Ben Simmons’ rocky NBA career has taken another turn after the Brooklyn Nets guard reportedly left a players group chat before a decisive playoff game last season.
Simmons was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft but found himself locked in a standoff with the franchise after demanding a trade.
The Australian was eventually dealt to the Nets as part of a package for All-Star guard James Harden, and was expected to don his new colors for the first time in the playoffs.
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The Athletic reported in April that Simmons was set to debut for Brooklyn in Game Four, during the first round of the playoffs.
Brooklyn were already down 3-0 to the eventual Eastern Conference champions Boston Celtics when he pulled out with back soreness.
But renowned NBA analyst Ric Bucher has made a stunning revelation about Simmons, saying that he left a players group chat without saying a word before Game Four.
“They’re having a team chat before Game four, thinking he’s going to play against the Celtics, and from what I’m told, Ben just left the chat,” Bucher told Colin Cowherd on The Herd.
“They asked him, ‘Are you going to play?’ Ben left the chat. Like he didn’t even answer the question. He just left the chat.”
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The 26-year-old required surgery in March on his lower back after withdrawing from that crucial playoff clash with the Celtics.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Simmons needed back surgery after experiencing “pain soreness” the day before the Nets were eventually eliminated.
“Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons will require three to four months of rehabilitation after undergoing back surgery, but is expected to be fully recovered to return to the court well ahead of pre-season training camp in September, sources told ESPN on Wednesday,” Wojnarowski wrote.
“The decision to undergo the surgery was reached after ‘consultation with multiple back specialists,’ the team said Wednesday.”
Simmons said that mental health was the reason behind his ugly exit from Philadelphia, as he opened up on his “dark times.”
However, sports radio host Ben Maller believed that it was just an excuse for the Melbourne-born talent to leave the Sixers.
“Ben Simmons in Philadelphia was a charlatan, a fake, a phony and a fraud,” Maller said on Fox Sports Radio in February
“This guy has been hiding behind the mental health card playing it from the bottom of the deck, knowing that it makes you untouchable in a polite society.
“The establishment media are afraid of even slightly criticizing someone who makes this claim, like Ben Simmons.”
Barcelona have reportedly threatened legal action over Frenkie de Jong’s contract, after the Spanish giants claimed to have found evidence of criminality on “the parties who signed” the upgraded deal.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Catalan club is hoping to either sell the Dutch star or revert the deal back to what it was before to help solve their financial woes.
De Jong has been heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester United, although Chelsea recently emerged as a potential suitor for his services.
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Meanwhile, striker Timo Werner is close to finalizing his death with RB Leipzig after arriving in Germany for his medical.
The 26-year-old rose to footballing stardom during his first stint with the club, and became one of the biggest names on the transfer market before being snatched up by Chelsea two years ago.
While Chelsea may lose Werner, the Blues are heavily linked with another emerging star who they could sign on a world record fee.
Here’s all the news and gossip in the latest edition of our Rumor Mill!
BARCA THREATEN LEGAL ACTION
Barcelona’s financial woes are in dire need of a solution recruit after La Liga rejected their attempt to register new players, including star Robert Lewandowski.
Frenkie de Jong has been linked with two of the biggest clubs in England, with a transfer shaping up as a potential solution to their money drama.
But the de Jong saga at Barcelona has reached a dramatic new twist with the club reportedly threatening legal action over the stars renewed deal.
Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong reacts during the 57th Joan Gamper Trophy friendly football match between FC Barcelona and Club Universidad Nacional Pumas at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 7, 2022. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP)Source: AFP
De Jong signed a two-year contract extension with the club on October 20, 2020, which kept him at the club for longer but reduced his salary in the short-term.
It’s believed the Netherlands international is owed €18 million ($26m AUD) in deferred wages, which the club is hoping to annul.
David Ornstein has reported that the deal presented by the club’s previous board involved alleged “criminality” and provides “grounds for legal action against those involved”.
Previously, Barcelona president Joan Laporta had insisted that he wants de Jong to remain at the club.
“Frenkie’s our player and we want him to stay at Barcelona, he wants to stay too,” Laporta said.
“With him and his teammates, we have a very powerful midfield. He has offers, but we want him to stay.”
