An Australian wine company has won a “landmark” court case in China after more than six years of fighting a copycat brand.
Treasury Wine Estates owns and produces a number of well-known wine labels including Penfolds and Wolf Blass. However, the issue arose when company Rush Rich used part of the Penfolds branding on its own bottles.
After six years of fighting, on Wednesday, the Supreme People’s Court of China ruled in Treasury’s favor, finding that the other wine company had acted in “bad faith” against them.
The court found that Chinese-Australian company Rush Rich improperly used a Chinese character which was a copyright breach of the Penfolds brand.
This was “illicit conduct”, according to the court.
Treasury Wine Estates said the other company had tried to “exploit” its brand and was happy about the decision from the Chinese court, calling it a “landmark win”.
The court ruled that Rush Rich’s registration of the Chinese character mark for Penfolds Winery was invalid.
“We welcome the Judgment by the Supreme People’s Court of China and thank the Chinese authorities for their continued support in protecting the rights of luxury brand owners,” Penfolds managing director Tom King said.
Following its “longstanding battle” with Rush Rich, Treasury said it takes a “zero tolerance approach” to copyright breaches.
Anna Olsen, global director of intellectual property for Treasury Wine Estates, said in a statement: “Protecting the integrity of our historic brands against trademark piracy and misappropriation has always been a global priority.
“We’ll spare no effort to protect our brands and will pursue our rights to the highest courts where necessary.
“This case shows we won’t tolerate attempts to exploit and infringe the intellectual property rights and reputation of brands in the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio.”
Government regulator Wine Australia was also happy with the court case outcome as it has been working hard to maintain the international reputation of Australian wine.
The case is timely as Penfolds is looking to launch its wine in China.
In 2019, Rush Rich was also slammed with a massive fine in Australia’s Federal Court after being found to have infringed on several trademarks of Treasury Wine Estates.
The company had to pay $375,000 in compensation and was barred from using the images again.
Before the Australian Federal Court case, Treasury Wine Estates took Rush Rich to the Shanghai Pudong Court.
That court also ruled in favor of Treasury Wine Estates and ordered Rush Rich to pay back 2,000,000 Chinese yuan ($A426,000 at the time).
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.”
The Wests Tigers have been urged to “move on” from new recruit Isaiah Papali’i and use his $1.9 million contract to make a splash in the transfer market.
The Eels enforcer Isaiah had agreed to a three-year deal with the Tigers, but the star recruit is considering a backflip which could leave the club in a tough spot.
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The 23-year-old revealed his concerns after the Tigers parted ways with premiership winning coach Michael Maguire, and has since been linked with a return to the Warriors.
Papalii inked the big-money deal last November, but told 9 News that his future is still far from certain.
“Obviously people ask me about it, just even on the street or family and friends are hitting me up but that’s kind of for my manager look after and even if I don’t stay here or I do go next year, I want to make sure that this year has no regrets,” Papalii said.
“I reckon somewhere in the off-season because this is distracting me at the moment.
“We have a massive opportunity and I don’t want to leave any stone unturned this year and look back on it and think ‘I shouldn’t have left that stuff get in the way’.”
Tom Trbojevic reveals World Cup doubts | 01:12
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio and NRL360 co-host Paul Kent said the Tigers could not afford to wait until the end of the season for Papali’i to make a decision.
“They have a salary cap to manage, they can’t sit back and wait for this guy,” Kent said.
“That’s why they the Tigers should move on now, move on and use the money before it’s too late,” Riccio added.
“Don’t wait until November. If they do there will be no market for them,” Kent replied.
Should Tigers hear the message and cut ties with Papali’i, it leaves them with two clear options.
Spend the money now and bring in a player to bolster the side for next season or save it up and make a play for one of the big-name stars off-contract from 2023 who can begin negotiating with rivals from November 1.
BEN HUNT
Age: 32
Club: St George Dragons
Position: half-back
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
While the Dragons are reportedly leading the race for Hunt’s signature, the Tigers should do everything they can to ensure he’s wearing their colors in the future.
