Cameron Munster put on another masterclass at fullback on Thursday night in a 16-0 win over Penrith and earned plenty of praise, along with a cheeky dig, from teammate Brandon Smith.
speaking to Triple Mpost-game, Smith was at his hilarious best in what James Graham described as a “refreshing” interview from the Melbourne Storm forward.
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“He’s [Munster] as thick as pig s***,” Smith laughed.
“He’s the dumbest bloke in the world but when he gets on the field, he’s a genius. It’s outstanding. I’m glad I’m playing with him and not against him. He’s the most annoying bloke on planet earth but he’s one of my good mates so you’ve got to love him.”
As impressive as Munster was, Smith himself was key to the win, helping Melbourne dominate up front and allowing its playmakers to work their magic in the red zone.
Smith said that it was all part of the plan for the Storm, who had a relatively simple strategy for Thursday’s night game.
“Our whole game plan was to stay in the fight and let our superstars go and put the points on,” Smith said.
The Storm were able to put 16 on the board in the first half, although they could not breach the Panthers’ line in the second, restricted to just 37 per cent of the ball.
Storm sizzle poor Panthers | 02:01
The fact Melbourne was able to hold Penrith (55 tackles in opposition 20) scoreless would have certainly pleased coach Craig Bellamy though.
“I know he’ll be super happy with the zero on the Panthers’ board but still a lot of things we have to work on in attack,” Smith said.
“We had Nick Meaney and Cooper Johns partnering together I think for the first time with Munster at fullback.
“Munster and Justin Olam and Marion Seve, the two centers, deserve massive raps they were outstanding.”
Remembering Paul Green’s amazing career | 08:32
Smith was not just at his cheeky best post-game, also getting under Panthers front rower Spencer Leniu’s skin in the latter stages of the second half as the two sides briefly came together.
“I didn’t say anything,” Smith said of his exchange with Leniu.
“I just pushed him to let him know that… I think it was an accident but still, he hit me in the head and I wasn’t happy.”
“It still bought about 30 seconds off the clock,” he added, laughing, “that was pretty handy.”
“It was a tough game out there tonight. I don’t think I’ve come off the field with these many bumps and bruises.”
Brandon Smith scuffles with Spencer Leniu. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The most explosive clash of the NRL season is set to unfold when Penrith host Melbourne on Thursday night in the wake of a bitter war of words between the clubs.
They’re the two most successful teams, alongside the Roosters, of the past five years and will meet in a highly-anticipated top-four showdown.
The Storm and Panthers have ended each other’s campaigns in arguably the two best games of the past two seasons.
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Melbourne won the premiership after Penrith finished on top of the ladder in 2020 and then those roles were reversed last year.
The rivalry between the past two premiers is the fiercest in the game right now.
Panthers players were outraged by Instagram videos after the 2020 grand finale and they got their revenge by knocking the Storm out in an epic preliminary final last year.
“They don’t like each other,” The Australian’s Brent Read said on NRL360 on Wednesday about the rivalry
“It’s been evident for a while that these teams dislike each other but it’s gone up a notch this week.”
Both teams will be missing key cavalry for the blockbuster at BlueBet Stadium but tensions will still be sky high with plenty on the line for both teams in the run to the finals.
The Panthers were superb last week against the Canberra Raiders without the State of Origin halves pairing of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, but things get even tougher with James Fisher-Harris now suspended.
The latest chapter in the clubs’ fierce rivalry is now set to be written after Panthers great Greg Alexander and Storm legend Cameron Smith traded barbs throughout the week.
The Panthers and Storm have built quite the rivalry. Greg Alexander (left) and Cameron Smith (right). GettySource: FOX SPORTS
That stoush over who is responsible for an influx of dangerous tackles in the game quickly escalated.
“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,” Alexanders said after Smith blew up at his initial accusation.
The exchange between Alexander and Smith prompted a stunning outburst from Melbourne’s chairman and owner Matt Tripp.
Tripp blasted Penrith deputy chairman Alexander’s comments as “stupid” and accused the reigning premiers of arrogance.
“Absolutely unfair,” Clearly said of Tripp’s comments.
“I’m not here to judge anyone else. But I know that Brandy (Alexander) is an outstanding commentator and a decorated figure in the game. If anyone’s able to have an opinion it’s Brandy.
“Most of his opinions are spot on. But that was his opinion of him in a completely different role. So, I don’t think it’s fair for everyone else at our club to be labeled what we were, but these things happen sometimes.”
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Following Tripp’s blow-up, the Storm were then accused of having a “chip on their shoulder” by the NRL 360 panel who also believe the Panthers will use Tripp’s comments as motivation.