RED DEVILS TO SIGN FRENCH MIDFIELDER
Manchester United had identified midfielder Fabian Ruiz as a possible alternative to de Jong and it appears the deal is progressing, as Erik ten Hag looks to complete his fourth signing.
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Guardian revealed an agreement has been reached between Juventus and Manchester United for £15 million ($26 million AUD).
Rabiot has had a decorated playing career so far, having won Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain on five occasions, and he’s also a Serie A winner.
WERNER TO COMPLETE MOVE
Chelsea striker Timo Werner is on the cusp of returning to RB Leipzig, after arriving in Germany for his medical.
Tim Werner.Source: AFP
Werner had an underwhelming spell at the Blues, but is set to return to the club where he really made his name in world football.
The 26-year-old scored 90 goals and had 40 assists in his 156 games for RB Leipzig, before leaving in 2020.
CHELSEA BIG SPEND CONTINUES
Leicester defender Wesley Fofana could be wearing another navy jersey this season, as Chelsea prepare to launch a world record bid this week.
Football Londonunderstand that the Blues will attempt to sign their second center back of the English summer, after announcing Kalidou Koulibaly.
It’s believed that Fofana is pushing for a move away from the Foxes, even though coach Brendan Rodgers has insisted that he’s not for sale. According to the report, Chelsea are preparing a bid that would smash the world record for the highest fee paid for a defender — currently the 87 million euros ($A127m) Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.
ONE OR THE OTHER
Barcelona will not sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay, as both players continued to be linked with transfers away from the Camp Nou.
Football insider Fabrizio Romano has said that no discussions have been held between Chelsea and Barcelona over Aubameyang, although he is on their “list”.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 07: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM at Spotify Camp Nou on August 07, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The former Arsenal captain could be set for a sensational return to England with London rivals Chelsea, although he’s happy in Spain.
Meanwhile, Depay is reportedly negotiating a free agency with Juventus interested in acquiring his services.
BOLOGNA MAKE IT CLEAR
Bologna director Marco di Vaio has made it quite clear that the Italian club want to retain striker Marko Arnautovic, amid rumors of an offer from Manchester United.
The Red Devils reportedly had a bid for the 33-year-old striker rejected.
“Man United on Arnautovic? We’re proud of Man United’s interest for Marko bur we are not planning to sell him,” di Vaio said.
“We want to keep him at Bologna as president said, he’s a key part of our project – there’s not even a price tag.”
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has slammed his old clubs “unacceptable” effort to sign new players, after they sunk to a 113-year-old on Sunday night.
After a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season, the Red Devils failed to make their mark in the summer transfer market.
United have signed just three players under new manager Erik ten Hag, including 30-year-old Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen.
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Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are among the list of players who have left Old Trafford during the English summer, while Cristiano Ronaldo is heavily rumored to follow suit.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was benched for United’s season opener against Brighton on Monday morning (AEST), and has reportedly requested a transfer away from Old Trafford.
Manchester United are now rumored to be chasing the services of former West Ham and Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic, who played under ten Hag at Dutch club Twente 13 years ago.
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However, Untied have reportedly had their bid for the 33-year-old rejected by Bologna.
After a quiet transfer window, Neville has called United the “easiest team to play” in the Premier League after their history making loss to Brighton.
“Anyone who has watched those Manchester United players he has been handed will recognize that is a familiar performance and the people above him should have known that it was an unacceptable situation to hand Erik ten Hag that squad,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“It needed improving more than it has been. There is still time in the window but he needed three or four weeks more to work with them.
“Every coach comes in thinking they can do better than the last coach with the players at his disposal as they believe they are a better coach and that is probably the case with this. But the reality is, he’s seen what those players are capable of today.
Christian Eriksen cuts a rejected figure.Source: Getty Images
“I don’t think any Manchester United fan or pundit that has watched this team over the last 12 months, with the same players playing in the same positions, expected anything different than what we saw.
“The reality is those players need replacing or supported more by better players.”
It was a forgettable season opener for the Red Devils who hadn’t lost to Brighton at home in a competitive match, dating back to the FA Cup in 1909.
The first-ever meeting between the two clubs was a 1-0 win to United at Manchester’s Bank Street on January 16 of that year.
While a new season brings optimism and excitement, but frustration began to mount from the opening whistle for United fans after the hosts came frightening close to conceding inside 30 seconds.