Hunt, who was leading the Dally M race before the count went behind closed doors, has begun negotiations with the Dragons over a two-year extension.
The Daily Telegraph have revealed that the playmaker’s management had met with the Dragons late last month.
Since then, however, the Dragons have hit turmoil.
James Hooper reported there had been a major blow-up at the Dragons following the treatment of hooker Andrew McCullough and the axing of assistant coaches Peter Gentle and Mat Head for next season.
Hunt is extremely close with McCullough, having played together at both the Dragons and Broncos as well as for Queensland. The development could provide an opening for rivals to make a move.
The Tigers, who would only be able to speak to Hunt since November 1, are in desperate need of a solution at halfback.
Jock Madden has been sporting the No. 7 jersey for the Tigers over the past couple of weeks, but with just 13 games of NRL experience to his name, the club could use a boost.
If Luke Brooks is allowed to leave it would free up plenty of money for the Tigers to make an all-in move.
Hunt is in high demand with a number of clubs interested in services, and he wouldn’t come cheap. But fresh off his Origin heroics, the Tigers should be willing to move mountains if that’s what it takes to lure the star half to the western suburbs.
COREY OATES
Age: 27
Club: brisbane broncos
Position: wings
Current contract: expires at the end of the year
At just 27-years-old, there’s no reason why a club like the Tigers shouldn’t spend big money on a proven try scorer such as Corey Oates.
Oates, who has 188 NRL games to his name, equaled his record for most tries in a season with a double in Round 21 against the Roosters.
Corey Oats. Broncos V Storm. Picture: NRL ImagesSource: Supplied
Oates comes off contract at the end of this season with the Broncos, so he could become an immediate piece of the Tigers’ puzzle for next season.
He would also offer new coach Tim Sheens some versatility having experience playing in the back row.
DAVID KLEMER
Age: 28
Club: Newcastle Knights
Position: Prop
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
Klemmer was reportedly close to having his contract torn up with the Knights after being issues with a breach notice for an on-field issue.
The former New South Wales prop is on a big-money contract with the Knights, but came under fire after he verbally abused trainer Hayden Knowles during a 14-point loss to the Bulldogs.
“A big overreaction’ Johns on Klemmer | 04:26
Parramatta were reportedly interested in signing the prop for the remainder of the 2022 season on loan before the incident.
While Klemmer has been among the Knights best players, the recent incident, and his hefty contract, could convince Newcastle to agree to release him early.
LIAM MARTIN
Age: 25
Club: Penrith Panthers
Position: second row
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
Another player who comes off contract at the end of next season, Martin would be an incredible signing for the Tigers who could approach him from November 1.
Martin has been a key part of the Panthers’ dominance over the last few seasons and has reaped the rewards after cementing his place in the Blues Origin fold.
Liam Martin is among a list of big names who can talk with rivals since November 1.Source: Getty Images
The Panthers still need to lock down fellow Origin stars Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton which could mean Martin is gettable.
He would be a more than handy replacement for Papali’i if the Tigers can convince him to make the switch.
MARTIN TAUPAU
Age: 32
Club: Manly Sea Eagles
Position: second row
Current contract: expires at the end of the year
Sea Eagles enforcer Taupau reportedly requested an immediate release to join the Eels before the August 1 deadline.
It appears as if he wants out of Brookvale, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it’ll be interesting to see which colors he dons next season.
The former Kiwi international played for the Tigers for two seasons before moving to Manly for the 2016 season.
With plenty of power to throw around the field, Taupau can be an asset to any team when he’s in-form.
TYSON FRIZEL
Age: 30
Club: Newcastle Knights
Position: second row
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
It wasn’t too long ago that Tyson Frizell was a regular for both the New South Wales Blues and Kangaroos teams.
Frizell made his name with the Dragons before securing a lucrative deal to sign with the Knights, where he’s played the last two seasons.
Tyson FrizellSource: Getty Images
While he still has one more year to run on that contract, Frizell could potentially be lured to the Tigers on a smaller deal than what he’s on now.