“There’s going to be plenty of spice, it’s going to be a great game,” Paul Crawley said.
“The Storm are in a bit of strife on the field and they really have to show some signs of fighting back and I just can’t see how they’re going to do that against the Panthers.”
“What I’m fascinated with is the chairman versus the deputy chairman, Tripp versus Alexander,” Paul Kent said.
PK: ‘The fact is players get injured!’ | 02:24
“Some of the things that Tripp said about Penrith, he said the club was arrogant, he turned from criticism of Greg Alexander into criticism of the club.
“And I’ll tell you one thing about Penrith, when you criticize them, they respond to it and they’re very good at coming out and saying ‘is this what you think about us, well we’ll show you what we think about you’ and they deliver.”
Brent Read believes Alexander may have tactically brought up the tackling argument ahead of the clash.
“At this time of year, this invariably raises its head, you point the finger at Melbourne and say they invented the wrestle and it’s just an easy argument,” Read said.
“I’m it doesn’t hurt Penrith (this week).”
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Read also defended any perceived arrogance from Penrith players during matches.
“On the field they play with swagger. They play with a bit of arrogance. You have got to have that to be successful.”
Braith Anasta agreed that arrogance can be a powerful tool for a sporting team when used correctly.
“In any sport you have got to have confidence,” Anasta said.
Some people think they cross the line a little bit but you need confidence. You need a little bit of arrogance. You need to go out there thinking, I’ve got you covered.”
Storm star Jahrome Hughes apologized earlier this season after being named as the main culprit in 2020 grand final celebration footage mocking Panthers players’ Mt Druit roots.
Panthers center Stephen Crichton revealed the footage was used as motivation, sparking their stunning 2021 preliminary final win over Melbourne.
To motivate his players prior to the 2021 preliminary final, assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo saved the clip.
Ciraldo told his players in the lead-up to the Panthers’ huge 10-6 win they needed to “protect where you come from”.
The race for the NRL finals is heating up and this weekend will see several tantalizing match-ups that are certain to shape the make-up of the top eight.
The Panthers face the Storm tonight, before Parramatta take on South Sydney on Friday night and the Roosters play the Cowboys on Saturday afternoon.
“I think the top four battle is heating up for sure,” Fox League’s Lara Pitt told news.com.au ahead of round 22.
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“I think the Storm have probably got a tough one to win against the Panthers even though Penrith don’t have (Nathan) Cleary and (Jarome) Luai — they’re always extremely tough to beat at home.
“The Eels-Rabbitohs game is one of the hardest of the round, equally Roosters-Cowboys. Those two games are massive. I found those the hardest to pick but I’ve gone with the Roosters and Parramatta.
“The Parramatta Eels, that’s a huge game against the Rabbitohs, if they win that they’re into the top four.
The Panthers sit three games clear on top of the ladder and are red-hot favorites to win back-to-back premierships, but Pitt believes Cronulla are a “dark horse” heading into finals.
“I’ve been at the last couple of Sharks games on the sideline and been really impressed with how gritty and the style of football they’re playing,” she said.
“They can get into an arm wrestle. They still haven’t hit peak form, there’s still improvement to come for them.
“They’re winning ugly, they’re winning tough, then when they play well they can score points. I’d say the Sharks are possibly the dark horse.
“I think the eight is pretty much settled when I look at the standings at the teams that have kind of fallen over at the wrong end of the season — Manly, Raiders and Dragons unfortunately have left it a bit too late.
“I think the eight is probably the way it is now but everyone will be jostling for where they actually finish in the eight. I back the Roosters and the Broncos to secure their place in finals, it’s just about how high they can finish.”
Gruesome injuries ‘hardest part’ of the job
In her role as Fox League’s sideline reporter, Pitt has witnessed several nasty injuries this season including Stephen Crichton’s mauled ear, Ryan Papenhuyzen suffering a fractured knee cap and Aaron Booth rupturing his ACL last weekend.
Pitt said having to interview players after they’ve suffered season-ending injuries is the “hardest part” of her job.
“The Stephen Crichton one stands out the most,” she said.
“I think even he probably was in shock himself and didn’t realize his ear was hanging off walking around the stadium saying g’day to the fans at the end of the game, then had to head off to hospital and have a plastic surgeon sew his ear together.
“There’s been that one and obviously seeing Aaron Booth go down for the Titans last week, he has sustained the most serious knee injury you can get.
“I spoke to him after the game. He knows he’s got a long road to recovery but I was pretty surprised at how strong he was and how he looked like he was going to take it head on, which is pretty incredible when he’s just sustained a horrific knee injury.
