Patrick Carrigan – Michmutters
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Casualty Ward, Round 22, injuries, ins and outs, return dates, Liam Martin, Penrith Panthers

The Panthers have suffered yet another injury blow to their already-depleted stocks, with Liam Martin rolling his ankle in Thursday night’s clash with the Storm.

Martin suffered the injury in the second half and hobbled from the field in clear pain, supported by two trainers.

The 25-year-old Blues star later hobbled to the bench using crutches, and was seen with ice wrapped around his ankle.

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INJURED IN ROUND 22

Liam Martin (ankle) – TBC

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Liam Martin copped a painful ankle injury in another blow to the Panthers.Source: FOX SPORTS

FULL CASUALTY WARD

BRONCOS

Jordan Pereira (illness) – TBC

Albert Kelly (foot) – Round 22

TC Robati (arm) – Round 22

Herbie Farnworth (biceps) – indefinite

Patrick Carrigan (suspension) – Round 25

raiders

Ryan Sutton (head knock) – Round 22

Xavier Savage (ankle) – Round 22

Joseph Tapine (ribs) – Round 23

Nick Cotric (suspended) – Round 23

Harry Rushton (jaw) – Round 25

Jarrod Croker (shoulder) – season

Josh Hodgson (knee) – season

Harley Smith-Shields (knee) – season

Buzz: Roosters have looming cap issues | 04:08

BULLDOGS

Paul Alamoti (cheekbone) – Round 22

Ava Seumanufagai (calf) – Round 22

Tevita Pangai Jnr (personal reasons) – Round 23

Corey Waddell (suspension) – Round 25

Corey Allan (groin) – Round 25

Reece Hoffman (hand) – Round 25

Luke Thompson (concussion) – indefinite

Jack Hetherington (shoulder) – season

Billy Tsikrikas (knee) – season

SHARKS

Royce Hunt (shoulder) – Round 22

Connor Tracey (head knock) – Round 23

Matt Moylan (quad) – Round 23

Sione Katoa (pectoral) – season

Jack Williams (shoulder) – season

TITANS

Joe Vuna (knee) – indefinite

Shallin Fuller (leg) – season

Aaron Booth (knee) – season

Cleary backs NRL over Stuart suspension | 02:44

BE EAGLES

Josh Aloiai (knee) – Round 22

Kieran Foran (hamstring) – Round 22

Taniela Paseka (knee) – Round 23

Sean Keppie (shoulder) – TBC

Tom Trbojevic (shoulder) – season

Karl Lawton (knee) – season

STORM

Nick Meaney (shoulder) – Round 22

Justin Olam (Covid) – Round 22

Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) – Round 23-24

Felise Kaufusi (personal reasons) – TBC

Tepai Moeroa (shoulder) – Round 23

Trent Loiero (back) – indefinite

Ryan Papenhuyzen (knee) – season

Reimis Smith (pectoral) – season

Christian Welch (Achilles) – season

George Jennings (knee) – season

KNIGHTS

Jake Clifford (arm) – TBC

Mitch Barnett (thumb) – TBC

Edrick Lee (foot) – TBC

Hymel Hunt (abductor) – TBC

Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) – TBC

Kurt Mann (quad) – Round 22

Chris Vea’ila (leg) – indefinite

Kalyn Ponga (concussion) – indefinite

Bailey Hodgson (elbow) – season

Dylan Lucas (pectoral) – season

COWBOYS

Jordan McLean (hamstring) – Round 22

Kyle Feldt (hamstring) – Round 23

Mitch Dunn (knee) – season

Heilum Luki (knee) – season

EELS

Bailey Simonsson (hamstring) – Round 22

Mitchell Moses (finger) – Round 24-25

Nathan Brown (finger) – TBC

Haze Dunster (knee) – season

Ray Stone (knee) – season

PANTHERS

Taylan May (shoulder) – Round 23-24

James Fisher-Harris (suspended) – Round 24

Jarome Luai (knee) – finals

Nathan Cleary (suspension) – finals

Liam Martin (ankle) – TBC

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

RABBITOHS

Peter Mamouzelos (wrist) – Round 22

Hame Sele (hamstring) – Round 22

Thomas Burgess (groin) – Round 23

Campbell Graham (cheekbone) – Round 23

Jed Cartwright (hamstring) – Round 23

Kodi Nikorima (hamstring) – Round 24

Michael Chee Kam (thumb) – Round 25

Liam Knight (knee) – season

Jacob Host (shoulder) – season

dragons

Cody Ramsey (knee) – Round 22-23

Jayden Sullivan (shoulder) – Round 23

Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) – finals

Moses Suli (ankle) – finals

Tariq Sims (suspended) – finals

ROOSTERS

Sam Verrills (head knock) – Round 22

Egan Butcher (suspended) – Round 22

Lindsay Collins (concussion) – Round 23

Siosiua Taukeiaho (cheekbone) – Round 23

Billy Smith (knee) – season

Sitili Tupouniua (knee) – season

WARRIORS

Aaron Pene (leg) – Round 23

Jesse Arthars (quad) – Round 23

Chanel Harris-Tavita (knee) – Round 23

Ben Murdoch-Masila (elbow) – Round 24-25

Jazz Tevaga (shoulder) – season