What’s more, his name has been mentioned as part of a potential swap deal for Luke Brooks.
While it was denied by Tim Sheens, there is clearly some movement around Frizell.
VICTOR RADLEY
Age: 24
Club: sydney roosters
Position: Lock
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
Hypothetically speaking, Roosters lock Victor Radley has the potential to be an incredible signing for the Tigers.
The 24-year-old, who has sworn his international allegiance to England ahead of the World Cup, has premiership winning experience and 93 NRL games to his name.
What’s more, Phil Rothfield revealed on NRL360 that the Roosters are facing a cap crunch with seven players commanding more than half their salary cap.
An Australian tech company sacked around 10 per cent of its staff despite announcing its revenue had jumped by 40 per cent to $109.7 million in the past financial year.
The Brisbane-based telecommunications and IT infrastructure company called Megaport revealed that a whopping $1.6 million was spent paying out employees who had been made redundant.
Around 35 staff members – out of its 345 estimated workforce on LinkedIn – were impacted by the cuts.
“On July 14 2022, management made the decision to reduce its workforce in order to reduce costs and prepare for rising prices and inflation across the group’s key markets,” Megaport revealed in its report to investors.
Its revenue had grown from $78.3 million from the previous financial year, its results showed, while its monthly recurring revenue soared by 43 per cent to $10.7 million in June, mainly as a result of new customers from the US.
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The 10-year-old company, which was founded by multi-millionaire Bevan Slattery, is one of the many Aussie tech outfits that have suffered from a battering on the share market this year.
Its shares have plummeted by 53 per cent since the start of the year, but its results reported on Tuesday helped its stock rise by 9 per cent defying the broader trend of investors selling off loss making tech shares.
Megaport reported a full year net loss of $48.5 million down from $55 million the year earlier, while it increased customers from 2,285 to 2,643.
It currently has $82.5 million in cash, according to its report.
tech bloodbath
Aussie employees from the tech sector have suffered a brutal round of cuts in recent times, with Megaport’s staff the latest casualties.
An Australian social media start-up called Linktree that was recently valued at $1.78 billion is sacking 17 per cent of staff from its global operations, it revealed this week.
Immutable, an Australian crypto company valued at $3.5 billion was facing a fierce backlash last week after sacking 17 per cent of its staff from its gaming division, while continuing to “hire aggressively” after raising $280 million in funding in March.
Australian healthcare start-up Eucalptys that provides treatments for obesity, acne and erectile dysfunction fired up to 20 per cent of staff after an investment firm pulled its funding at the last minute.
Debt collection start-up Indebted sacked 40 of its employees just before the end of the financial year, despite its valuation soaring to more than $200 million, with most of the redundancies made across sales and marketing.
Then there was Australian buy now, pay later provider Brighte, that offers money for home improvements and solar power, which let go of 15 per cent of its staff in June, with roles primarily based on corporate and new product development.
Another buy now, pay later provider with offices in Sydney called BizPay made 30 per cent of its redundant workforce blaming market conditions for the huge cut to staffing in May.
Earlier this year, a start-up focused on the solar sector called 5B Solar, which boasts backing from former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, also sacked 25 per cent of its staff after completing a capital raise that would inject $30 million into the business
He’s famed for his ripped body and tough workout regimen.
But Chris Hemsworth proved he does indulge in fast food as he picked up a Mexican takeaway from Guzman y Gomez near his home in Byron Bay, New South Wales.
The Thor star, 38, was joined by his twin sons Sasha and Tristan, eight, as they picked up dinner.
Dig in: Chris Hemsworth proved he does indulge in fast food as he picked up a Mexican takeaway from Guzman y Gomez near his home in Byron Bay, New South Wales
Dinner: The Thor star, 38, was joined by his son Sasha, eight, as they picked up dinner
The father-of-three kept it casual in a brown cap and gray jumper which he paired with black jeans.
Keeping in true Aussie style, the actor completed the look in a pair of Uggs, while son Sasha went barefoot in tracksuits bottoms and a T-shirt.