“It’s probably not the best part of the job at all and speaking to players just after they’ve ruined their year or they’ve got that long comeback trail ahead of them, that’s probably the hardest part.
“I don’t like watching the replays of horrendous injuries, that’s for sure. I’ll certainly look away. I’m not too frightened by the blood and the gore of it, but I’m not watching the replays of knees going the wrong way, that’s for sure.”
Dragons need star power around Hunt
St George Illawarra take on the Raiders in a Fox League exclusive game on Sunday and while both sides appear out of the finals race, they will be desperate for a win.
Pitt believes the Dragons need to recruit some star players in the spine to support Ben Hunt, if they are any chance to make finals in 2023.
“The club has made some moves to change the support staff around Anthony Griffin. Clearly they can see it’s not working,” she said.
“The concern is now that they’re not bringing on board any high caliber players into the roster to help Ben Hunt and he desperately needs the help. It’s hard to see how they’ll be any better next year with just some assistant coaching movements.
“If that’s the case, then the pressure will be firmly on the club and the coach early next year if they don’t make any movement in performance on the field.
“Overall, just hugely disappointing that they haven’t improved this year and they’ve failed to make finals.”
Watch the St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canberra Raiders at 1pm on Sunday only on Fox League.
The rugby league world is in mourning after the sudden death of Paul Green at 49 years old in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning.
the Daily Telegraph reported that Green had not said anything about feeling ill before his sudden passing, with a postmortem to determine the cause of his death.
Green had been in Sydney last weekend for the Cronulla ex-players’ reunion, one of five teams the former Australian and Queensland representative halfback played for during his career.
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‘HARD TO BELIEVE’: Tributes flow as NRL rocked by death of Paul Green
Remembering Paul Green’s amazing career | 08:32
Green had a decorated playing career which spanned 162 games, suiting up for the Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos.
He then made the switch to coaching after he hung up the boots, taking the Cowboys to their first-ever premiership in 2015 before also taking over the Queensland Maroons Origin side.
In a playing and coaching career of many highlights, Green’s greatest would be his role in taking North Queensland to its maiden premiership in 2015.
Green first took the helm at the Cowboys in 2014 and saw immediate results as the Cowboys won the inaugural NRL Auckland Nines tournament.
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North Queensland carried the pre-season form into the season proper, finishing in fifth spot on the ladder before being eliminated by the Roosters in dramatic fashion in the semi-finals.
The Cowboys improved to third in the 2015 season and this time around went all the way to the title, taking down the Broncos in a golden-point thriller for the ages.
North Queensland got back to the grand finale under Green’s watch in 2017 too, even without legendary halfback Johnathan Thurston, but were outclassed by Melbourne.
Paul Green in action for Cronulla.Source: News Corp Australia
North Queensland carried the pre-season form into the season proper, finishing in fifth spot on the ladder before being eliminated by the Roosters in dramatic fashion in the semi-finals.
The Cowboys improved to third in the 2015 season and this time around went all the way to the title, taking down the Broncos in a golden-point thriller for the ages.
North Queensland got back to the grand finale under Green’s watch in 2017 too, even without legendary halfback Johnathan Thurston, but were outclassed by Melbourne.
Last year Thurston revealed the first conversation he had with Green that led to the drought-breaking title triumph in 2015.
“He arrived to the club in 2014 and I remember the first meeting we had at the Dally M’s of 2013,” Thurston told WWOS.
“He asked me what was the perception of the Cowboys at that time. I said, ‘We’re pretty inconsistent’. He stopped me pretty much and said ‘You can’t win away from home, and you can’t win when you’re on the sidelines’ so what do I need to do to change that?
Johnathan Thurston and Paul Green after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia
“We needed to get everyone training to an intensity that is required and he did that, and over those years we went on to win a premiership, make four straight finals and another grand final so he’s a great coach.
“I was bought to the club in 2005 to win a premiership. He got everyone to that level and won that first ever premiership for the club which was great scenes for North Queensland and we’ll never forget it.”
Green said he would “always treasure” the premiership-winning year with the Cowboys upon his exit from the club in 2020.
“I am grateful to the board for allowing me to lead this club whilst creating some lifelong memories,” he said at the time.
Iconic: Green goes wild in 2015 GF win | 00:27
‘AN OUTSTANDING CAREER’: NRL WORLD COUNTRIES TRIBUTE TO GREEN
Tributes were quick to flow in from the rugby league world after news broke of Green’s sudden death.
Former Melbourne Storm and Maroons hooker Cameron Smith called it “shocking news” on SEN Radio.
“A very sad part of the day,” Smith said, reacting to the news alongside Denan Kemp, who was coached by Green in the early stages of his rugby league career.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Maroons coach Paul Green celebrate. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“It’s certainly rocked myself and Kempy in the studio and everyone in the rugby league world.