But after missing chances of their own throughout the first half, the Red Devils went behind 2-0 after two quick goals to Pascal Gross.
While an own goal from midfielder Alexis Mac Allister gave the hosts a glimmer of hope with 20 minutes to play, it just wasn’t to be.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United.Source: Getty Images
Premier League icon Paul Scholes took aim at United after a “shocking” first-half set his old club up for defeat.
United may have controlled the match with 62.9 per cent of possession, but only managed two more shots on target than their English rivals.
Scholes believes the Red Devils need to improve their midfield as he called out two underperforming players.
“(Scott) McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor,” Scholes said.
“The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough but we’ve seen that for the last few years with these two players.
“With Fred and McTominay, he (ten Tag) is going to have to go with just one of them but eve none of them is probably too many.
“Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay’s trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best players! It’s not that difficult. It’s criminal on a day like today.”
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Two United fans reached their boiling points during the match, as they began to fight in the South Stand at Old Trafford.
Nearby fans watched on in shock as the pair began to wrestle with each other, with one of the men appearing to grab the other by the throat.
Another person seemed to step between the two men in an attempt to break up their row, as more supported turn to face the pair instead of the match.
A third Manchester United legend, Roy Keane, has also been critical in saying the “DNA” of the club wasn’t there anymore.
“You talk about pre-season, I saw a lot of PR nonsense coming out of Manchester United during the games and I still saw the same problems,” Roy Keane told Sky Sports.
“It’s the same characters, same personalities, especially in midfield.
“There are elements of talent in the squad but when they have setback they don’t deal with it. I go back to the DNA of the club and culture at the training ground, it’s not there. I don’t see personalities, I don’t see characters.
“It’s not all about throwing money at it but if these players aren’t up to it and good enough for Manchester United.”
Meanwhile, cross-town rivals Manchester City got their title defense off to a dream start with a 2-0 win over West Ham.
Star recruit Erling Haaland scored two goals on his Premier League debut for the Citizens.
Israel Adesanya will have the chance to re-write some personal history when he defends his UFC middleweight title against Brazilian Alex Pereira on November 13 (AEST).
World champion Adesanya announced on Sports Center that he’ll fight old rival Pereira in a title fight at UFC 281 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
The highly anticipated grudge match pits the two old foes against each other for the first time in mixed martial arts, after fighting twice before in kickboxing.
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Adesanya was visibly shocked by the judges’ decision after his first fight with Pereira, with the Brazilian winning by unanimous decision.
The pair had their rematch less than a year later in March 2017, with a left hand knocking the Nigerian-born fight out during the third round.
While he hasn’t felt the need to chase revenge after losing both fights, Adesanya vowed to “slam this b****” ahead of their meeting at the famous New York venue later this year.
“Have I ever shied away from a fight? I’ve always picked the guy no one wants to fight,” Adesanya said on Sports Center.
“The guy that everyone runs away from, I run towards. So I run towards the fire and this is no different.
“After he beat me in Brazil, I never had any plans of trying to get revenge or anything like that because I don’t hold onto things.
“I’m telling you, the universe has presented this to me and it’s right there. It’s the perfect alley-oop and I’m going to slam this b****”.
Adesanya held onto his middleweight crown with a unanimous decision win over American Jared Cannonier at UFC 276 last month.
The victory extended the 33-year-old’s unbeaten run to three fights, after losing to Polish fighter Jan Blachowicz by unanimous decision in the UFC light heavyweight title fight last year.
As for his opponent, Pereira is undefeated from three fights so far in the UFC whilst he’s undefeated in his last six MMA fights.
The Brazilian is coming off a first-round knockout of the highly rated Sean Strickland.
Originally published as ‘Slam this b****’: Israel Adesanya’s message to old rival ahead of UFC grudge match
Premier League legends Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have slammed disgruntled star Cristiano Ronaldo, amid the uncertainty and speculation about his future at Manchester United.
Ronaldo returned to United’s match day squad for a game against La Liga side Rayo Vallecano earlier this week, after missing the clubs pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia.
But after being subbed off at halftime by manager Erik ten Hag, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly walked out of Old Trafford with 10 minutes to run on the game clock.