Ronald Volkman (shoulder) – season

TIGERS

Luke Garner (neck) – Round 22-23

Tommy Talau (knee) – Round 24-25

Stefano Utoikamanu (wrist) – Round 24-25

Luke Brooks (calf) – Round 25

Jackson Hastings (ankle) – season

Alex Twal (concussion) – season

Shawn Blore (ACL) – season

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Penrith Panthers Greg Alexander blasts ‘ludicrous’ twist in Melbourne Storm wrestling claim, NRL, what they said

Penrith legend Greg Alexander has shut down claims he was sent in by the Panthers to fire a premeditated attack on Melbourne ahead of Thursday’s clash between the clubs.

Speaking after Patrick Carrigan’s ugly hip drop tackle on Tigers star Jackson Hastings, Alexander sparked controversy when he claimed the Storm were to blame for the wrestling tactics which have infiltrated the NRL.

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Carrigan’s tackle led to Hastings breaking his leg and the Broncos forward copping a four-match suspension.

Storm legend Cameron Smith and Melbourne boss Matt Tripp have fired back in the bitter stoush with Alexander but the footy great is standing firm.

Journalist Brent Read suggested on NRL 360 on Wednesday night Alexander’s comments were timed to add spice to Thursday’s clash and the upcoming finals series.

“I don’t think the club’s gone to Brandy and said, ‘Hey Brandy, how about you go on radio this week and give it to Melbourne’,” Read said.

“But I’m sure there’s a little something in him in the argument that it’s a good time to bring it up, to raise it and point the finger at Melbourne.”

Alexander replied on Thursday, saying “even (Read) didn’t believe what he was saying, the rest of the panel certainly didn’t tumble into it”.

Alexander shut down suggestions he was launching a media campaign against the Storm on behalf of the Panthers.

“It’s ludicrous to think there was any planning in the comments I made,” Alexander told SEN Breakfast. “We made the comments based on our listeners and what they were saying.

“It was about the Patrick Carrigan hip drop and the no-charge to Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

“That’s how the story came about. I just mentioned a couple of things thinking it wasn’t any great revelation. Cam Smith had his say of him, I had my say.

“End of story, there was no planning and nothing to do with Penrith, it was just me.”

Brandy hopes that’s the end of it. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

It comes as relations between Alexander and the Storm sour, following Tripp’s stinging public rebuke of the Penrith co-chairman. .

Alexander said he was “surprised” by the initial backlash, adding: “I thought it was just a general consensus that over the last 20 years that all the tackles, the wrestling techniques had come out of Melbourne.

“I might be generalizing or even jumping to a conclusion, but I don’t think I am.

“These tackles over the last 20 years, all the different types of techniques, they appear in the game and it takes the game a little while to catch up to them.”

Smith had labeled Alexander’s comments “really unfair” but Tripp went much further, claiming Alexander has been “a Melbourne Storm detractor for many years, to the extent that when he’s commentating one of our games, most of us down here in Melbourne have to watch it with the volume turned down because he’s so biased and so one-sided and so anti-Melbourne that not only is he embarrassing himself, but he’s embarrassing the broadcasters he represents”.

Tripp added the accusation was “beyond absurd”, then doubled down.

“For the deputy chair of one of our biggest competitors, a week out from having to play them, to make unfounded and stupid comments as he has done, just goes to the arrogance of that club and their perceived status in the game at the moment ,” he told The Ageadding it was “borderline defamatory” and “I can’t believe that his continued witch hunt for us for over 20 years still goes on to this day”.

Cameron Smith defended his former club. Photo by Mike Owen/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Alexander hit back at those comments.

“I wasn’t even aware that in Round 22 Penrith were playing Melbourne on Thursday night. I haven’t got enough room in my brain to think about weeks ahead,” Alexander said on Monday.

“I’m a journalist that chases clickbait stories? If there was someone in the game chasing headlines at least, I might fall into that category with a number of others.