It comes as production on the latest Mad Max installation Furiosa, starring Hemsworth, has been shut down in Sydney after legendary director George Miller caught Covid.
Feeding time: Chris took a second to share his food with his twin boys
Aussie chic: The father-of-three kept it casual in a brown cap and gray jumper which he paired with black jeans
Casual cool: Keeping in true Aussie style, the actor completed the look in a pair of Uggs, while son Sasha went barefoot in tracksuits bottoms and a T-shirt
The Daily Mail Australia revealed the production, which has been under way in a number of locations in and around Sydney since June, has been suspended for a week with all on-screen filming halted until at least August 15.
It’s understood Miller, 77, tested positive to Covid early this week and has been forced to isolate at his Sydney home.
The multi-million dollar production, which is currently based on location in Kurnell just south of Sydney, will resume filming next week.
Protection: Chris shielded his eyes from the sun in a cap and sunglasses while son Tristan opted for Hugo Boss trainers
Family time: It comes as production on the latest Mad Max installation Furiosa, starring Hemsworth, has been shut down in Sydney after legendary director George Miller caught Covid
Taking a break: The multi-million dollar production, which is currently based on location in Kurnell just south of Sydney, will resume filming next week
Furiosa producers have been contacted for comment.
The setback echoes Miller’s infamous shoot for Mad Max: Fury Road back in 2012 which was plagued by a number of costly delays and production issues.
The shoot initially began in Namibia but encountered some public relations hiccups after the Namibian Conservation Coast and Management Project accused the producers of damaging a number of plant and animal species in a leaked draft.
It comes after Chris revealed that his younger brother Liam was almost cast as Thor. ‘My little brother almost got cast as Thor,’ the 38-year-old told website Mensxp
Chris previously revealed that he blew his original audition for Thor, before Liam came in to test for the same part, and got much further in the process. That Chris motivated him to ask for his manager to get him a callback to have another go, with the role ultimately going to him, not Liam, as a result
Burrito bite: Chris appeared to bite into his burrito as he headed out of the fast food store
The filmmakers later dismissed these reports as ‘rhetoric’.
Re-shoots later took place in Potts Hill and Penrith Lakes in Western Sydney but poor weather led to a number of delays.
Years later it was also revealed that tensions between Mad Max: Fury Road stars Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy also led to major disruptions on set, with Theron later admitting she demanded protection from Hardy at one point.
Fast food: The middle Hemsworth brother was joined by sons Tristan and Sasha, both eight
Loving it: The twin boys clearly share their father’s appetite tucking into food
Furiosa is a prequel to Fury Road with Anya Taylor-Joy playing a younger Theron in the titular role to headline the post-apocalyptic blockbuster.
Taylor-Joy and co-star Chris Hemsworth were snapped for the first time on set just prior to the current shutdown, with both donning red wigs for their roles.
Details of Hemsworth’s character in the film have been kept under wraps by Miller and insiders at studio Warner Bros, with his role officially defined as ‘unspecified’.
Dad duty: Chris looked effortlessly cool as he picked up the Mexican food
Casual: The father-of-three looked effortlessly cool as he picked up the burritos
Chris headed to pick up smoothies after enjoying the burritos with his two sons
It comes as Chris’s brothers, Liam, 32, and Luke, 41, were spotted chatting on the street in Byron Bay’s CBD.
Both casually dressed for the outing, Liam wore a plain white T-shirt and beige cargo pants.
It comes after Chris revealed that his younger brother Liam was almost cast as Thor.
‘My little brother almost got cast as Thor,’ the 38-year-old told website Mensxp.
Chris, pictured with his sons, has previously revealed that he blew his original audition for Thor, before Liam came in to test for the same part, and got much further in the process. That motivated Chris to ask for his manager from him to get him a callback to have another go
‘He was one of the first people who got right down to the wire on getting the part so I could cross paths with him. That will be fun.’
Chris previously revealed that he blew his original audition for Thor, before Liam came in to test for the same part, and got much further in the process.
That motivated Chris to ask for his manager to get him a callback to have another go, with the role ultimately going to him, not Liam, as a result.