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The infamous walkout was described as “unacceptable” by ten Hag, and only fueled rumors that Ronaldo is desperate for a transfer away from the Red Devils.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes the club needs to sell the Portuguese international, as he suggested how Ronaldo’s actions may be hurting the club.
“Ronaldo’s achievements in football go beyond, to be fair, anyone could ever wish for and imagine. He’ll go down in the top players of all-time and he always will be, ”Neville said on The Overlap.
“What happens this summer at Manchester United will be forgotten about in 20 years.
“The star player in the dressing room is playing up. It happened at times over the last few years where you had Pogba’s agent, not necessarily (Paul) Pogba all the time but his agent always playing up with the club.
“You can’t have your star player in a club running the shop. You cannot have it. When Sir Alex Ferguson potentially in the past moved players on, it was because that player was needed to be moved on.
“I know Manchester United fans want Ronaldo to stay, but if Ronaldo wants to leave, Manchester United in my mind should facilitate that.”
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Ronaldo, who has won the Champions League five times, was reportedly set to be benched for United’s Premier League season opener against Brighton after missing most of the pre-season.
But a thigh injury to French attacker Anthony Martial could see the star named as a surprise starter for Sunday night’s match (AEST).
Asked if Ronaldo will start, coach Erik Ten Hag said: “We will see on Sunday.”
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Liverpool great Carragher always expected to follow Ronaldo after he signed his contract, as the 37-year-old never would’ve wanted to “play second fiddle” to a teammate.
“I always felt this situation would come. Even if Ronaldo did great for a year, he signed a two-year deal plus another year which I couldn’t believe. He’s never going to play second fiddle to anyone,” Carragher said.
“As players, at a certain stage in your career we all know that you’re not the same player and his (career) has gone on longer because he’s such a great professional.
“He’s not the same player, he’s still a great goal scorer but he’s not the same player. No other club in Europe at this moment wants him.
“I think if you ask (Erik) ten Hag, I don’t think he wants him and I’m not quite sure the dressing room at Manchester United would want Cristiano Ronaldo right now.”
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While it’s been said that Ronaldo missed the pre-season tour due to personal reasons, the rumor mill was in full swing as fans and pundits alike speculated about his future.
It’s believed that he’d handed in a transfer request after United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season – finishing sixth, 35-points behind rivals and champions Manchester City.
While in Australia, new manager ten Hag was bombarded with a number of questions about his key player.
Ten Hag insisted that Ronaldo wasn’t for sale, but Ronaldo continued to dominate headlines over rumors of a potential transfer to Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and even Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain.
“Ten Hag literally has had every single press conference that he does just obliterated by the Ronaldo issue,” Neville added.
“If a player becomes the dominating factor and a distraction in a press conference for a manager, there’s only one thing that needs to happen. We all know it.
“You might have to go back to go forwards and this season Manchester United, they may have to go back without Ronaldo.”
NRL legend Cameron Smith believes Nathan Cleary’s lengthy ban leading into finals will provide “a blessing in disguise” for the Panthers.
Cleary flipped Penrith’s season on its head when he was sent off for a dangerous lifting tackle on Eels playmaker Dylan Brown last Friday.
The New South Wales Origin star copped a five-match suspension and won’t return for the competition leaders before the finals.
Five-eighth Jarome Luai is also out set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines, after suffering an MCL injury against the Sharks.
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Without the two experienced playmakers leading the team around the park, the Panthers will have to rely on some relatively inexperienced combinations until the finals.
Penrith have turned Jaeman Salmon and Sean O’Sullivan for Saturday’s clash with Canberra, with the Panthers currently six competition points clear of second with five games to play.
But Smith said the break for the duo can become a positive for the reigning NRL premiers.
“I think it can work in their favour,” Smith said on SEN’s The Captain’s Run on Thursday.
“I actually think that giving this football side an opportunity side to play a month or five weeks without Cleary in particular and Jerome Luai, their two main men, it’s their go-to men in attack, I actually think when they return they’ll both be fresh.
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“Nathan Cleary, he’s going to have fresh legs, he’s going to be fresh mentality. He hasn’t had to get up for games for five weeks.
“You could see as soon as he made that tackle he knew he’d let the team down, and the club and the fans. He’s going to come out in that final series and think ‘I’ve got to repay this footy club and my fans for missing five weeks’.
