Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – Michmutters
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transfernews; Cameron Munster future; player signings, Wayne Bennett Dolphins; Latrell Mitchell; Roosters salary cap, Angus Crichton re-signs

Cameron Munster may soon be headed north with Wayne Bennett reportedly closing in on his marquee man.

Meanwhile, the Roosters have reportedly locked in a key forward after months of speculation surrounding his future.

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DOLPHINS NEW MARQUEE TARGET

Rugby League reporter Ben Dobbin believes Cameron Munster is set to sign a four-year deal with the Dolphins which would make him the highest paid player in the NRL.

“Munster is a Dolphin, in 2024 I think Munster is a Dolphin,” Dobbin said on Triple M.

“I think it will be a four-year deal,” Dobbin said.

“So that will be roughly around $6 million?” Gorden Tallis then asked.

“Is he worth it? Yes, can he change the fortunates of a club? Yes he can,” Dobbin said.

“Can you put tools around him and will it attract other players? Yes it will.”

While strong in his belief Bennett has his man, Dobbin revealed Bennett could make an audacious bid to lure Latrell Mitchell to Redcliff if the Munster bid fails.

The NRL supercoach mentored Latrell during 2020 and 2021, coming desperately close to a premiership last season.

“If they don’t get Cameron Munster, I’m going to throw you a smokey right now. I believe they will go after Latrell Mitchell… Wayne Bennett’s relationship with Latrell Mitchell runs deep,” Dobbin said on Triple M.

Tallis, however, believed Latrell Mitchell has his roots firmly placed at the South Sydney club, explaining he is the “happiest” he has ever been.

“It is too far away from his farm, I think for Latrell, there is a bigger picture for him,” Tallis said.

“I have never seen a guy more settled and going back to the country and doing what he is doing, that is more important to Latrell now than money.

“I think he is the happiest (he has been).”

MORE NRL NEWS

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‘PENALTY AT THE LEAST’: Raiders win in controversy ‘almost identical’ to Rd 16

‘A SHADOW OF HIMSELF’: Dragons blasted for handling of rising star

WHISPERS: Knights half eyes early exit, Panthers link to Tigers star heats up

Ciraldo signed to save Dogs! | 01:55

CRICHTON’S FUTURE SECURED

Roosters gun Angus Crichton has revealed his is set to re-sign with the Tricolours, ending speculation surrounding his immediate future.

Initially, the 26-year-old’s two-year contract extension was said to be a handshake deal with no formal contract being registered with the NRL.

Crichton himself acknowledged the speculation has been “tough” but never considered playing for any other club.

“I think we are really close to finalizing something, so hopefully in the next little bit I will sign on for the next two years,” Crichton told 9News.

“It has been tough to have that hanging over my head and to get it sorted will be a massive weight off my shoulders.

“I don’t want to play for any other team.”

Reports linked the Origin backrower to a move to the Tigers with the Roosters’ salary cap facing a big squeeze.

The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield revealed the immense cap pressure the Tricolours are under, with seven of the competition’s highest paid players on their books.

“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,” Rothfield said on NRL360.

With the impending arrival of Brandon Smith and an increase in salary for young gun Joseph Suaalii, Roosters bosses now have to squeeze the remaining 21 players into what is left of their salary cap.

The departure of Ronald Volkman, Freddy Lussick, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Lachlam Lam has opened cap space.

Sam Verills and Siosiua Taukeiaho are also set to leave at the season’s end, meaning the Roosters could have even more money to re-sign players for 2023 onwards.

Matty nails Buzz impersonation | 00:51

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transfernews; Cameron Munster future; player signings, Wayne Bennett Dolphins; Latrell Mitchell; Roosters salary cap, Angus Crichton re-signs

Cameron Munster may soon be headed north with Wayne Bennett reportedly closing in on his marquee man.

Meanwhile, the Roosters have reportedly locked in a key forward after months of speculation surrounding his future.