‘I came in kind of with a little, I guess, motivation and maybe frustration that my little brother had gotten further than me,’ he told W Magazine.
‘It’s a little family, sibling rivalry sort of kicked up in me. Then it moved pretty quickly from there. It was cool.’
Chris is often seen in and around Byron Bay with his family – including wife Elsa Pataky
Picking up: Sasha also appeared to study the soft drinks section while picking up the dinner
Byron Bay style: Chris donned sunglasses for the outing
Easy style: Chris walked around the NSW town after picking up his children from school
Chris has previously revealed that he blew his original audition for Thor, before Liam came in to test for the same part, and got much further in the process. Chris is pictured in Thor: Love and Thunder with co-star Natalie Portman
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.”
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.”
Multinational tech company Amazon has announced a major change to its delivery services in an effort to ramp up subscription numbers.
The brand has launched free next-day delivery on hundreds of thousands of products for Sydney and Melbourne Prime members, with no minimum delivery spend needed.
The move, which was announced on Wednesday, means consumers placing their orders at midnight will receive them on their doorsteps the next day.
The shift follows the opening of Amazon’s 200,000sq m robotic fulfillment center at Kemps Creek in western Sydney that cost the company mor than $500m.
The tech giant claims the center can house more than 20 million products, including household items and gifts.
Amazon Australia country manager Janet Menzies said the faster delivery speeds were a direct result of building fulfillment centers and delivery stations close to where customers lived and worked.
“Our ability to offer customers faster delivery speeds is a direct result of our continued investment and expansion of our operations in Australia. Building fulfillment centers and delivery stations close to where our customers live and work means packages travel shorter distances, accelerating shipping speeds,” she said.
“We know that Australian customers are always looking for value through great prices and fast delivery, so we’re thrilled to be able to make Prime even more convenient with free one-day delivery.”
Australian consumers are increasingly turning to Amazon for popular tech items, with the company more than doubling its operations in 2022 since the launch of their robotic center in 2017.
Over the coming months, the company aims to expand product selection and delivery areas eligible for its free one-day delivery.
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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An estimated one in five mortgage holders – or 551,000 Australians – will struggle to pay back their mortgage if interest rates continue to rise as expected.
Comparison site Finder found a whopping 20 per cent of mortgage holders will be in serious mortgage distress if their home loan interest payments increase by three per cent. Home loans have already increased by 1.75 per cent since May.
It comes as separate data from S&P Global revealed which suburbs in Australia are most at risk of defaulting on their home loans.
The Northern Territory came out as the worst state, with the highest percentage of mortgage holders more than 30 days behind on payments.
A fringe suburb in Perth topped the list in terms of debt overdue to the bank, while Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide as well as some regional areas also received a poor rating.
Of even more concern was that the research was conducted before the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) starting increasing the cash rate, meaning these areas will be even more at risk of defaulting on their loans now.
For four consecutive months the RBA has hiked interest rates. Last week, after its August meeting, the central bank brought up the cash rate to 1.85 per cent.
The cash rate has already risen by 1.75 percentage points since May, following two years of interest rates sitting at a record low of 0.1 per cent.
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According to S&P Global, rising mortgage repayments have hit suburbs on the fringes of big cities the hardest.
Their research measured the weighted average of arrears more than 30 days past due on residential mortgage loans in publicly and privately rated Australian transactions.
The Perth suburb of Maddington, 20km from the city centre, topped the list of “Worst performing postcodes” in the report.
As of early April, 4.67 per cent of homeowners in Maddington are in arrears.
That was closely followed by Dolls Point, located in southern Sydney.
Of the mortgaged houses in that NSW suburb, 4.33 per cent are behind on payments.
In third place was another WA postcode, Byford, in Perth’s southeastern edge, with an arrears percentage of 4.16 per cent.
Western Australia had one more suburb on the list – Ballidu in the Central Midlands – while NSW had a total of four.
Bankstown and Castlereagh, from Sydney’s west and southwest, were also experiencing substantial pressure. Katoomba from the Blue Mountains, south of Sydney, also earned a spot in the report.