“This footy side can benefit so much from these two guys not being there and guys like Api Koroisau and Isaah Yeo… they’re going to have to shoulder more responsibility now with the way the football team plays.
“I just think they’re going to be a stronger footy side again.”
Penrith have one hand on the minor premiership just over a month out from finals, but they could quickly lose that grip with a couple of losses on the bounce.
The Cowboys are their closest rivals in the race for pole position, but the Sharks are also an outside chance – but are four games back and they have a significantly worse points difference.
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North Queensland host the Panthers in the final round of the regular season, and although it’s unlikely, it’s possible that the two teams clash with the minor premiership on the line.
It’s potentially a season defining a few weeks for the Panthers, who are looking to defend their NRL crown.
“Let’s just say the top four doesn’t change, they take on Melbourne. If they finish first, they’ll be taking on the Storm,” he added.
“The biggest difference this year is they’ll play their first game at home. They’ll be playing at Penrith.
“Whereas last year and I know it was a neutral ground for the Sydney sides, but they played the Rabbitohs up in Townsville and got beaten. They’re a different footy side at home.
“They’ve lost one game there in a thousand years.”
Parramatta are another side who will be without a key player for a majority of their remaining regular season games.
Star playmaker Mitchell Moses has been ruled out with a finger injury, and will spend at least a couple of weeks watching on from the sidelines.
The Eels could potentially drop out of the top eight if they have a bad month, with the Raiders just four-point behind them.
“(Moses) He’s leading the competition for try assists. He’s got 20 try assists, so now with him out, plus his goal kicking, so now they need to find someone to produce points for them.
“They’re going to have to find some points somewhere. Whether Gutho stands up a little bit more, I think Jake Arthur may be playing in the halves this week.
Israel Adesanya will have the chance to re-write some personal history when he defends his UFC middleweight title against Brazilian Alex Pereira on November 13 (AEST).
World champion Adesanya announced on Sports Center that he’ll fight old rival Pereira in a title fight at UFC 281 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
The highly anticipated grudge match pits the two old foes against each other for the first time in mixed martial arts, after fighting twice before in kickboxing.
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Adesanya was visibly shocked by the judges’ decision after his first fight with Pereira, with the Brazilian winning by unanimous decision.
The pair had their rematch less than a year later in March 2017, with a left hand knocking the Nigerian-born fight out during the third round.
While he hasn’t felt the need to chase revenge after losing both fights, Adesanya vowed to “slam this b****” ahead of their meeting at the famous New York venue later this year.
Tough as nails Aussie makes Dana applaud | 01:28
“Have I ever shied away from a fight? I’ve always picked the guy no one wants to fight,” Adesanya said on Sports Center.
“The guy that everyone runs away from, I run towards. So I run towards the fire and this is no different.
“After he beat me in Brazil, I never had any plans of trying to get revenge or anything like that because I don’t hold onto things.
“I’m telling you, the universe has presented this to me and it’s right there. It’s the perfect alley-oop and I’m going to slam this b****”.
Adesanya held onto his middleweight crown with a unanimous decision win over American Jared Cannonier at UFC 276 last month.
The victory extended the 33-year-old’s unbeaten run to three fights, after losing to Polish fighter Jan Blachowicz by unanimous decision in the UFC light heavyweight title fight last year.
As for his opponent, Pereira is undefeated from three fights so far in the UFC whilst he’s undefeated in his last six MMA fights.
The Brazilian is coming off a first-round knockout of the highly rated Sean Strickland.
Greg Alexander has doubled down on his claims that the Storm are the perpetrators of the influence of dangerous tackles in the game over the last 20 years.
It comes after Storm legend Cameron Smith hit back at Alexander’s original comments, calling them “unfair.”
Alexander targeted the Storm after Broncos enforcer Patrick Carrigan received a four-game suspension for a hip-drop on Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings.
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The tackle in the 73rd minute left Hastings with a broken fibula, with the Great Britain representative now in a race to be fit for this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Speaking on SEN, Alexander said he was “surprised” by Smith’s reaction and believes “history shows” that several dangerous tackles have come out of Melbourne.
“I didn’t think it was any kind of revelation when I made those comments about the hip-drop emanating out of Melbourne Storm,” he said on Friday morning.
“I was surprised that Cameron and Denan (Kemp) were surprised that someone would actually think that the hip-drop started out of Melbourne.
