has no regrets,” he said to 9 News.

When asked why he had doubts about making the move, Papali’i said it was Maguire’s axing that made him question his decision.

“I think it was the coaching axing that went on,” Papali’i said.

“When I did sign it was talking to Madge — he’s an awesome coach. That rattled the cage a bit and I guess you have to have those conversations and I guess that was a massive factor for me.”

Cheese cuts through on hectic solo run! | 00:45

Papali’i will be a key player for the Tigers, who are hoping to rebuild under Sheens, Marshall and Farrah’s tutelage.

“The only thing I will say is I’m looking forward to coaching him,” Sheens said.

Sheens’ Tigers rebuild is underway, with reports suggesting the club will make a play for former Raiders backrower John Bateman.

The Tigers have also reportedly spoken to Papali’i’s management regarding their vision for the club under the new coaching structure.

MORE NRL NEWS

WAYNE’S WORLD: What Dolphins team looks like and why Bennett isn’t panicking

‘BAD PRACTICE’: Matty Johns says Bunnies can win comp… if they fix big ‘concern’

LATE MAIL: Bunnies star OUT in big blow as training mishap forces Broncos reshuffle

BROWN’S LUCRATIVE CONTRACT TALKS

Parramatta star Dylan Brown’s management has reportedly urged the table a lucrative contract extension to keep the young gun at the Eels as rivals circle.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the 22-year-old’s agent met with Parramatta powerbrokers this week as the five-eighth was reportedly labeled a retention priority.

While Brown’s management is hard at work, the New Zealand international expressed his desire to stay out of any negotiations until after this year’s World Cup.

“My manager would have communicated that (to the Eels) to leave me alone until the season is done,” Brown said.

“I just don’t like it. I’d rather not sort that stuff out (during the season).

“Any distraction is a bad distraction when you are playing footy.”

Brown’s preference to put extensions talks on hold could worry Eels bosses, with rivals being able to make a play for the in-form playmaker come November 1.

Reports suggest Brown’s preference is to stay in Sydney’s west and the Eels mass player exodus has left them in a strong position to offer Brown an upgraded deal.

PAUL GREEN NEWS

‘DOESN’T HURT TO TALK’: V’landys’, Kevvie’s emotional pleas over Green tragedy

OBITUARY: 167cm great who became a giant and the gamble that set him up for glory

‘FUNNY, CARING’: Legends’ emotional tribute to ‘wonderful friend’ Green

Storm sizzle poor Panthers | 02:01

Brown has enjoyed the best season of his four-year career in 2022, recording 14 tries assists with a new-found confidence.

The young gun explained coach Brad Arthur has been instilling that confidence in him, and fans have been treated to a full display of his running game this year.

“The last couple of years … I have always been, not afraid, but I would second guess myself,” Brown said.

“I feel like you have got to go with your gut feeling sometimes and just be confident in what you are doing.

“You’re not getting selected in an NRL team to second guess yourself and not be confident.

“I’m in the team for a reason. Brad is trying to drive that into me. I feel like the more ball I get the better the left edge will go.”

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

Fletch lauds Green’s Roosters influence | 03:04

.

Categories
Sports

Reserve grade wrap, NSW Cup, Queensland Cup, stats, Tony Pellow, Melbourne Storm injuries, Tony Pellow, Dane Aukafolau

Reserve grade wrap, NSW Cup, Queensland Cup, stats, Tony Pellow, Melbourne Storm injuries, Tony Pellow, Dane Aukafolau

Oliver Gildart, who will finish the season at the Roosters, was handed a big challenge — playing in the halves for the first time in his career after a 20-minute crash-course — and remarkably he didn’t look out of place at all .

Meanwhile, a gun fullback could help solve some of the Storm’s injury woes and there’s a 194cm, 95kg beast with footwork to boot that is yet to be picked up by an NRL club.

Read on for the latest Reserve Grade Wrap.

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 >

ALL EYES WERE ON…

Oliver Gildart lined up at five-eighth for the Magpies on Saturday and although they were defeated 36-24 by Mounties, he proved his worth as a versatile backline player, before sealing a loan move to the Roosters this week.

Gildart is primarily a center but has had a taste of fullback in the New South Wales Cup and now the halves.

The 25-year-old proved to be one of the Magpies’ most important players and his willingness to take on the line saw him set up two tries, get a linebreak, a linebreak assist, four tackle busts and 158 running meters.

Gildart told Fox League the last time he played in the halves was when he was 11-years old so he got a quick refresher in Friday’s captain’s run.

”I got a 20-minute session yesterday at captain’s run so I was a bit clunky but you get your hands a lot more on the ball so I enjoyed that side of the game… I’ve got a lot to learn in this position that’s for sure,” he said.