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 >

DOLPHINS NEW MARQUEE TARGET

Rugby League reporter Ben Dobbin believes Cameron Munster is set to sign a four-year deal with the Dolphins which would make him the highest paid player in the NRL.

“Munster is a Dolphin, in 2024 I think Munster is a Dolphin,” Dobbin said on Triple M.

“I think it will be a four-year deal,” Dobbin said.

“So that will be roughly around $6 million?” Gorden Tallis then asked.

“Is he worth it? Yes, can he change the fortunates of a club? Yes he can,” Dobbin said.

“Can you put tools around him and will it attract other players? Yes it will.”

While strong in his belief Bennett has his man, Dobbin revealed Bennett could make an audacious bid to lure Latrell Mitchell to Redcliff if the Munster bid fails.

The NRL supercoach mentored Latrell during 2020 and 2021, coming desperately close to a premiership last season.

“If they don’t get Cameron Munster, I’m going to throw you a smokey right now. I believe they will go after Latrell Mitchell… Wayne Bennett’s relationship with Latrell Mitchell runs deep,” Dobbin said on Triple M.

Tallis, however, believed Latrell Mitchell has his roots firmly placed at the South Sydney club, explaining he is the “happiest” he has ever been.

“It is too far away from his farm, I think for Latrell, there is a bigger picture for him,” Tallis said.

“I have never seen a guy more settled and going back to the country and doing what he is doing, that is more important to Latrell now than money.

“I think he is the happiest (he has been).”

MORE NRL NEWS

DONE DEAL: Bulldogs sign Ciraldo on long-term deal

‘PENALTY AT THE LEAST’: Raiders win in controversy ‘almost identical’ to Rd 16

‘A SHADOW OF HIMSELF’: Dragons blasted for handling of rising star

WHISPERS: Knights half eyes early exit, Panthers link to Tigers star heats up

Ciraldo signed to save Dogs! | 01:55

CRICHTON’S FUTURE SECURED

Roosters gun Angus Crichton has revealed his is set to re-sign with the Tricolours, ending speculation surrounding his immediate future.

Initially, the 26-year-old’s two-year contract extension was said to be a handshake deal with no formal contract being registered with the NRL.

Crichton himself acknowledged the speculation has been “tough” but never considered playing for any other club.

“I think we are really close to finalizing something, so hopefully in the next little bit I will sign on for the next two years,” Crichton told 9News.

“It has been tough to have that hanging over my head and to get it sorted will be a massive weight off my shoulders.

“I don’t want to play for any other team.”

Reports linked the Origin backrower to a move to the Tigers with the Roosters’ salary cap facing a big squeeze.

The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield revealed the immense cap pressure the Tricolours are under, with seven of the competition’s highest paid players on their books.

“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,” Rothfield said on NRL360.

With the impending arrival of Brandon Smith and an increase in salary for young gun Joseph Suaalii, Roosters bosses now have to squeeze the remaining 21 players into what is left of their salary cap.

The departure of Ronald Volkman, Freddy Lussick, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Lachlam Lam has opened cap space.

Sam Verills and Siosiua Taukeiaho are also set to leave at the season’s end, meaning the Roosters could have even more money to re-sign players for 2023 onwards.

Matty nails Buzz impersonation | 00:51

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NRL Rich 100 2022: Props overtake playmakers as rugby league’s best-paid players

Jesse Bromwich is the highest paid prop in the game with the front-rower leading a clear attitude shift over how much props should be paid.

In a game-changer for the code, the front-row position is now the highest-paid position in the NRL.

The second highest-paid prop is Roosters recruit Matt Lodge on $900,000. A portion of his current salary is being paid by former clubs, the Warriors and Broncos.

From the Rich 100, 26 of the top-earners are front-rowers.

The next best grossing position across the NRL is back rowers (15) and locks (14).

Halfbacks (10) are ranked fourth overall for position in the 2022 Rich 100, a possible insight into the death of quality halves currently in the NRL.

