Fox League – Page 5 – Michmutters
Categories
Sports

Cameron Munster, contract, future, Melbourne Storm, Dolphins, Craig Bellamy, Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi

news corp Journalist Phil Rothfield fears that if Cameron Munster leaves the Storm, the club will be in a “serious decline.”

Munster is contracted to the Storm until the end of 2023 but from November 1 rival clubs can officially table the star five-eighth offers.

The Dolphins, who join the competition next year, have made their interest in Munster no secret, however even if they were to land him it won’t be until 2024 with the 27-year-old reiterating his commitment to the Storm in July.

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 >

Munster, nor his manager Braith Anasta, have given any indication of where the Queensland Origin star’s future lays beyond next season.

But Rothfield suggested on NRL 360 that the Storm could not afford losing Munster.

Asked if the Storm are on a decline off the back mixed form this season, Rothfield said: “Depends what happens with Cameron Munster.

“If Munster leaves I think they are definitely in a serious decline. If he stays, I know they’ve lost a couple of forwards but I think they’ll be OK if Cameron stays,” he added.

Fair to criticize Storm for tackling? | 02:04

The Storm will farewell Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers at the end of the season with the former joining the Roosters and the others joining the Dolphins.

fellow news corp Journalist Michael Carayannis acknowledged that losing Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers shouldn’t hurt the Storm too much.

“I think some of the forwards they’re losing are at the right age to lose them,” he said.

“They’re going to be hard to replace and they’ve given them great service but they’re in the back end of their careers.”

MORE NRL NEWS

IN TROUBLE: Stuart facing unprecedented ban with NRL boss ‘so angry’

TALKING POINTS: NRL facing moment of truth after ‘ugly’ Ricky spray

WHISPERS: Dragons eye hookers amid shock retirement; Haas’ lucrative switch

DRAMA: Knights trainer breaks silence, reveals word that made Klemmer saga ‘worse’

However NRL 360 host Anasta believes this next chapter “is the biggest test in their history.”

“We just spoke about their success over a long time, this is going to be their biggest challenge and I think they’re a little bit worried about that,” Anasta said.

“Every other year, over the past couple of decades, they’ve had the depth in the club, they’ve had leaders there, they’ve had successful players that can carry them through this.”

Paul Kent added: “And Craig Bellamy only has one more year.”

One game suspension harsh on Ricky? | 03:27

Bellamy signed a five-year extension in 2021 that allows him to decide each season whether he will continue as head coach or move into a coaching director role.

In May Bellamy, who has steered the club to three premierships, committed to coaching again in 2023.

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

.

Categories
Sports

NRL 2022: Ricky Stuart weak-gutted dog spray, one-game suspension, fine, punishment, Jaeman Salmon, Raiders, Panthers

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart will reportedly be suspended for one game and slapped with a $20,000 fine for his “weak-gutted dog” spray directed towards Panthers player Jaeman Salmon.

Stuart produced the stunning comments after the Raiders’ loss to the Panthers on Saturday. It was triggered by Salmon kicking Raiders hooker Tom Starling during the game.

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 >

“I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well,” he said.

“He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak gutted dog person now.”

news corp Journalist Phil Rothfield reported on NRL 360 that Stuart will likely be stood down from coaching the Raiders’ clash with the Dragons on Sunday.

“I spoke to them (the NRL) about 15 minutes ago and Ricky Stuart will not be coaching the Canberra Raiders this weekend,” Rothfield said.

“In the next 24 hours they will announce, the NRL, a one-week suspension and a $20,000 fine.”

NRL 360 co-host Paul Kent revealed Stuart had spoken to Jason King at the Integrity Unit and revealed the “personal” story behind the attack on Salmon.

“I rang the NRL today, they are aware of it and they will put their investigation together and such is the personal nature of this investigation there will be things that will not be going into the written report,” he said.

“King will speak to (Andrew) Abdo, disclose some of what’s happened, but out of respect for the personal nature of what it actually is about, it will be kept out of the written submission.

“Whether that damages Ricky in his overall fight to not get suspended, I don’t know. When I asked him about that he was prepared to live with the consequences of that.”

Rothfield confirmed that the NRL is “aware” of “all the personal details” and while Stuart has not revealed anything publicly, he “did tell the Integrity Unit every single detail.”

Rothfield added: “This is something that’s been boiling away at him for over a decade and he hasn’t been able to have closure on it. It’s his own kids from him… I’m not defending him but I’m trying to give context on what triggered what happened.