Parramatta’s Nathan Brown continues to put pressure on coach Brad Arthur with another standout performance in reserve grade. The 29-year-old NRL veteran set up a try, got a linebreak assist, two tackle busts and ran for 206 metres. He also made 32 tackles with two misses in the Eels’ one-point loss to the Panthers.

MORE NRL NEWS

TALKING PTS:Silver lining in Panthers’ Clearly nightmare; Bellamy’s big fear laid bare

TEAM TIPS: Kevvie’s Broncos headache amid star’s ban, Panthers’ new look halves

‘LAUGHABLE’: Five incidents that highlight NRL’s staggering foul play inconsistencies

TRANSFER WHISPERS: Eels’ desperate call to land Manly star; Roosters’ rake switch

Carrigan’s hip drop injuries Hastings | 01:01

STANDOUTS

Dane Aukafolau’s performance would have caught the attention of NRL clubs in Mounties’ win over the Magpies.

At 194cm and 95kg, he cuts an imposing figure while playing in the second row but after a history in the centres, Aukafolau has the footwork to catch his opposition off guard.

Aukafolau stunned with a try, a try assist, a linebreak, two linebreak assists and seven tackle busts as well as 17 tackles with two misses.

Mounties are made up of majority part-time players like Aukafolau and he couldn’t be proud of their efforts this season.

“Being one of the senior players I needed to step up so I just try and do what I can,” he told Fox League.

“These boys, day-in, day-out, their efforts are unreal. It’s good to see part-time footballers bringing that contest up to the level of these (full time) guys. It shows a lot.”

Dane Aukafolau was a standout for Mounties. Credit: Knock on Effect NSW Cup Instagram.Source: Instagram

Still on Mountains, Tim Simona wound back the clock to show he still has what it takes to play first grade.

Simona scored a double, got four linebreaks, three tackle busts and 169 running meters in the centres.

Penrith escaped with a one-point win in which the craftiness of hooker Soni Luke was on show. The 26-year-old, who got an NRL debut earlier this season, scored a try, set up two more, got a linebreak, four linebreak assists, six tackle busts and 112 running meters.

A couple of Panthers forwards were equally impressive and dominated on both sides of the ball.

The soon-to-be Eel J’maine Hopgood showed his future club what they can look forward to, with a try, two linebreaks, nine tackle busts, four offloads and 214 running meters, while also making 41 tackles with just two misses.

Meanwhile, the highly-regarded Lindsay Smith finished with 227 running meters, five tackle busts and 38 tackles with two misses.

There wasn’t a lot to smile about for Dragons fans over the weekend, but their reserve grade side bagged an important 30-18 win over the Raiders to keep their final hopes alive.

Michael Molo starred in the win, notching up a try assist, a linebreak assist, three tackle busts and 167 meters while also making 34 tackles with just one miss. Meanwhile, jackson ford finished with 141 running meters and a season-high 10 tackle busts.

Competition leaders, Newtown, seem to be getting better and better each week and with a fairly simple run home they are the favorites to claim the minor premiership.

half-back Braydon Trindall starred in their 42-18 win over the Rabbitohs on Saturday, having a hand in FIVE tries (one try and four assists). He also got four linebreak assists, three tackle busts and ran for 82 metres. Trindall also had a perfect day on the boot, slotting seven goals from seven attempts but on the flip side, he did miss five tackles.

Mawene Hiroti had a day out in the centres, scoring a try, setting up two more and getting two linebreaks, a linebreak assist and five tackle busts to go with his 185 running metres.

There were some good performers for the Bunnies though with five-eighth Jack Campagnolo, who guided Wynnum Manly to the Queensland Cup grand final last year, setting up two tries, as well as getting a linebreak assist and five tackle busts. And workhorse lock james hasson notched up 128 running meters and made 23 tackles with zero misses — he was the only Rabbitoh to not miss a tackle.

Clearly accepts five game ban | 00:45

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

The Storm’s Nick Meaney has been cleared of a serious shoulder injury but has to pass concussion protocols to play in Friday’s Titans clash.

Craig Bellamy has already conceded his backline stocks are running very low, but a fullback at one of the Storm’s Queensland Cup feeder sides has put his hand up over recent weeks to come into consideration.

Brisbane Tigers’ Tony Pellow stunned in their 32-18 win over Ipswich with two try assists, two linebreak assists and 221 running metres.

It was only two weeks ago that 25-year-old Pellow came up with a clutch play in the final four minutes to steal his side a four-point win over Souths Logan. Pellow received the ball from a scrum 10 meters out from his own line, found a gap, palmed off a Magpie, ran 70 meters and then put a cross-field grubber in for Jayden Nikorima to score.