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Bromwich’s $1.05 million salary with the Melbourne Storm will shock league fans, who routinely rate Penrith’s James Fisher-Harris, Eels prop Junior Paulo, Broncos spearhead Payne Haas or Roosters powerhouse Jared Waerea-Hargreaves as the best go-forward merchant in the NRL.

Climbing from a 53rd ranking on the Rich 100 last year to be 13th overall this year, Bromwich has hit pay dirt in his final year in Melbourne on the back of a stellar career at the Storm which has included three premierships and three Player of the Year awards.

The Kiwi International and Storm captain is edging closer to 300 first grade games in what is his final season in Victoria before moving north to become an inaugural franchise player with The Dolphins.

The 33-year-old will take a major pay cut to join the NRL’s newest baby, but could still figure inside the top-50 highest-paid players next year.

The stunning increase in salaries for props is in direct contrast from a long-held view of supercoach Wayne Bennett, who historically refused to spend big-money in his pack.

Lodge has landed at the Roosters for the remainder of this season on a cut-price deal, although his full salary continues to be supplemented by payouts from both the Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors, the latter of whom have paid him out in full for next season.

Lodge is hoping to earn an extension with the Roosters.

A mainstay of the Rich 100, the next highest-paid prop is Andrew Fifita, who will farewell the list at the end of this season.

The off-contract Sharks prop is in the final year of a five-year contract that is valued at $850,000 a season.

His current overall ranking of 19 on the Rich 100, is shared with fellow front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake.

The Warriors scored a coup when they managed to get Fonua-Blake from Manly for the 2021 season.

He was already one of the game’s premier props when he arrived at the Warriors and he continues to lead from the front for a side that has faced plenty of recent adversity.

Locked in until the end of 2026, Fonua-Blake’s challenge will be delivered upon his worth at the back-end of his contract.

Knights prop David Klemmer is the next highest-paid prop. He is ranked 28th overall on the Rich 100 on a salary of $850,000.

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Roosters salary cap crisis, seven players earn half of cap, James Tedesco, Luke Keary, Joseph Manu, Angus Crichton

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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‘NOT A GOOD LOOK’: Tigers star reveals he wanted Storm loan switch

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.”

Do Panthers deserve ‘arrogant’ tag? | 03:03

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.”

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teamnews; early mail, ins and outs for Round 22; Penrith Panthers injuries; Taylan May in sling, news, updates

The Panthers are facing an injury crisis ahead of their blockbuster clash with the Melbourne Storm.

The Premiers are already without a host of players and could now add young gun Taylan May to the list.

Read on for all the latest NRL team news

THURSDAY

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm 7.50pm at BlueBet Stadium

panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Chris Smith 12 Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Sunia Turuva 18. Charlie Staines 19. J’maine Hopgood 20. Robert Jennings 21. Kurt Falls 22. Viliame Kikau

Early Mail: The Panthers’ injury toll could be about to get worse after young gun Taylor May turned up to training in a sling. He was named in the Panthers side on Tuesday but will be in doubt for the blockbuster clash with the Storm.

storm-team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Johns 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Tyran Wishart 18. Alec MacDonald 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Young Tonumaipea 21. Jordan Grant 22. Jack Howarth

Broncos set to make changes after losses | 01:53

FRIDAY

Warriors vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 6pm at Mt Smart Stadium

warriors team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Edward Kosi 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12 Jack Murchie 13. Josh Curran 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Jackson Frei 18. Bayley Sironen 20. Adam Pompey 21. Taniela Otukolo 22. Tom Ale 23. Rocco Berry

bulldogs team: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Jackson 12 Jackson Topine 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Zach Dokar-Clay 15. Joe Stimson 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Chris Patolo 19. Declan Casey 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Phillip Makatoa

Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs 7.55pm at CommBank Stadium

eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore 18. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Sean Russell 22. Elie El Zakhem

rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13 Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Siliva Havili 17. Davvy Moale 18. Taane Milne 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Shaq Mitchell 22. Josh Mansour

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Eels tired of ’embarrassment’ by Souths | 01:22