Kent, who had also heard about Stuart’s looming one-game suspension, slammed the NRL for entertaining a suspension when the investigation had not yet completed.

“The investigation is not even over yet and you’re saying — and I’ve heard the same — one game for Ricky,” he said.

“I’ve got no problem with them fining him, but to suspend him for this… (News Corp journalist) Dave Riccio was speaking on radio saying how the NRL has come out and basically for some time now has been saying coaches aren’t ‘t paying enough attention to the ends, we might need to start suspending them.

“That’s in one area, then in the second area we’ve got all these people saying this is well-beyond what anyone else has done so he needs to be suspended. The two things don’t actually correlate, yet people are marrying it up together to give him one game.

“It looks like a Kangaroo court the fact that the disciplinary hearing is not even over and we’ve all heard he’s going to get a game — it’s not even over yet.”

However, news corp journalist Michael Carayannis believes the ban is “fair.”

“I would have much rathered if Ricky confronted Jaeman after the game in the sheds and sprayed him one-on-one… but you can’t be doing that in public. He essentially slandered him — he can’t be unpunished,” Caryannis said.

“I think the one-game suspension is fair. You can’t be doing that.”

Kent reiterated that the issue for him is the suspension, to which Caryannis asked “what’s the deterrent then?”

Meanwhile, Rothfield revealed that Stuart will be the first coach to cop a one-game suspension.

“It’s never ever happened before in the game,” he said.

Originally published as NRL’s punishment for Ricky Stuart over ugly spray revealed as ‘kangaroo court’ slammed

.

Categories
Sports

Wests Tigers vs Cowboys, escort penalty, captain’s challenge, video, outcome, Asu Kepaoa, Kyle Feldt

The NRL has conceded the use of the captain’s challenge “needs to be reviewed,” however no action will be taken regarding the Wests Tigers’ controversial loss to the Cowboys in Round 19.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have confirmed they will not pursue the matter any further.

The Tigers lodged a formal complaint after the Cowboys received an escort penalty in the final seconds of the game, allowing Valentine Holmes to kick the matchwinning goal.

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 >

While there were big question marks raised over the penalty itself, there was also confusion over how the Cowboys were able to trigger a captain’s challenge when it seemed like play was never stopped.

As a result the Tigers demanded answers and began looking at legal options to potentially get the result overturned.

NRL defends Bunker call | 00:43

The NRL acknowledged that the escort penalty was incorrect but stood by the Cowboys’ right to use their captain’s challenge.

Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe and chairman Lee Hagipantelis met with ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and NRL head of football Graham Annesley last week to discuss the matter.

The NRL released a statement on Monday afternoon to confirm that no action will be taken regarding the result other than a review of the captain’s challenge at the end of the season.

MORE NRL NEWS

IN TROUBLE: Stuart facing unprecedented ban with NRL boss ‘so angry’

TALKING POINTS: NRL facing moment of truth after ‘ugly’ Ricky spray

WHISPERS: Dragons eye hookers amid shock retirement; Haas’ lucrative switch

DRAMA: Knights trainer breaks silence, reveals word that made Klemmer saga ‘worse’

“The Chairman and CEO of the Wests Tigers met with the Chairman of the ARLC, NRL CEO and NRL Head of Football last week,” an NRL statement read.

“The meeting was agreed to discuss various aspects of the rulings made in the final minutes of the Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys match on 24 July 2022, being the subject of a formal complaint lodged by Wests Tigers with the NRL.

“The NRL has acknowledged the concerns raised by the Wests Tigers and in response has put forward its interpretation of the rules which enabled the Captain’s Challenge to be made and the subsequent decision of the Bunker match official.

“The NRL has already acknowledged that the Bunker official decision of “escort” was incorrect, leading to the erroneous awarding of a penalty in favor of North Queensland Cowboys which ultimately decided the match.

Tigers Chair won’t rule out legal action | 04:10

“On the matter of whether the Captain’s Challenge was permissible in terms of how the rules were drafted, the NRL and the Wests Tigers expressed differing views and interpretation.

“The NRL is comfortable with the interpretation that was applied but has acknowledged, in light of the concerns raised by the Wests Tigers, that the rule needs to be reviewed at the end of the season to provide more clarity so as to ensure that there is no future misunderstanding as to the intent and application of the rule. Wests Tigers will be consulted as part of the review, together with other interested Clubs and stakeholders.