“Another claim was that I’ve been singling out and campaigning against the Melbourne Storm for years.

“That’s just garbage, it’s just fanciful and it’s in the fairytale realm that I speak about sometimes, that’s just made up.”

Others have also come to Alexander’s defence.

His SEN co-host Andrew Voss said “Melbourne is the best at it” when it comes to wrestling tactics.

The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis told NRL 360: “There’s no doubt the Storm have a chip on their shoulder as soon as anyone mentions the word wrestle.”

Braith Anasta added: “You know what I think about Melbourne, I think they only hear the negative.

“We sit here every week and we commentate their games and we praise them every week about the powerhouse they’ve been since they’ve come into the competition.

“The success they’ve had, their continued success year after year after year under Craig Bellamy and their organization and the head honchos has been unbelievable and unrivalled.

“But if anyone criticizes or criticises Melbourne in any way, shape or form it’s Sydney against Melbourne and we’re attacking Melbourne Storm.”

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Transfer Whispers, Jake Turpin, Broncos, Knights, Will Penisini, rugby union, Eels, Kobe Hetherington, Brisbane, transfers, contracts

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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‘MEDICAL DECISION’: Turbo opens up on Manly season…

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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Phil Rothfield, Buzz, NRL 360, Melbourne Storm, Paul Kent, wrestle, Craig Bellamy, Anasta Braith, Michael Carayannis, Cameron Munster

The Storm have been accused of having a “chip on their shoulder” after the club blew up over claims they are responsible for an influence of dangerous tackles in the game.

Penrith legend Greg Alexander targeted the Storm after Broncos star Patrick Carrigan was banned for a hip-drop tackle that broke the leg of Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings.

Melbourne legend Cameron Smith bit back at Panthers deputy chairman Alexander before Storm owner Matt Tripp exploded at the accusations.

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“For the deputy chair of one of our biggest competitors, a week out from having to play them, to make unfounded and stupid comments as he has done, just goes to the arrogance of that club and their perceived status in the game at the moment ,” Tripp told The SMH.

That prompted the NRL 360 panel on Monday night to slam the Storm for being too sensitive, as Phil Rothfield’s called Tripp’s comments a “brutal response”.

“There’s no doubt the Storm have a chip on their shoulder as soon as anyone mentions the word wrestle,” Michael Carayannis said on NRL 360.

“You know what I think about Melbourne, I think they only hear the negative,” Braith Anasta said.

“We sit here every week and we commentate their games and we praise them every week about the powerhouse they’ve been since they’ve come into the competition.

Kenty dives deeper into Sticky situation | 03:02

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“The success they’ve had, their continued success year after year after year under Craig Bellamy and their organization and the head honchos has been unbelievable and unrivalled.

“But if anyone criticizes or criticises Melbourne in any way, shape or form it’s Sydney against Melbourne and we’re attacking Melbourne Storm.”

Melbourne have enjoyed unparalleled success in the NRL over the past two decades under Bellamy.

They’ve played finals in every season they were eligible since 2002 and in the past decade have clinched nine top-four finishes.

But Paul Kent questioned if they would have been as successful without “the wrestle”.

“Are they in decline the Storm, do you think?” Kent questioned.

If Munster leaves are Storm in decline? | 00:53

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

“Depends what happens with Cameron Munster,” Phil Rothfield answered.

“If Munster leaves I think they are definitely in a serious decline.

“If he stays, I know they’ve lost a couple of forwards who are getting on but I think they’re going to be ok if Cameron stays.”

“Ironically their defense on the weekend was not what you’d expect out of Melbourne,” Kent said.

“16-0 to let the Titans of all teams back in.”

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

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

“We’ve just talked about their success over a long time, this is going to be their biggest challenge,” Anasta said.

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Storm star Brandon Smith grilled over hip drop tackle

Cameron Munster has produced a breathtaking display as Melbourne Storm marked a history-making night with a 32-14 win over gutsy cellar-dweller Gold Coast Titans at AAMI Park on Friday night.

But the returning Brandon Smith will be facing a nervous wait after he was put on report for a hip drop tackle late in the first half.

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With the Storm leading 16-4, Smith, who had been out for the last three matches after he was banned for referee Adam Gee a “cheating bastard”, landed himself in hot water when making a legs tackle on the Titans’ Tino Fa’ asuamaleaui.

But in a week where the hip drop has been a hot topic after the Broncos’ Patrick Carrigan was banned for four weeks after his tackle saw the Tigers’ Jackson Hastings break his leg.