“It’s a sad day for everyone involved in the rugby league family and community. We send our best wishes and condolences out to the entire Green family.”
Kemp spent a bit of time learning from Green in the early stages of his career and paid tribute to his ability to turn around the Queensland Cup team the Wynnum Seagulls after a challenging start to the season.
“I was fortunate enough, he was my kicking and catching coach when I was coming through at the Broncos and he was also my coach when I was at Wynnum,” Kemp said.
“I had a small amount to do with him but in the time I did, it was actually really interesting the year I was at Wynnum I ended up signing with another club to leave but we had a really tough start to the season. Greeny managed to turn the Wynnum Seagulls around and we won the premiership that year.
“He’s a fighter. It’s a very sad day to see Greeny go like that.”
‘It’s numbered the state of Queensland’ | 03:08
Former teammate, Martin Lang, posted on Twitter: “This is so sad. Paul was a close mate, we moved to Sydney together in 1993….the beginning of an outstanding NRL playing/coaching career. My sincere condolences to Paul’s wife, children and his dear mum and dad. Rest In Peace mate.”
Meanwhile, Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings wrote: “Can’t believe the Paul Green news this morning. Achieved it all as a player and coach still had so much to give, taken way to soon. Thoughts and prayers with family and friends. Makes you realize to take nothing for granted. RIP.”
North Queensland halfback Chad Townsend also paid his respects, writing: “RIP Paul Green. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends of him at this time. ”
The Eels, Sharks and Roosters Broncos also posted tributes to Green on social media while the Cowboys made a statement on the club’s website.
“Paul first came to our club as a player in the late 90s and was the club’s first Origin representative, but his lasting legacy emanated from his seven-season tenure as Head Coach of the North Queensland Cowboys,” chairman Lewis Ramsay said.
“Paul’s arrival as Head Coach transformed our club from finals contenders to an immediate premiership force, culminating in the historic 2015 Grand Final victory.
“We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history.”
NRL OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys said: “Paul was a brilliant player, and then became one of the few to make a very successful transition into coaching. As a player, he represented Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos, and throughout his career he had a reputation as a halfback who was as tough as he was skilful. Paul was rewarded with the Rothmans Medal in 1995.
“As a coach he led the North Queensland Cowboys to one of the most famous Grand Final victories of all time – against Brisbane Broncos in 2015. He represented Queensland and Australia as a player, and only last year coached the Maroons in the State of Origin series.
“I had the pleasure of sitting on the NRL Competition Committee and found Paul to be a passionate, smart and witty individual. Our condolences go to his family and to his many friends of him. ”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said: “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and on behalf of the game, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family, his friends, and those who have been inspired and mentored by him over the course of his long career.”
PAUL GREEN FACT FILE
Playing record:
-Halfback; played 162 first grade games 1994-2004.
* Played 95 games for Cronulla (1994-98)
* 35 for North Queensland (1999-2000)
* 20 for Sydney Roosters (2001-02)
* 7 for Parramatta (2003)
* 5 for Brisbane (2004)
– Played for Cronulla in 1997 Super League grand final
– Represented Queensland in seven State of Origin games 1999-2001.
– Played two Super League Tests for Australia 1997
Coaching appointments:
– Brisbane Broncos Assistant Coach 2009
– Wynnum-Manly Intrust Super Cup 2010-12
-Sydney Roosters Holden Cup 2013
– Sydney Roosters Assistant NRL coach 2013
– Queensland Residents 2012-13
– North Queensland 2014-20
-Queensland 2021
Coaching achievements:
– Won Intrust Super Cup titles with Wynnum-Manly 2011, 2012
– Steered Sydney Roosters Holden Cup team to Finals Series 2013
– Took North Queensland to Finals Series 2014-17
– Won premiership with North Queensland 2015
– Won World Club Championship with North Queensland 2016
Controversial rugby league player manager Isaac Moses looks set to return to the NRL after a leaked email revealed he has been given the green light to return to the industry again.
Moses had been deregistered for 18 months after he was found to have breached his obligations as an agent in 2017 while working with then client Tim Mannah.
There was no guarantee Moses would be cleared to return to the game again but now he and another banned agent, Gavin Orr, have been given a reprieve.
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“He has been reinstated according to a leaked document,” rugby league reporter Michelle Bishop said on SEN 1170.
“A panel, we haven’t been told who was actually sitting on the panel to make the call on Tuesday night, listened to the managers pleading their case. They’ve decided that they’ve done their time and offered to lift their ban.