“The NRL acknowledges the professional and respectful manner in which the representatives of the Wests Tigers have pursued their concerns on behalf of their Club’s members and fans.

“There will be no further consideration in relation to the match of 24 July 2022.”

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

Following the NRL’s decision, the Tigers released a statement to confirm the club will not pursue legal action.

“Wests Tigers have decided not to pursue a course of legal action following the club’s loss to North Queensland Cowboys in Round 19 of the NRL Telstra Premiership,” the statement read.

“The club, through Chair Lee Hagipantelis and CEO Justin Pascoe, has been involved in lengthy discussions with the NRL over the past two weeks, and following the receipt of external legal advice, has decided against pursuing this matter any further.

“The NRL has acknowledged, in light of the concerns raised by the Wests Tigers, that the rules do need to be revised at the end of the season, so as to prevent similar incidents occurring again. Wests Tigers will be consulted as part of that review.

“Wests Tigers have been overwhelmed and humbled by the support the club has received from its members and fans.

“We have made our point to the NRL and made it forcibly. We did so on behalf of our members and fans and gave voice to their legitimate concerns that the outcome of the match was not just nor fair.

“We extracted a concession from the NRL that the obstruction penalty which was given was erroneous and therefore, by implication, Wests Tigers should have won that match.

“We know it, everyone knows it. Unfortunately, the history books will not record it that way.

.

Categories
Sports

Ricky Stuart, Canberra Raiders, punishment, ban, suspension, fine, sanction, Jaeman Salmon, Andrew Abdo, one game, two games

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart is facing a historic ban for his stunning attack on Panthers young gun Jaeman Salmon.

Stuart called Salmon “a weak-gutted dog” after the 23-year-old was placed on report for lashing out with his foot while being tackled by Raiders hooker Tom Starling.

The Salmon family has called on the NRL to act, while Stuart has copped an avalanche of criticism for the stunning outburst in his post-match press conference on Saturday night.

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 >

MORE NRL NEWS

TALKING POINTS: NRL facing moment of truth after ‘ugly’ Ricky spray

WHISPERS: Dragons eye hookers amid shock retirement; Haas’ lucrative switch

PHEW: Knights win a ‘relief for everyone’ after ‘tough’ week

DRAMA: Knights trainer breaks silence, reveals word that made Klemmer saga ‘worse’

The NRL are furious with the veteran coach and are expected to throw the book at Stuart, with the 55-year-old potentially facing an unprecedented ban.

Stuart has been fined $135,000 by the NRL since becoming a coach in 2002, but could now be looking at a match suspension for the first time.

NRL boss Andrew Abdo described the remarks as “very serious” and “disappointing” and is expected to speak again on Monday afternoon.

“I think it was so serious what happened that we’re looking beyond a fine this time,” Phil Rothfield said on Big Sports Breakfast.

“I think Andrew Abdo was so angry about it yesterday that he’ll probably look at some kind of suspension, it might just be standing him down for one week or two weeks.”

Ricky apologizes for salmon spray | 01:04

MORE NRL NEWS

‘SAVED MY LIFE’:Hynes’ touching tribute to ‘best mate’ after thick blow

‘TRULY SORRY’: Stuart issues apology to Salmon after controversial post-match spray

SIMS’ RED V CAREER OVER: Dragons veteran handed huge ban for ugly high shot

The NRL Integrity Unit launched an immediate investigation, while Stuart issued an apology on Sunday.

“I’ve crossed the line there on the weekend,” NRL journalist Adam Pengilly said on Big Sports Breakfast.

“I love Ricky’s passion and the way he talks about the game but he shouldn’t have used an NRL press conference to say what he did about an NRL player on an issue going back at least a decade.

“I think the NRL will be really hard and firm on this. Ricky has been fined a number of times in the past, we know that, but I would be very surprised if they don’t go down the route of suspension given how serious an issue it has been.

“Ricky did the right thing yesterday by apologizing but I’m very keen to see what Andrew Abdo and Peter V’landys come up with later today.

Knights get much-needed win over Tigers | 02:41

“I can’t think of a coach ever being suspended, certainly in the past 10 years I can’t think of an incident where a coach has been sat down on the sideline for something in a post-game press conference.

“We’ve seen off-field stuff, Shane Flanagan comes to mind, but nothing for a press conference.