“I thought it was just a general consensus that over the last 20 years that all the tackles, the wrestling techniques had come out of Melbourne.
“I might be generalizing or even jumping to a conclusion, but I don’t think I am.
“These tackles over the last 20 years, all the different types of techniques, they appear in the game and it takes the game a little while to catch up to them.
“I remember watching in 2020 and noticing tackles. Not just Melbourne Storm players, but two of the first three charges of 2020 for hip-drop tackles were Melbourne Storm players, Jesse Bromwich and Max King.
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“I distinctly remember the Max King incident because I was calling the game. Max King just fell on the back of Blake Lawrie’s leg.
“I think history shows — and it’s not a stretch for me to jump to a Melbourne Storm conclusion — that the grapple, the chicken wing, the rolling pin, the crusher, the hip-drop… I think they all emanate out of Melbourne.
“Melbourne have led the way. They have changed the game back in 2002-3 where the wrestle became part of the game.”
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Smith initially laughed it off when a caller said on Thursday that Alexander directed all the blame in the Storm’s direction, before adamantly denying that any clubs were teaching their players dangerous techniques.
“I can put that to bed now. I can be honest with you. Brandy is a great analyst of our game and one of the great players of our game,” Smith said on SEN’sThe Captains Run.
“I just don’t know how he can come up with that comment.
“To single out one club and to say that they introduced that tackle into our sport, that’s a little bit over the top.
“I work with Brandy on our radio station on SEN and he’s a great fella, but to single out the Melbourne Storm, that’s really unfair, really unfair.
“To say that a club or even clubs now are practicing or teaching their players to fall into the back of legs, I think that’s a little bit over the top.”
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Smith, who won two Dally M medals during his career, began to question how ‘Brandy’ could even come to that conclusion.
The 39-year-old couldn’t recall ever seeing Alexander at a Melbourne Storm training session during his decorated 20-years at the club.
But after questioning the claim, Smith shared why he believes that the hip-drop tackle has begun to make its mark in the game as players go without “any reward” for legitimate tackles.
“A reason why this has crept into the game is because there’s no reward for legs tackles anymore… It’s harder to make one-on-one tackles so you’re taught to make multiple defender tackles,” he added.
“The game has taken away any reward for good leg tackles, one-on-one leg tackles. You watch the games over this weekend, if someone makes a good covering tackle around the legs, or even just a good front on tackle on-one-one… as soon as the ball carrier hits the turf, the referee is screaming at the tackler to release.”
The 430-game NRL veteran said that these tackles are performed all the time in a game of rugby league, but are only cited whenever it looks “ugly” or there’s an injury.
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Smith suggested that the Match Review Committee would have to be tougher on players if they want to eliminate the technique from the sport.
“If you actually watch the game closely and you watch every tackle, these tackles are performed all the time.
“You could almost find one of these tackles in every set. But it’s not until someone gets injured or there’s a really, really ugly, messy looking tackle where someone’s legs get caught and they get bent back over the defender that’s sat down on those legs.
“Nothing’s done about it. There’s actually nothing done about it.
“Maybe the way for the NRL to go if they want to eliminate these tackles from our sport, the MRC need to start going through these games with a fine tooth comb and anytime something like this is performed, then the player needs to be notified any even charged.
“I don’t know whether it’s a fine to start with, if it’s a less dangerous hip-drop tackle and there’s no result of injury, just to say ‘hey mate, we’re onto ya’”.
Premier League great Mark Schwarzer believes it’s time for Cristiano Ronaldo to part ways with Manchester United, amid the constant speculation about the disgruntled stars future.
Ronaldo appears to be heading towards an ugly exit from Manchester United after he missed the clubs pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia last month.
It’s believed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is chasing a transfer away from the Red Devils after they failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.
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While Ronaldo did return to Manchester United’s match day squad for a pre-season clash with Spanish club Rayo Vallecano on Monday (AEST), he was subbed off at halftime.
After storming out of Old Trafford with 10 minutes to play in that match, manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to bench the star striker for their Premier League season opener on Sunday.
It was an act that had Hag branded as “unacceptable” as the Dutchman looks to assert his authority.
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Schwarzer said that while both the club and ten Hag have done well to manage the recent drama and speculation, it might be time to find Ronaldo a deal with another club.