SATURDAY

Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys 3pm at SCG

roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Drew Hutchison 17. Terrell May 18. Adam Keighran 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Kevin Naiqama 21. Ben Thomas 22. Siua Wong

cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jordan McLean 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Griffin Neame 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Ben Hampton 20. Jake Granville 21. Riley Price 22. Connelly Lemuelu

Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks 5.30pm at Scully Park, Tamworth

tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. James Roberts 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Starford To’a 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jock Madden 8. James Tamou 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Alex Seyfarth 12 Kelma Tuilagi 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Fonua Pole 15. Austin Dias 16. Thomas Freebairn 17. Tyrone Peachey 18. Luke Garner 19. Jake Simpkin 20. Brandon Tumeth 21. Junior Tupou 22. Justin Matamua

sharks team: 1. Kade Dykes 2. Lachlan Miller 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Dale Finucane 14. Teig Wilton 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Kayal Iro 19. Royce Hunt 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Matt Ikuvalu

Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights 7.35pm at Suncorp Stadium

broncos team: 1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Jake Turpin 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Corey Jensen 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Cory Paix 19. Ryan James 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Zac Hosking

knights team: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13 Mathew Croker 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Jack Johns 19. Sauaso Sue 20. Chris Randall 21. Edrick Lee 22. Hymel Hunt

Rudolf opens up on Pride support | 01:19

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SUNDAY

Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons 2pm at GIO Stadium

raiders team: 1. Xavier Savage 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Emre Guler 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott 14. Tom Starling 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 18. James Schiller 19. Ata Mariota 20. Matt Frawley 21. Peter Hola 22. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

dragons team: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Josh Mcguire 12. Jaydn Su ‘A 13. Michael Molo 14. Tyrell Sloan 15. Aaron Woods 16. Tyrell Fuimaono 17. Billy Burns 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Jackson Ford 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Cody Ramsey 22. Jack Gosiewski

Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles 4.05pm at Cbus Super Stadium

titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Sosefo Fifita 3. Phillip Sami 4. Brian Kelly 5. Patrick Herbert 6. AJ Brimson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu 14. Greg Marzhew 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Sam McIntyre 18. Corey Thompson 19. Toby Sexton 20. Paul Turner 21. Klese Haas 22. Jarrod Wallace

Early Mail: The Daily Telegraph reports Titans coach Justin Holbrook could recall struggling half Toby Sexton. The cellar dwellers are looking to snap a 10-game losing streak and could promote Sexton from the extended bench

Sea Eagles team: 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12 Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dylan Walker 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai 18. Josh Schuster 19. Kurt De Luis 20. Brad Parker 21. Kaeo Weekes 22. Morgan Boyle

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Corey Oates try forward pass video, Roosters vs Broncos score

Nothing seemed to go right for Brisbane Broncos on Thursday evening, but Kevin Walters’ men were perhaps lucky to be awarded their second try against the Sydney Roosters at the SCG.

The Broncos were trailing by 20 points in the 60th minute when five-eighth Ezra Mam floated a pass over the Roosters defensive line towards winger Corey Oates, who dived over for the try.

But replays suggested the pass was forward, with Mam releasing the ball behind the 10m line and Oates catching it approximately eight meters out.

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The referee believed the ball was passed backwards but floated forwards — which is legal. The Sydney crowd didn’t agree though, with a chorus of boos echoing around the stadium when replays were shown on the big screen.

“Man, that’s way forward,” Channel 9 commentator Mathew Thompson said. “Oh he’s going to let it go. He’s let it go!

“It can’t have been thrown back either.”

Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith continued: “Seriously? Unless it’s come off a Rooster’s hand … I think that ball has drifted forward about three meters.”

Former New South Wales representative Michael Ennis agreed on Fox League. “The pass from Ezra Mam looked like it was two meters forward out of his hands from him,” he said.

“It certainly went forward.”

Regardless, the Roosters have taken another important step towards securing a top eight berth after beating Brisbane 34-16.