“I think the NRL will wrap this up as quickly as they possibly can, if not this afternoon then tomorrow at the latest, they don’t want to leave this lingering on.

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

.

Categories
Sports

Kangaroos squad, Mal Meninga, World Cup teams, Nation eligibility, Joseph Suaalii, Roosters young gun, news, highlights

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has dropped his biggest selection hint yet, revealing Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii is a “genuine selection option”.

Meninga has a big job on his hands ahead of this year’s World Cup, with a number of players opting to represent their nation of heritage as opposed to the Kangaroos.

Maroons gun Josh Papalii will reportedly ply his trade for Samoa, joining Jarome Luai and Brian To’o, while Felise Kaufusi, Siosifa Talakai, Daniel Tupou and Kotoni Staggs are set to represent Tonga.

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 >

But in a huge boost, the Kangaroos are set to pick the Tricolours 19-year-old flyer in the Australian squad — should he chose to represent his country of birth.

Suaalii is currently in his first full season of first grade and was included in Brad Fittler’s Blues squad, scoring 13 NRL tries to date.

“I’m a fan of Joseph, absolutely, and he is right in the picture, particularly if the Roosters keep their run going to the finals,” Meninga said to the SMH.

“He is a genuine selection option, definitely. He’s just a talent. He has always been a talent. I like his courage from him.

“I remember ‘Izzy’ (Israel Folau) came in at a young age, so did ‘GI’ (Greg Inglis), so if you’re talking about age, there are no questions about Joseph handling the international stage.”

Parra pounce on Sea Eagles at Brookie | 02:39

MORE NRL NEWS

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

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

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

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

Meninga also referenced reports suggesting Australia’s rival code were in pursuit of the young gun, revealing it is “hardly a shock” the Wallabies could make a play.

“I read the reports that the Wallabies are looking at him, which is hardly a shock. They wouldn’t be doing their job if they weren’t looking at league players like him and wanting him to convert,” Meninga said.

“We do the same thing. Because Joseph has played union before, it only made it inevitable. He’s right in the mix for us.”

The Kangaroos incumbent wingers from their last game played in 2019 are Josh Addo-Carr and Nick Cotric.

With Cotric is unlikely to feature, and Addo-Carr being tipped for selection on the edge, Suaalii could find himself in the green and gold.

Melbourne and Munster take down Titans | 02:11

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

Suaalii made his intentions clear earlier in the week, making it clear he wants to compete in the end-of-year showcase.

“I honestly haven’t thought about it too much but I want to be there playing at the World Cup,” Suaalii said.

“I’m trying to make that Australian team and if I’m lucky enough I’ll make that Samoan team as well.

“If I get picked for either of them it would be an honour. If I’m playing at the World Cup I’ll be happy.”

.

Categories
Sports

David Klemmer stood down, Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers, Adam O’Brien, press conference, video, when David Klemmer will return

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has conceded that Sunday’s 14-10 win over the Tigers was a “relief for everyone” after what’s been a “tough” week for the club.

The Knights have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week after star prop David Klemmer was stood down for over disciplinary matter.

Klemmer sprayed a trainer and refused to come off in the Knights’ Round 20 loss to the Bulldogs with the incident being elevated to HR.

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 >

While being left out of the team for the Tigers clash, Klemmer was also handed a suspended fine.

The club copped criticism left, right and center in the lead-up to Sunday for its handling of a matter that happens often in the game.

Making matters worse, a report emerged earlier in the week alleging that a racist remark was made to a player by a staff member.

But the Knights put the horror week behind them and shot out a three-try lead on Sunday before surviving a comeback from the Tigers to seal the win.

Fox League analyst Michael Ennis said the squad looked “galvanised,” while Knights captain Jayden Brailey said after the game that the players used the turmoil as “a bit of motivation.”

“It was tough reading all the headlines and there was a lot of stuff that came out that we didn’t like and probably a lot of it wasn’t true,” he said.

“But I think in tough times you’ve got to stick together to pull yourself out of weeks like this.

“I think we probably did a really good job this week to block out the outside noise and use that as a bit of motivation to show who we really are… it was just a gritty performance tonight.”

“A big overreaction’ Johns on Klemmer | 04:26

O’Brien went through all the emotions in the coaches box during the game. The Knights shot out to a 14-nil lead at half time… but then the Tigers narrowed the scoreline to just four points to set up a grandstand finish.