Pellow, a St Johns Dubbo junior, joined the Tigers this season from the Dragons and spent eight weeks training with the Storm during pre-season.

Tony Pellow has been in red-hot form for the Brisbane Tigers. Credit: Margie_13InstagramSource: Instagram

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

SPOTTED

Out-of-favor Wests Tigers hooker JJacob Liddle played lock for the Magpies over the weekend. Coach Wayne Lambkin had limited options and had to pick a couple of players out of position to fill gaps. Liddle, who is reportedly set to sign with the Dragons, finished with 93 running meters, two tackle busts and 35 tackles, but had six misses.

rising star Kade Dykes didn’t feature in Newtown’s big win because he was 18th man for NRL. With Will Kennedy out for the next six weeks, it’s assumed Locky Miller will step into the No.1 jersey but don’t be surprised to see Dykes get his NRL debut at fullback. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon will have a headache of the good kind when deciding who fills in for Kennedy.

.

Categories
Sports

Martin Taupau, Manly Sea Eagles release, Parramatta Eels, Sam Verills to join Gold Coast Titans, Bulldogs sign Andrew Davey, Franklin Pele

The Eels have launched a bid to land the Manly forward.

The Eels haven’t given up hope of landing Martin Taupau — but have until 5pm, Monday to get the deal over the line.

Meanwhile, the Titans may have found a solution to one of their biggest spine problems and the Bulldogs have added two forwards to their pack.

Read on for the latest in NRL Transfer Whispers.

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 >

EELS’ LAST MINUTE CHASE FOR TAUPAU

The Eels arekeen onluring Manly veteran Martin Taupau to the club for the rest of the season — but time is running out.

It was revealed last week that Taupau, who comes off contract at the end of the season, requested an immediate release to join the Eels but was denied.

Eels coach Brad Arthur confirmed his interest in the 32-year-old, saying “he’d be handy for us… but that is Manly’s call,” after his side’s win over the Panthers.

And now, the club are making one last push for the star prop, according to The Sydney Morning Heraldbut have until 5pm Monday to get the deal over the line.

The Herald reports the Eels have been “desperately calling” Manly over the weekend to convince the club to release Taupau but have had no luck.

They will continue their chase on Monday in a bid to secure the 217-gamer before the August 1 deadline closes.

MORE NRL NEWS

TALKING PTS:Silver lining in Panthers’ Clearly nightmare; Bellamy’s big fear laid bare

‘INVOLVED IN FOUR GF’S’: O’Brien defends Knights’ NRL-worst defensive record

‘IN TROUBLE’: Broncos sweat on MRC as Carrigan on report for ‘horrendous’ tackle

Cowboys slay Dragons in big second half | 02:13

TITANS TO FINALLY FILL GLARING HOLE

Roosters’ hooker Sam Verrills is reportedly set to sign with the Gold Coast Titans following the Tricolours’ acquisition of Brandon Smith.

Smith signed with the Roosters in December last year, immediately throwing Verrills’ future into the spotlight.

Now, the 23-year-old will make the move north to join the Titans and fill a much-needed hole in the Gold Coast spine according to The Daily Telegraph.

Verrills has been strong in recent weeks, inspiring Trent Robinson’s side to three straight wins.

Prior to the 2022 season, Titans coach Justin Holbrook rolled the dice and deployed the youngest spine in the competition.

The club let Jamal Fogarty walk, but have now signed Kieran Foran to fill their halfback void, and have now moved to lockdown a regular starter in the No.9 jersey.

First-choice hooker Erin Clark has shifted into lock and has been impressive in patches, opening the dummy-half slot for Verrills to potentially take over.

It comes after Holbrook granted following the Titans’ Round 19 loss that he was in the market for a dummy-half.

However, the Titans may have a fight on their hands with Phil Rothfield telling Sky Sports Radio that “St George Illawarra might come in with an offer,” for Verrills too.

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

“I can do it all!” Foxx delivers try | 00:39

BULLDOGS ADD TO PACK

Bulldogs supreme Phil Gould has reportedly landed two new forwards — Franklin Pele and Andrew Davey.

Davey, who has become a first-grade regular, and Pele, who has just one NRL game under his belt for the Sharks, will make the move to Belmore according to TheDaily Telegraph.

Pele, 21, weighs more than 120kg and has a cult following at Cronulla’s feeder club the Newton Jets.

According to reports the Bulldogs are hoping to get the hulking prop fit and increase his potential minutes.

Meanwhile, 30-year-old Davey, who was a late bloomer in first grade, is set to make the switch.

Davey made his NRL debut at the Eels in 2020, becoming the fourth-oldest debutant in the history of the game at 28-years old.

After making the switch to the Sea Eagles in 2021, Davey suffered a season-ending knee injury but has been strong in 2022.

.