Trent Robinson’s men weren’t at their ruthless best, but a fourth straight win has put their premiership rivals on notice.

The Roosters started the round at risk of dropping to ninth but will finish the weekend either seventh or eighth, keeping their closest pursuers at bay for at least another week.

They have a tough run home over the closing month – meeting North Queensland, Wests Tigers, Melbourne and South Sydney – but who would be foolish enough to declare the Chooks won’t reach the finals for a sixth straight season?

And any team featuring James Tedesco, Joey Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, Victor Radley and Joseph Suaalii will be a threat come September.

“We feel like we’ve worked hard enough this year and tried different things (and) it’s time to play better,” Robinson said.

“The last month has been good and we’re improving but we’ve got to keep going.”

Skipper Tedesco added: “We’re still chasing that 80-minute performance but we’re getting better and better.”

The Roosters led this must-win game 18-0 after as many minutes, pouring through the Broncos’ ineffectual defense and eating up the meters with ease.

It took the hosts just five minutes to open the Broncos up, a lovely bat-on pass from Tedesco handing Paul Momirovski an open passage to the line.

Sam Walker engineered the next try three minutes later with a clever chip kick into the in-goal for Nat Butcher to reach out and ground the ball with his fingertips.

When Angus Crichton pushed through some Brisbane’s flimsy right-edge defense to reach out and score, the Roosters were headed for an 18-0 lead and complete control of a one-sided contest.

Luke Keary of the Roosters celebrates with teammates. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Then they took the foot from the throat, inviting Brisbane back into the game.

The Broncos scored through Corey Oates to narrow the gap to 14 as the Roosters’ completion rate went through the floor.

Robinson told the Tricolours to park the fancy stuff in the second half – and they did – but they still came up with three tries to snuff out any hope of a Brisbane revival.

Keary was superb, putting the finishing touches on a standout performance with a brilliant individual try 12 minutes from the end.

We were expecting a strong response from the Broncos following their shock loss to Wests Tigers, but they fired a few decent shots in another worrying performance.

Their attack was pedestrian and clunky for most of the night and there wasn’t much in the way of whack in defense.

The visitors were chasing the game from the outset and did well to avoid a blowout, although they never really looked like mounting any sort of concerted comeback.

“At 18-0 we got a bit of momentum back and (then) a couple of things didn’t go to plan,” Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds said.

“It’s obviously disappointing, but it’s a learning curve. We’re still a young team that’s figuring it out.”

Brisbane could finish the round as low as seventh if Parramatta and Souths win their respective matches.

With Adam Lucius, NCA NewsWire

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Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson reacts to Sam Walker copping spray from teammates

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has welcomed and applauded a heated on-field exchange between two of his senior forwards and young halfback Sam Walker during his side’s comfortable 34-16 win over Brisbane at the SCG on Thursday night.

Immediately after Angus Crichton scored the Roosters’ third try early in the first half, prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves turned and pointed at Walker, admonishing him for a previous play that hadn’t worked out.

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Sydney Roosters Press Conference | 08:18

Victor Radley also joined in, looking at the No.7 and tapping at his head as if to say “think about it”.

Walker took his medicine without complaint, going on to play a key role in an important win that keeps the Roosters well and truly in the finals race.

Robinson was more than happy to see his players criticizing each other’s performance on the run.

“Jared’s coached as many players as I have, so that’s his role (on the field),” Robinson said.

“We care about the way that we play the game and we feel like we can get better.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson likes his players ‘coaching each other’. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“These guys are coaching each other to go ‘Come on. We want more. Come on, let’s get beyond that. Don’t do that. Let’s get better’.

“We’ve got more in us and the coach isn’t going to decide that, it’s those guys on the field nailing it.

“Our best is yet to come because of what we’re talking about with Jared.

“Jared wants more and Teddy (James Tedesco) talked about it after the game to the team (saying) ‘I like some of the stuff but I want more’.

“But we feel like we’ve worked hard enough this year and tried different things that it’s time to play better.”