Victoria, Queensland and South Australia each had one suburb on the list – Broadmeadows in Melbourne’s north, Barkly in Queensland’s Mout Isa region and Hackham, an outer suburb of Adelaide.
A breakdown of each state showed that the Northern Territory was the most behind in its mortgage repayments, at a rate of 1.75 per cent.
Western Australia came in at 1.40 per cent, as of April this year, before interest rates started to be hiked.
Victoria received a score of 0.87 per cent while 0.85 per cent of NSW mortgage holders were also in mortgage arrears.
The ACT fared the best, with an arrears rate of only 0.33 per cent.
Overall, the national average was 0.71 per cent for Australia’s arrears rate, as of April.
“The swift pace of interest rate rises will create debt-serviceability pressures for households with less liquidity buffers and higher leverage,” the report noted, forecasting that sometime in the third quarter of this year a higher arrears rate would show up in new monthly date .
Finder also released a damning statistic about the state of Australia’s home loan debt.
A recent survey conducted last month concluded that more than half a million homeowners would be “on the brink” if interest rates rose by three per cent.
Of those, 145,000 Australis said they would consider selling their home if rates jumped because they would “struggle a lot” to repay them. That represents about five per cent of Australia’s mortgage holders.
The survey also found that 14 per cent of admitted respondents they might fall behind on their repayments or other bills.
Nearly half (48 per cent) would be able to manage, but would have to cut down on their spending, according to Finder.
Only a quarter of participants said a rate rise would not change their lifestyle or spending habits at all.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has made a startling admission about young gun Tom Dearden, revealing the rising playmaker was a “shell of a person” when he arrived at the club.
Dearden, 21, was once heralded as a star of the future at the Brisbane Broncos before he reportedly fell out of favor with head coach Kevin Walters.
The five-eighth signed with rivals North Queensland on a three-year deal, and was later a granted a mid-season transfer.
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Both clubs were struggling towards the bottom of the ladder, with the Broncos having claimed the wooden spoon for the first time in their history the season before.
While Dearden insisted that his confidence hadn’t taken a hit by how things turned out at the Broncos, coach Payten has now revealed he saw things differently.
“He was a shell of a person, I’ve got to say,” Payten told Matty Johns on Fox League’s face to face
“He was nervous and second guessing himself, whether it was on or off the pitch.
“What I did like about him was the way he trained. He’s super competitive, he’s really professional, and playing footy means something to him.
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“He’s wanted to play NRL since he was a kid and you can see that in the way he goes about it.”
North Queensland took a backwards step in 2021 and finished a place behind the Broncos in 15th.
But a stellar pre-season, with Dearden among the standouts, has thrust the club into premiership contention this year.
Payten said while the senior players helped lead the team throughout the successful pre-season, younger players including Dearden, Reuben Cotter and Tom Gilbert also impressed.
These players helped the Cowboys learn from their mistakes, as they trained by practicing things that “they weren’t expecting”.
“They train hard, everyone trains hard so that’s a given. Through our review, I’m talking about the coaches review… we watched all of the tries that we’d conceded which was not fun to view,” Payten said.
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“A lot of those, I think about 60 per cent of those would come from missed tackles that should’ve been made or guys not competing enough.
“We conceded the most tries from kicks in the competition and that affected our headspace in games. We’d defend two sets and then from a guy not getting their job done or someone not competing hard enough, we’d conceded a try.
“As soon as something upset the rhythm or went against them, we didn’t have the mental or physical capacity to get on with the job.
“(We had to) just build around upsetting rhythm in different ways. Doing things that they weren’t expecting to do at different times and causing a little bit of chaos and seeing how they handled it.
“We got better as the preseason went on.”
Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom DeardenSource: Supplied
Dearden has reaped the rewards of the Cowboys’ successful season, as they currently sit in second behind the Panthers, by making his Origin debut for Queensland.
The up-and-comer announced himself on one of the game’s biggest stages, as he helped inspire his state to win in the decider at Suncorp Stadium.