MORE NRL NEWS

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

‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst

‘TRULY SORRY’: Stuart issues apology to Salmon after controversial post-match spray

SIMS’ RED V CAREER OVER: Dragons veteran handed huge ban for ugly high shot

Asked if the win — which snapped a four-game losing streak — was a relief, O’Brien said: “Definitely a relief for everyone — players, staff, families.

“It was ugly but we don’t care, we got it done,” he added.

“It matters. Everyone is invested, it’s not just me, everyone from physios to players.

“It was a tough week, I’m really proud of the players, they rallied, we were really united and trained well. I’m really pleased for them.

“These boys, they certainly grabbed it.

“The leaders addressed some stuff — there was some stuff that needed to be addressed.

“There’s no doubt there’s been a lot of commentary on our club and how we run things. Some things are learnings for us and some things are completely inaccurate, but when you’re losing you open yourself up to that so I get it.

“We’ll take our medicine, we’ll look at the parts that we can control and do something about… and the rest we’ll forget.”

Salmon family calls for action on Stuart | 03:00

O’Brien also gave insight into his involvement in the incident.

“I just gave a statement in and around when it got to that level, which it has to escalate up,” he said.

“I just made a statement regarding it but I’ve been around footy long enough to know it’s pretty hard to get some guys off the field sometimes. I’ve been in that position, but it’s dealt with now.”

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

He confirmed too that Klemmer will come straight back into the 17 for next week’s clash with the Broncos.

“Yep, it’s been dealt with,” O’Brien said when asked if Klemmer would return.

“There was a process it went through and sometimes when you go through a process you realize you can do it in a different way so you change it — so we’re better for going through that part.

“Big Klem accepted some accountability on some of his stuff, he has addressed the team and no doubt he’s dealt with now, he’s back in the team. He’s back at training now so I can pick him on Tuesday.”

.

Categories
Sports

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

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

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

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

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.

Categories
Sports

David Klemmer, Newcastle Knights trainer, Hayden Knowles, swearing, update, news

Newcastle Knights trainer Hayden Knowles has broken his silence and cleared up one of the biggest misconceptions to come out of his argument with David Klemmer last week.

Klemmer was stood down after an expletive-ridden outburst aimed at Knowles in the final 10 minutes of Newcastle’s loss to the Bulldogs.

While initial reports suggested Knowles was the one to instigate a HR investigation into the incident, it was later confirmed that Newcastle management made that move.

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 >

speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald for the first time since Sunday’s events, Knowles said he felt like his “reputation has taken a hit”.

“The swearing wasn’t the issue,” Knowles said, clearing up what he saw as a big misconception to come out of the dramatic week that was.

“That’s what everyone is losing sight of. For me it’s not personal with Klem. It wouldn’t matter if it was Kalyn Ponga, Nathan Cleary, Junior Paulo or Payne Haas. It wouldn’t matter who it is.

Commentators baffled by dodgy Bunker | 01:06

“If someone puts themselves before the team, I would forever die by the fact that I won’t tolerate that behaviour.”

Knowles told Herald he has a “very, very close” relationship with Klemmer and that in the end, all he was trying to do was “uphold the set of standards this team needs”.

“That’s what leaders do,” Knowles said.

“Sometimes leadership is tough. Sometimes you have to put the value of the team before anything, no matter who the person is. If our club, our roster, our management want success, they should be thanking me for trying to uphold the set of standards this team needs.”

MORE NRL NEWS

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

‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst

Sims distract after Tracey KO | 00:37

Klemmer was hit with a suspended fine for his actions but will be available for selection in next week’s clash with Brisbane.

Knowles admitted that the situation could have “been handled” better after Newcastle management reported the incident to HR.

“The word HR has made it worse,” he said.

“Phil (CEO Phil Gardner) wanted a report and wanted to hear from everyone. The behavior was there for all to be seen. Ideally, it wouldn’t have been handled like this. But that’s not my problem.”

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

Bunnies bash sad Warriors | 02:30

The Knights claimed a much-needed 14-10 win on Sunday to move past Sunday’s drama, having come under intense scrutiny for their handling of the Klemmer incident.

Cameron Smith was particularly strong when speaking on SEN Radio earlier in the week, calling on the Knights to “be better.”

“Well it’s strange really. If words were spoken between a player and a trainer, that’s happened a thousand times before,” Smith said on ‘The Captain’s Run’ on SEN Radioon Thursday.