The Roosters will finish round 21 in seventh or eighth, just hanging inside the top eight but still a chance at a coveted top-four finish.

They play North Queensland, Wests Tigers, Melbourne and South Sydney over the final month of the regular season.

Nat Butcher celebrates after scoring a try against Brisbane. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Tedesco said: “It’s so tight. There’s probably 10 teams within four points, so for us it’s about winning every week and just getting better.

“I feel we made a statement (against Brisbane) but we’re still chasing that 80-minute performance.

“We’ll learn our lesson from tonight and look forward to next week.”

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NRL news 2022: Corey Oates try forward pass video, Roosters vs Broncos score

Nothing seemed to go right for Brisbane Broncos on Thursday evening, but Kevin Walters’ men were perhaps lucky to be awarded their second try against the Sydney Roosters at the SCG.

The Broncos were trailing by 20 points in the 60th minute when five-eighth Ezra Mam floated a pass over the Roosters defensive line towards winger Corey Oates, who dived over for the try.

But replays suggested the pass was forward, with Mam releasing the ball behind the 10m line and Oates catching it approximately eight meters out.

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The referee believed the ball was passed backwards but floated forwards — which is legal. The Sydney crowd didn’t agree though, with a chorus of boos echoing around the stadium when replays were shown on the big screen.

“Man, that’s way forward,” Channel 9 commentator Mathew Thompson said. “Oh he’s going to let it go. He’s let it go!

“It can’t have been thrown back either.”

Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith continued: “Seriously? Unless it’s come off a Rooster’s hand … I think that ball has drifted forward about three meters.”

Former New South Wales representative Michael Ennis agreed on Fox League. “The pass from Ezra Mam looked like it was two meters forward out of his hands from him,” he said.

“It certainly went forward.”

Regardless, the Roosters have taken another important step towards securing a top eight berth after beating Brisbane 34-16.

Trent Robinson’s men weren’t at their ruthless best, but a fourth straight win has put their premiership rivals on notice.

The Roosters started the round at risk of dropping to ninth but will finish the weekend either seventh or eighth, keeping their closest pursuers at bay for at least another week.

They have a tough run home over the closing month – meeting North Queensland, Wests Tigers, Melbourne and South Sydney – but who would be foolish enough to declare the Chooks won’t reach the finals for a sixth straight season?

And any team featuring James Tedesco, Joey Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, Victor Radley and Joseph Suaalii will be a threat come September.

“We feel like we’ve worked hard enough this year and tried different things (and) it’s time to play better,” Robinson said.

“The last month has been good and we’re improving but we’ve got to keep going.”

Skipper Tedesco added: “We’re still chasing that 80-minute performance but we’re getting better and better.”

The Roosters led this must-win game 18-0 after as many minutes, pouring through the Broncos’ ineffectual defense and eating up the meters with ease.

It took the hosts just five minutes to open the Broncos up, a lovely bat-on pass from Tedesco handing Paul Momirovski an open passage to the line.

Sam Walker engineered the next try three minutes later with a clever chip kick into the in-goal for Nat Butcher to reach out and ground the ball with his fingertips.

When Angus Crichton pushed through some Brisbane’s flimsy right-edge defense to reach out and score, the Roosters were headed for an 18-0 lead and complete control of a one-sided contest.

Then they took the foot from the throat, inviting Brisbane back into the game.

The Broncos scored through Corey Oates to narrow the gap to 14 as the Roosters’ completion rate went through the floor.

Robinson told the Tricolours to park the fancy stuff in the second half – and they did – but they still came up with three tries to snuff out any hope of a Brisbane revival.

Keary was superb, putting the finishing touches on a standout performance with a brilliant individual try 12 minutes from the end.

We were expecting a strong response from the Broncos following their shock loss to Wests Tigers, but they fired a few decent shots in another worrying performance.

Their attack was pedestrian and clunky for most of the night and there wasn’t much in the way of whack in defense.

The visitors were chasing the game from the outset and did well to avoid a blowout, although they never really looked like mounting any sort of concerted comeback.