“Moses, who has a stable of about 100 players and looks after some coaches as well, he was deregistered in February 2021 for breaching his obligations as an agent. He was looking after Tim Mannah at the time. That ended in tears, I won’t go into finer details, but he’s back after 18 months.
“Gavin Orr had some issues in and around the salary cap with Cheyse Blair when he was at Parramatta. At one stage we were talking about both these player agents facing life bans. It’s been a massive turnaround.”
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At the time of Moses’ ban in February 2021, the NRL Appeals Committee described his breach as “one of great seriousness”.
Fox League’s James Hooper had reported back in April that Moses was getting closer to being allowed back into the game, not that the ban was stopping him from finding another way to support his clients.
“Technically, Moses has been banned from directly dealing with all 16 NRL clubs since the beginning of last year,” Hooper wrote in April.
“But in reality the deregistered agent’s company Cove Agency is still one of the most influential in the game and has been as busy as ever with a list of more than 100 NRL players on the books.
“Moses simply handed over the reins of the operation to his cousin – Stephen Moses – the brother of Eels halfback Mitchell Moses.”
The Penrith Panthers have been defended against claims of arrogance directed at the club from Storm chairman Matt Tripp ahead of their grudge match on Thursday night.
Ahead of their Round 22 clash, the Panthers rivally with the Storm was ignited by Penrith chair Greg Alexander’s comments suggesting Melbourne brought the wrestle into the game, prompting a fiery response.
“Ivan Cleary has responded to explosive comments from Storm chairman Matt Tripp that labeled Penrith deputy chairman Greg Alexander and the Panthers club arrogant after Alexander accused Storm of pioneering wrestling tactics in the game,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360.
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“Tripp hit back with this pointed attack: “For the deputy chair of one of our biggest competitors to make unfounded and stupid comments, just goes to the arrogance of that club and their perceived status in the game.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary defended the club after Tripp’s scathing attack in light of Alexander’s comments in his role as a commentator, which has nothing to do with Penrith as a club.
“Absolutely unfair,” Cleary said.
“I’m not here to judge anybody else. I know that Brandy (Alexander) is an outstanding commentator. He is a decorated figure in the game for many years as a player and a commentator. I think if anyone is able to have an opinion it is Brandy and most of his opinions of him are spot on.
“That was his opinion in a different role so I don’t think it is fair for everyone else at our club to be labeled what we were.
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Ivan Cleary has defended his players and the Panthers as a club.Source: News Corp Australia
“I don’t know why people say it, but I don’t believe it is true. The consistency we have shown over the last three years, I don’t think there is any way you can do that if you are disrespectful or arrogant.
“I’m not sure how every other club does it, but if there is any team that has players that spend more time with the public and kids, particularly after games, than our boys do then I would like to see it.
“We are very proud of our club and our boys. We are probably not perfect, but I would like to think we are doing a decent job.”
“The Penrith Panthers are not doing a decent job, they are doing an outstanding job,” Anasta said.
“They have been marvelous the last few years and they are close to greatness looking to go back-to-back. Are they arrogant?”
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Jarome Luai has been accused of crossing the line on the field at times.Source: Getty Images
The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read believes there needs to be a clear line between what the Panthers do on and off the field and defended any perceived arrogance from players during matches.
“I think you have got to differentiate what they are like on the field and off the field,” Read said.
“Ivan was talking about how they do a lot of work with kids. Off the field those guys like Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary are fantastic blokes.
“On the field they play with swagger. They play with a bit of arrogance. You have got to have that to be successful.”
Anasta agreed that arrogance can be a powerful tool for a sporting team when used correctly.
“Don’t you want that?” Anasta said.
PK: ‘The fact is players get injured!’ | 02:24
“In any sport you have got to have confidence. Some people think they cross the line a little bit but you need confidence. You need a little bit of arrogance. You need to go out there thinking, I’ve got you covered.”
Paul Kent believes the Panthers are an outstanding club off the field and if the players show arrogance on the field, their success has given them the right to express themselves.
“It all shapes in narratives,” Kent said.
“They do have swagger. They are confident and they are aggressive and they let you know it and they actually reveal it in showing you how well they are going.
“That’s on the field. Ivan didn’t address that at all. I have addressed them off the field where he was 100 per cent right.
Buzz: Roosters have looming cap issues | 04:08
“They are tremendous the way they interact with their fans and give back to the community.
“I think it is not a bad thing what they do on the field. It annoys me sometimes. I don’t like seeing some of the things, but it is part of the big picture.
“Everyone wants it to be completely black or completely white. They are neither. They are somewhere in the middle and that is where the fun happens to be honest.