“I’ve seen it first hand, I think you have as well. It’s not a new thing. I’m really confused as to why this is such a huge problem.

“The way I’ve seen it dealt with and sorted out in the past is that if there’s an issue… it’s dealt with in-person after the match.

“It’s just unnecessary. Like seriously, how bad have the words been spoken between David Klemmer and this trainer, to have a formal complaint made. It’s just ridiculous. Deal with it man to man.”

.

Categories
Sports

Bulldogs vs Cowboys, Murray Taulagi no-try, Valentine Holmes knock-on, video, result

Just a fortnight after they were gifted a win from a controversial Bunker call, the Cowboys were on the other end with a try being disallowed in their 28-14 win over the Bulldogs.

Although the Cowboys walked away with the win, there’s question marks over a Murray Taulagi try that was disallowed half way through the second half.

Taulagi crossed untouched in the corner to give his side a two-point lead with 20 minutes to go only for the referee to send it up to the Bunker.

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 >

Ricky apologizes for salmon spray | 01:04

“I’m looking for a bat-on, whether it goes forward,” referee Adam Gee said.

The play in question was Tom Dearden’s cutout pass to Taulagi that clipped Valentine Holmes’ shoulder before landing in Taulagi’s hands.

“It’s not a knock-on when it comes off his shoulder,” Fox League commentator Brenton Speed ​​said.

“It goes back anyway,” Steve Roach added.

MORE NRL NEWS

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

‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst

‘TRULY SORRY’: Stuart issues apology to Salmon after controversial post-match spray

SIMS’ RED V CAREER OVER: Dragons veteran handed huge ban for ugly high shot

Speed ​​was confident that “this try will stand”, however, Bunker official Matt Noyen ruled it a no-try saying “the ball touches the upper-arm, shoulder of Valentine Holmes… we’re supporting the on-field decision of the ball traveling forward.”

‘He pretty much saved my life’ | 01:07

Both Speed ​​and Roach were stunned by the call.

“It seems to me that we always find a way of why it’s not a try now,” Roach said.

“He was standing behind him, so how does it go forward?”

Sideline commentator Billy Moore agreed with Roach saying, “for me that was a try.”

The call didn’t mean too much in the context of the game though, with the Cowboys going on to score three more tries to seal the win.

It comes just two weeks after the Cowboys were on the other end of a contentious Bunker decision when they escaped with a controversial 27-26 win over the Tigers.

The Cowboys were awarded an escort penalty and Valentine Holmes slotted a goal on the siren to steal the win. Even coach Todd Payten conceded afterwards that the call was “debatable.”

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

.

Categories
Sports

Nicho Hynes tribute, Aaron Booth injury, best mates, Cronulla Sharks win, Gold Coast Titans, knee injury, Justin Holbrook, news

Sharks star Nicho Hynes has vowed to dedicate the rest of his season to his “best mate” Aaron Booth after suffering a gross knee injury against the Storm.

The 26-year-old’s knee buckled in thick scenes, collapsing underneath his weight in right angles while attempting to tackle Storm playmaker Cooper Johns.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook was clearly emotional when speaking about Booth’s injury which will end his 2022 campaign.

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 >

“I feel for Boothy,” Holbrook said.

“He’s fought really hard to get his shot this year and it’s going to be really nasty for him unfortunately.

“It’s really bad for him.”

Speaking after his side’s big win over the Dragons, Hynes said Booth “pretty much saved my life.”

“I want to try and dedicate the rest of this year to him, he is my best mate and he pretty much saved my life,” Hynes said.

The pair’s bond began when they were teammates at the Mackay Cutters.

MORE NRL NEWS

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

‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst

‘TRULY SORRY’: Stuart issues apology to Salmon after controversial post-match spray

SIMS’ RED V CAREER OVER: Dragons veteran handed huge ban for ugly high shot

Ricky apologizes for salmon spray | 01:04

Then when both Booth and Hynes were contracted at the Storm they lived together — becoming close mates.

“He’s had a terrible run with injuries and it just breaks my heart to see,” Hynes said.

“He’s worked so hard to get back to where he is each time to play NRL and he unfortunately just has no luck with injuries.

“I love him to death and I can’t wait to see him.”

As it stands, the extent of Booth’s injury is currently unknown — with further scans set to reveal how long the playmaker will stay off the field.

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

.