“At 18-0 we got a bit of momentum back and (then) a couple of things didn’t go to plan,” Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds said.

“It’s obviously disappointing, but it’s a learning curve. We’re still a young team that’s figuring it out.”

Brisbane could finish the round as low as seventh if Parramatta and Souths win their respective matches.

With Adam Lucius, NCA NewsWire

Read related topics:BrisbaneSydney

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Newcastle Knights, Adam O’Brien, David Klemmer future, news, latest, transfers, Sam Walker, Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell

The divide in the Newcastle dressing room has been simmering for the past few months with Knights coach Adam O’Brien telling the playing group after a recent loss: “I know what you blokes are saying about me. I’m going nowhere.”

The point blank message from O’Brien can be revealed as the Knights go into damage control in the wake of the coach’s loose carry press conference last Sunday.

O’Brien fronted the media again on Tuesday to try and walk things back off the cliff but by that stage the cracks in the Newcastle dressing room had been prized wide open.

The David Klemmer situation has only driven a further wedge into the struggling club which has only managed five wins out of 19 games this year.

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The Knights started this season full of optimism after back-to-back wins over the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers before going on a run of seven losses leading into Magic Round.

It’s been slim pickings since with Newcastle now having the worst defensive record in the NRL having leaked 522 points at an average of 27.47 points per game along with currently having the worst differential in the competition of minus 238 points.

There’s no question O’Brien’s penchant for a blow-up is wearing thin with elements of the Newcastle playing group.

The problem for O’Brien is in 2022 it’s so much easier to get rid of a head coach than it is to completely try and turn over a roster.

The old saying goes you’ve never really been a head coach until you’ve lost four games in a row and the heat is on – which is exactly where O’Brien finds himself now.

‘AT A TIPPING POINT’: Knights at a crossroads, O’Brien feels for running ‘soft ship’

David Klemmer’s future at Newcastle is clouded. NRL PHOTOSSource: The Daily Telegraph

The Knights are adamant O’Brien will remain as the head coach next season but the biggest immediate challenge the Newcastle coach faces is getting the playing group all back on the same page.

New Director of Football Peter Parr has arrived at Newcastle and could only be shaking his head at the bun fight he’s walked into.

O’Brien is signed with Newcastle until the end of 2024 which if the Knights stay the course would mean he’s had a five-year tenure at the club.

After the events of the past week it’s now become blatantly clear the Knights coach needs a fast start to next season to ensure his own job security.

Let’s call the Klemmer play from Newcastle for what it is – the Knights are clearly trying to free up some money to try and go in a different direction next season.

Klemmer is on $800,000-plus which would give Newcastle some serious money to go to the open market with.

Plenty of ex-players are happy to tell you middle forwards often protest against being dragged from the field.

Newcastle have clearly identified they no longer want the ex-NSW and Australian prop at the Knights and so have started the process of steering him towards another club.

Adam O’Brien has come under scrutiny this week. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

ROOSTERS MOVE TO LOCK UP WALKER

The Sydney Roosters are set to launch a multi-million dollar play aimed at keeping young gun halfback Sam Walker at the Tricolours long-term.

Walker, 20, will be a free agent for rival clubs to approach as of November 1 but like all the good clubs the Roosters will try and make sure they strike a deal well beforehand.

The other rookie who has everyone talking at the Chooks is emerging superstar Joseph Suaalii. The Roosters clearly value his contribution to the team at the point where champion frontrower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been bringing him into leading the club’s team song over the past fortnight.

Jared has long been the Roosters leader in charge of leading the team song. Even after the Roosters were disappointed with their round 20 win over Manly, JWH still insisted on Suaalii riding shot gun with him leading the celebrations.

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DRAGONS CHASE ROOSTERS HOOKER

THE Gold Coast Titans aren’t the only club having a crack at signing Sydney Roosters hooker Sam Verrills.

The St George Illawarra Dragons are also making a play for the premiership-winning no.9.

Where it gets interesting is the Dragons have had a tough conversation with current hooker Andrew McCullough.