“They are a little bit arrogant on the field, but it is a healthy arrogance.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield believes the Panthers players are expressing themselves and their upbringing, which they are very proud of.
“You don’t want a dull boring footy team,” Rothfield said.
“You want personality. You want characters.
“What we see from Penrith on the football field is these boys who have grown up in the district in tough areas around Mt Druit and St Marys and they are characters.
“They just love celebrating it. I don’t think it is arrogance.”
Paul Kent has blasted the decision from the NRL to hand down a one week suspension to Ricky Stuart for his infamous spray of Panthers playmaker Jaeman Salmon.
Stuart is banned from all duties with the Raiders team for a period of one week and was hit with a $25,0000 fine for calling Salmon a “weak-gutted dog”.
“Is this sufficient or over the top?” Braith Anasta asked on NRL 360.
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“It says that the NRL are just trying to set an example here because he is actually the first coach to be suspended.”
Kent believes the NRL have been looking to set an example for coaches criticizing officials and chose to make Stuart the test case after his unique outburst at a player over personal history.
“I don’t agree with it,” Kent said.
“I think the NRL have been looking to suspend a coach and they engineered backwards on this one.
“I think they went backwards from OK this is an opportunity to do it, so let’s apply it.
“I had a vigorous conversation today with Andrew Abdo. I understand where he is coming from. I don’t agree with it and he doesn’t agree where I’m coming from.
“His reason was because the comment was made in a public forum, which was an unacceptable comment.”
Kent took aim at the over the top reactions from nameless people on radio who were calling for Stuart to be banned for the rest of the season.
“Those idiots on radio who don’t even use their own names and sit there and say he should get the rest of the season, piss off,” Kent said.
“Who cares what they think. There is too many people who I don’t think are invested enough in the game. They just have these off the cuff comments.
“Ricky Stuart said the wrong thing. I have acknowledged that almost immediately.
“I have not defended once the fact that he said it where he said it. I understand the reasons he did and I still believe if the reasons ever came out then people and public opinion would swiftly turn in his favor.
“I spoke to Abdo about that today and he said, we could not find corroborating evidence about that.
“I said, well you have given yourself what? You started the investigation yesterday and you have closed it today, so you haven’t really had a real crack at finding corroborating evidence. But I’ll accept that.
“I just don’t believe this was worthy of a one-game suspension when we know for a fact that they have been angling to do this for some time to find the coach to do it to.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio revealed the NRL had another coach in their sights to ban, before Stuart was the first to be made an example of.
“The NRL have been considering going down this path for some time with coaches who have a history of being fined for post match comments,” Riccio said.
“They know that the fine system isn’t having an impact.
“I know of a situation where the NRL were considering hitting another coach with a game ban. A separate coach to Ricky.”
Kent believes there is no consistency and link between the Stuart ban and coaches criticizing referees after matches.
“The NRL have had this suspension system, that they have now implemented, in place to apply to coaches because they don’t believe coaches are getting the lesson about generally criticizing referees after the game,” Kent said.
“Then on the other hand we have got this incident, which is such a one-off and so out of context with anything that has ever happened in the game.
“It is the first time it has happened and I think if you treated it as a once in a lifetime thing where you say, you have really stuffed up here and shouldn’t have done it therefore you are going to be fined for it and that’s it. I think it would rest there.
“But they have managed to take the bit out of this that they want to apply and the bit out of that they want to apply and they have put it all in there and ignored the overall picture.
“There is no consistency between saying, Ricky you said the wrong thing here and it is extremely out of left field what you have done, but by the same token you blokes aren’t copping the tip so we are going to sit down and apply what we apply to every other coach. There is no consistency there.”
Riccio believes the ban on Stuart from not even being involved with the club in any way for a whole week is harsh, given what players cop for indiscretions.
“I think it is tough, Riccio said.
“If we look at it from the aspect of a player when they get suspended they miss the game.
“The best part of the week for a coach is game day and coaching the game. When a player gets suspended they don’t miss training. They are still allowed to be part of the group.
“It is hugely significant. It shouldn’t be underestimated how big this is because he can’t do anything whatsoever.
“He has basically been deregistered for one week. I would be happy for him to miss the game not the entire preparation. I think it is harsh because take away what hurts him most and that is game day. That is coaching.”
However, Paul Crawley believes the NRL had no choice but to give Stuart a suspension given the nature of his comments directed at a player and thinks it is a fair result, but defended the circumstances surrounding the mistake from the Raiders coach.
“I think the NRL had no choice but to hand down a match suspension,” Crawley said.
“There were calls for Ricky to be stood down for the remainder of the season and that was just outrageous and ridiculous.