“It’s time for him to move on. I still think he could add something to Manchester United but I don’t see him as a week-in week-out starter and that’s obviously what he demanded last season,” Schwarzer said on the Gegen Pod.
“He was their leading goal scorer, he was the player that got them out of more trouble than anyone else. I kind of understand it. But now you’re talking about building a side.
“For Cristiano Ronaldo, we all know he’s running out of time. He wants to win trophies, he wants to win things, he wants to win another Ballon d’Or for sure, (but I) don’t think that’s going to happen.
“I reckon it’d be amazing if he went to Atletico Madrid… there’s massive resistance from fans and some people from within the club.”
European giants including Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all reportedly turned down the chance to sign the 37-year-old.
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He has also been linked with a stunning return to his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon, who have qualified for this year’s Champions’ League group stage.
Another player under pressure in Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who was recently warned about his underwhelming form with the Premier League champions last season.
Former Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino told talkSPORT that Grealish could leave the Etihad and “end up back at Villa” if the £100m player doesn’t improve.
Schwarzer, who is widely considered to be a Premier League legend, doesn’t think that the 26-year-old has lived up to the expectation believed of him when he signed for City.
“I think he’s a million miles away from even the player he was at Aston Villa,” he added.
“He’s an interesting one. His relationship with Erling Haaland, how that’s going to develop, how that’s gonna flourish. We talk about big signings and I think Haaland, Darwin Nunez, these guys they will fit in, they will score goals.
“It will be a battle of who will finish top at the end of the season, I’ve got no doubt.”
The Premier League kicks off with a match between Crystal Palace and Champions League hopefuls Arsenal at Selhurst Park.
Manchester United don’t get their season underway until 11pm on Sunday against Brighton at Old Trafford.
Former Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire has warned Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah about the “challenge” of coaching, with the pair set to begin their new roles next season.
The Tigers confirmed last month that legends Marshall and Farah would return to the club as assistant coaches next season, under famous coach Tim Sheens.
Former Kiwi Test star Marshall will then take over from Sheens in the top job for three seasons from 2025.
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Premiership winning coach Maguire is “looking forward” to seeing the famous duo reunite at the club where they both rose to fame, as they look to turn the Tigers around.
But speaking on The Back Page, ‘Madge’ also made sure to caution them about how difficult their new jobs can be.
“There’s many ways to do it so I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out,” Maguire said on The Back Page.
“Coaching is about spending time and actually coaching. They’ve got a few rookies that are going to come through and it is going to be a great challenge for the guys that are coming through in Benji and Robbie.
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“I think they’re qualified because of the experiences they’ve had but coaching is not just about what happens there. It is life, it’s about the player and looking after the quality of each individual.
“It’s going to be a really good challenge for them.”
Wests started the season with five consecutive losses before record back-to-back wins over premiership contenders Parramatta and South Sydney.
But the veteran coach of 233 NRL games was later sacked as the club continued their underwhelming form, winning just one from their next five.
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The Tigers were on another noteworthy losing run before their controversial loss to the Cowboys in Round 19, before bouncing back with an emphatic win over Brisbane last week.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Maguire said that his three-and-a-half-year tenure was a “great challenge.”
“I’m really fond of my time there, even though we didn’t get to where we wanted to get to and everyone wants to win a comp,” he said.
“But what I have learned over time and being in and around various clubs, is that we’re all working for the same thing but they’re so different.
“The makings of the club, where the club fits with their juniors to the recruiting to what goes on in the background, they’re all so different and that’s what us coaches enjoy, being able to bring that together to create the success.”
Maguire coached the World No. 1 Kiwis to a convincing 20-point win over Tonga in Auckland earlier this year, with rugby league returning to New Zealand.
With the World Cup just around the corner, the 48-year-old said that he’s focused on his role with New Zealand, but revealed that he wants to win another NRL premiership.
“I’ve taken a bit of a backwards step I guess. I’m just focused on the Kiwis and I’ve enjoyed that part because you don’t have the heat of the week-in, week-out. But I do miss that.
“That’s something that has always fueled myself, the challenge of each week. I’m starting to learn what it’s like to have the weekend and your family there because you’re so used to having to rise each week.
“I’m just sort of eyes wide open at the moment. I do love it [coaching] and I want to win another comp. To be in that arena is another desire.”