McCullough, 32, still has a year to run on his contract next season but the Red V are clearly exploring going in a different direction.

McCullough is one of the ex-Broncos clique of Dragons players who enjoys a close rapport with Red V coach Anthony Griffin.

The hooker, Dragons captain Ben Hunt and Josh Maguire all played in an under 20s grand finale with the Broncos in 2008 when Griffin was the coach.

‘This is what gives me the s****!’ | 02:04

FARAH GETS HANDS ON IN TIGERS FRONT OFFICE

The Wests Tigers putting the band back together with Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah is a smart play from the struggling club.

What’s equally as smart is Farah’s new contract stipulating that he’s also set to learn the ropes in terms of front office administration with the club.

The Tigers have long been laughed at by rival clubs about the way the club has been run.

Getting a figurehead like Farah who has bled for the club more hands-on in this department makes a lot of sense.

SOUTHS MOVE TO KEEP LATRELL, CODY AT REDFERN

We told you last week how South Sydney had a delicate $6 million balancing act on their hands around the re-signings of superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell and five-eighth star Cody Walker.

We were told there was a big chance the two key position players would wait until after November 1 to re-commit to South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs have swiftly moved to try and nip the scenario in the bud by meeting with the star duo earlier this week.

Both Latrell and Cody are off-contract at the end of next season but with talks progressing positively there’s every chance they can soon re-commit to the Bunnies.

It will be a huge coup for the red and green club and also for CEO Blake Solly.

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Nelson Asofa-Solomona escapes charge, Melbourne Storm, Judiciary, match review committee

The NRL has been labeled embarrassing for their explanation as to why Storm star Nelson Asofa-Solomona escaped sanction for cracking Wayde Egan’s teeth with his elbow.

Asofa-Solomona was not even charged by the match review committee, despite being placed on report and penalized on the field for slamming his elbow and forearm onto the face of Egan as he fell to the ground in a tackle.

“There were a lot of incidents over the weekend with the Nelson Asofa-Solomona one the most contentious by a long way,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360.

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“What I struggle to come to terms with is I saw a head clash (Dale Finucane on Stephen Crichton) last week get two weeks and I see this and he gets nothing.”

Paul Kent blasted the NRL’s feeble explanation by disputing all three assertions they made around Asofa-Solomona’s actions.

“Let me just bring up some things,” Kent said.

Big Nelson drops dodgy elbow? | 00:40

“They said, there is a separation out there. If I am going to punch you in the face right now, there is going to be separation at some point between my fist and your face before it gets there, but there will be eventual contact. That’s the first thing.

“Second, there was not enough force to warrant a charge. I have cracked his teeth. Two teeth. So not enough force to warrant a charge?

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Nelson Asofa-Solomona was placed on report and penalized but escaped a charge.Source: Supplied

“Third, there was possible contact to the neck and chin area. Again, I cracked his teeth.

“What part of head contact do they not understand there. If you have got cracked teeth from a tackle, how do you say there is not enough force and possible contact to the neck or chin area?”

Paul Crawley labeled Luke Patten and Graham Annesley’s explanation as the dumbest thing ever to come out of NRL HQ in a stunning take-down.

“That’s the dumbest explanation that I have ever heard come out of the NRL from Luke Patten,” Crawley said.

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Nelson Asofa-Solomona escaped sanction for his tackle on Wayde Egan.Source: FOX SPORTS

“For Graham Annesley, a bloke that has been around the game for as long as he has to stand there and allow that to be said and expect that everyone is just going to suck that up and accept it.

“Like seriously it is so embarrassing. They have got to be better.

“That was a shocking tackle. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves got a $3000 fine for his tackle on Zac Fulton. It wasn’t as bad as this.

“This gets off. This doesn’t even get to fine. This gets nothing.

“And this is on the back of Asofa-Solomona having two separate charges last week. Two ends. The week before in Round 18 another one. Earlier in the season another one.

“That’s four ends this year and this one gets nothing.”

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