“I think one game is about as fair as it could have been. There is no doubt in the world Ricky has shown remorse for his comments on him and the club have backed the NRL to make whatever decision they have made and Ricky will learn from it.
“But at the end of the day Ricky is Ricky and coaches make mistakes.
“They are forced to go to these press conferences and forced to front up when they are at their emotional best.
“He got through that entire press conference and he got to the last question and the name was brought up and that’s what he reacted to and if people understand that they may understand the reason he did it.”
Originally published as ‘P**s off’: Host slams ‘idiots’ calling for season ban as NRL accused of scapegoating Ricky Stuart
The Sydney Roosters are facing a salary cap crisis with reports $5.2 million of their salary cap is tied up in seven players with others set for contract upgrades in 2023.
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield revealed the Roosters have seven players in the NRL’s 100 highest players, which could provide a problem when some rising stars gain contract upgrades in the off-season.
“We have come up with the 100 highest paid players in the competition and what it does show is the Roosters with their list are going to have some cap pressure,” Rothfield said on NRL 360.
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“In 2022 they have got Tedesco on $1.1m, Luke Keary on $850,000, Joseph Manu ($720k), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ($700k), Angus Crichton ($700k), Sio Siua Taukeiaho ($625k) and Victor Radley ( $510k) for a total of $5,205,000.
“The cap in 2021 is only $9.4 million so there is a lot of under paid players there.
“The problem for the Roosters is next year they have got to chuck Brandon Smith into that and you have also got to throw Joseph Suaalii into that who is on $700,000 next year.
“The other issue is Sam Walker is off-contract next year and as you know there aren’t many great young halves around, so he is going to have to get some serious money.”
Paul Kent questioned how the Roosters can pay the other 23 players in their squad less than half of what their seven highest paid stars earn.
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James Tedesco is one of seven Roosters stars in the top 100 highest paid NRL players.Source: Getty Images
“How do you get 23 more players in on $4.2 million?” Kent asked.
“That is a lot of money in seven players.”
Braith Anasta asked Rothfield if he believes the Roosters will have to let some of their big earners go to build a successful team for 2023.
“Are you saying that the Roosters are in some salary cap pressure and they are going to find it hard to keep everyone next year?” Anasta asked.
Rothfield spoke to Roosters boss Nick Politis about the state of the Roosters salary cap heading into 2023.
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PK: ‘The fact is players get injured!’ | 02:24
“Angus Crichton is not on that list and his contract hasn’t been registered yet for 2023, so if you put Angus Crichton in you are going up to nearly $6 million,” Rothfield said.
“I spoke to Nick Politis today and his position on the salary cap is this. Boyd Cordner was medically retired which took $720,000 out of their salary cap.
“There were some minor players they let go in Sam Verills, Ronald Volkman, Lachlan Lam, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Daniel Suluka-Fifita went to Souths.
“So they have probably lost $1.5 million with those players including Taukeiaho.
“I still think it is going to be a squeeze, without setting alarm bells for their players or fans I think there are a few that are going to have to be tapped.”
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However, Brent Read revealed the salary cap is set to rise by $1.5 million at least for 2023 and beyond.
“We should say the cap hasn’t been set for next year and it will go up,” Read said.
“There is a big meeting on Thursday between the NRL and the club CEO’s about the salary cap.
“I think it will go up to at least $12 million next year.”
However, Anasta believes as it stands it looks like some players will have to take pay cuts to keep the team together.
“In looking at that they can’t really be in the market for anyone,” Anasta said.
“They are unlikely to be looking for new players and a few players may have to take pay cuts if they want to stay there it would seem by the numbers.”
Jake Turpin is out in the cold after the Broncos confirmed he will not be at the club next season, while a potential suitor has denied they are interested in his services.
Meanwhile, the Broncos are set to give Kobe Hetherington a pay rise in a bid to ward off NRL rivals and Eels star Will Penisini is open to a switch to rugby union.
Read on for all the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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BRONCOS HOOKER IN NRL WILDERNESS
Jake Turpin is out in the cold after the Broncos confirmed he will not be at the club next season, while the Knights have denied they are interested in his services.
Newscorp reported Turpin will not be at the Broncos next season, while the Knights have denied they will make a play to lure him to the Hunter.
The Broncos are set to invest in incumbents Billy Walters and Cory Paix as well as rising rookie Blake Mozer as their dummyhalf options moving forward.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters confirmed Turpin is not in the club’s long-term plans and will not be offered a new deal in 2022.
“At the moment, there is nothing for Jake with us for next year unfortunately,” Walters told Newscorp.
“The reality is it was going to be hard to keep Jake.
“We have Billy (Walters) and Cory Paix in our squad at the moment, so as much as you would love to keep all your players, with the salary-cap it’s difficult.
Payten opens up on time with Cowboys | 06:27
“’Turps’ has played some great games for the Broncos, and he is good at those little effort areas, particularly in defense, but with our roster, we don’t have any spots left for the hooker position.”
Knights Director of Football Peter Parr poured cold water on reports Newcastle will target Turpin as a back-up to Jayden Brailey.
“He is a wholehearted player but his name hasn’t been mentioned to me at all (by recruitment manager Clint Zammit), so we have no plans to sign him” Parr said.
The 25-year-old has scored four tries in 56 games for the Broncos since his debut in 2018 and won the club’s most consistent player award just last season.
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Jake Turpin is on the lookout for a new club.Source: Getty Images
EELS STAR OPEN TO CODE SWITCH
Eels young gun Will Penisini is open to a switch to rugby union in the future as the club looks to lock him to a long-term extension.
Newscorp reported Penisini, who played the rival code at school with Roosters star Joseph Suaalii at Kings College, hasn’t shut the door on a potential move to the 15-man game in the future.
“I’m not closing the door on rugby union,” Penisini told News Corp.
“Right now, I am content with where I am at Parramatta and I’m loving rugby league at the moment. I am just at the start of my career and I want to build my game and focus on playing consistent footy for Parramatta and try not to look too far ahead about the decision between rugby league or rugby union.”
The Eels are already trying to extend Penisini beyond his current deal, which expires in 2023.
The 20-year-old center has scored seven tries in 25 games for the Eels since his debut in 2021 and has already played one Test for Tonga, who he is likely to feature for at the World Cup.
Will Penisini is open to a switch to rugby union.Source: Getty Images
BRONCOS UP OFFER TO YOUNG GUN AS RIVALS CIRCLE
Broncos lock Kobe Hetherington is set for a massive pay rise as Brisbane aim to ward off approaches from rival clubs for his services.
Newscorp reported Hetherington is set to earn a pay rise of $200,000 a year as the club aims to lock him up on a two-year extension.
However, it is believed Hetherington, who is starting for Brisbane in the absence of the suspended Patrick Carrigan, could command upwards of $300,000 on the open market.
Hetherington is a versatile forward who can cover back row, front row and hooker, with no shortage of clubs keen on a player of his ability.
The 23-year-old has scored three tries in 33 games for the Broncos since his debut in 2021 and has been a mainstay of Kevin Walters’ pack rotation this season.
Kobe Hetherington is set for a pay rise.Source: Getty Images
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The Wests Tigers have made an inquiry with Wigan about the prospect of bringing 2019 Dally M Backrower of the Year John Bateman back to the NRL in 2023.
In a move unrelated to Isaiah Papali’i having second thoughts about switching from Parramatta to Concord next year, Tigers director of football Tim Sheens has confirmed the club has made the approach.
The catch is going to be Bateman is under contract with Wigan until at least the end of 2024 and for now the Warriors have blocked the Tigers move.
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Bateman was one of the standout backrowers in the NRL the year the Canberra Raiders made the grand finale in 2019 before his tenure in the national capital sourced over a contract stalemate with the Green Machine.
Bateman then returned home to the UK at the end of the 2020 NRL season after inking a four-year deal with Wigan through until the end of 2024.
The Raiders were forced to pay a $250,000 transfer fee to Bradford to bring Bateman to the NRL the first time around but the one bonus with transfer fees to English clubs is they aren’t included in the NRL clubs salary cap.
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The Tigers have made a play for former Raiders star John Bateman.Source: Getty Images
The Bateman approach is creative thinking from Sheens trying to look outside the square and devise recruitment ploys aimed at overhauling the Wests Tigers roster.
The Tigers have made some recruitment moves this week by re-signing Brent Naden, Asu Kepoa and Starford To’a but the real recruitment space where they need to get busy is the re-signing of Adam Doueihi.
Doueihi is easily the Tigers best player, a local junior and the type of leader the Wests Tigers need to build the club around.
With Sheens and Benji Marshall now having control of the steering wheel at least it won’t be left to dithering management types to make another misguided mistake.
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‘He gets angry at some weird things’ | 01:13
The issue with Doueihi is he’s going to be a free agent as of November 1 and you can guarantee rival clubs are going to be getting the queue to try and convince the five-eighth to switch allegiances.
The Tigers need to sharpen their pencil and try and get a long-term deal done now prior to the stronger clubs being able to table a deal.
The Melbourne Storm have already had one crack at getting Doueihi on loan for the remainder of this year and with uncertainty surrounding the future of Cameron Munster the Tigers five-eighth would make an ideal replacement.