Unlike a usual hip drop where two players hold a player before the third man attacks the legs, Smith was in motion, slipping off the tackle and onto Fa’asuamaleaui leg.

But referee Peter Gough said: ““I understand it’s wet and he’s sliding, but what it is, is he throws his legs out which drops the weight on the backfoot.”

Premiership winning coach turned Fox Sports commentator Shane Flanagan wasn’t thrilled with the tackle.

“You can’t do it. You know you can’t put your weight on the back of the legs when a player is going away from you, and he gets himself in a bad position,” Flanagan said.

Post match, Storm coach Craig Bellamy called for the judiciary to look at the incident on its own merits.

“I just hope it gets judged on the tackle, not some of the hysteria that has gone on this week,” Bellamy said.

“That is all we ask.

“If you go on one last week, but how many have there been? If there is one in however many games since the last one.

“Pat Carrigan doesn’t go out on the field to break Hastings’ legs, they are an accident.

“I don’t see it as a real big issue in the game, but I understand that it can injure people, but there hasn’t been a whole heap this year I don’t think.

“I just hope it gets judged on that and not on it being in the news a lot this week.”

It was otherwise a good night for the Storm as they celebrated Bromwich brothers, captain Jesse (290 games) and fellow forward Kenny (211), became the first pair of brothers in NRL history to combine for 500 games (501) with the one club .

Kenny produced a first half try to make it the perfect start to the night.

But it was a hat-trick hero Munster who kickstarted the Storm surges with two first-half tries before adding a third in the second half on a night of brilliance.

Returning to the full back position where he started his career, Munster was safe at the back, dazzled with the extra room to move to rack up 252 run meters and offered tremendous leadership with his voice.

Winger David Nofoaluma, loaned from the Wests Tigers, showed off his speed and elusiveness in an impressive first start with the Storm, while center Young Tonumaipea scored a try in his first game for the Storm since 2018.

Hooker Harry Grant and five-eighth Cooper Johns were also influential for the Storm.

The Storm made a barnstorming start with three tries in the opening 22 minutes.

Xavier Coates, returning from a long-term injury, scored one of the easier tries of his career after Grant flicked out a quick pass to find him unattended in the corner.

Munster rose into the night sky to catch, spin and make his way across the line, before Kenny Bromwich got his try burrowing under Titans defenders Phillip Sami and David Fifita.

It would be a horror night for the Titans after hooker Aaron Booth succumbed to a knee injury.

The 26-year-old had to be helped off the ground by the trainers against his former club after his leg collapsed while attempting to tackle Johns.

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Cronulla Sharks, Will Kennedy injury, Tevita Tatola tackle that has left the Sharks seeing

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon says the match review committee has become “difficult to understand” after he lost fullback Will Kennedy to a serious injury as a result of a hip-drop tackle that went uncharged.

Kennedy isn’t expected back until the final round of the regular season after he was forced to undergo ankle surgery following an ugly tackle by South Sydney’s Tevita Tatola in the 63rd minute of last week’s pulsating golden point battle.

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The incident has attracted very little interest during a week where Brisbane’s Patrick Carrigan was banned for four matches for fracturing Jackson Hastings’ fibula in a shocking tackle just hours after the Kennedy injury.

The Sharks sent an email to the NRL asking why Tatola hadn’t been charged, but the response they got left a lot to be desired just a week after Sharks lock Dale Finucane was suspended for two games for an accidental head clash.

“It’s getting difficult to understand,” Fitzgibbon said, confident that Kennedy may return ahead of schedule.

William Kennedy was the victim of an ugly tackle. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“No one actually intends to do it. They are unfortunate and they are happening more than normal.

“But we lose a good player who’s an important part of our team for an extended period, and there was no charge.

“I didn’t understand the explanation, but it is what it is. The same goes for Dale with the head clash. We’ve got to move on.

“Kade (Dykes) gets an opportunity, which is really exciting. When things like that happen, you really don’t want to get stuck and dwell on what you can’t control. All I can control is the team that’s going to play this weekend.”

There is a silver lining to all of this, with Dykes set to make his NRL debut on Saturday in front of a packed house on Old Boys’ Day.

It’s a huge moment for the local junior who will become a third-generation Shark and will follow in the footsteps of dad, Adam, and grandfather, John.

Dykes has been in red-hot form in reserve grade, scoring eight tries and setting up another nine in his 13 games this season where he’s split time between fullback and in the halves.

Lachie Miller and his teammates celebrate a stunning try. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied

He’s been playing so well that he’s even pipped former sevens star Lachie Miller, who scored a slashing try on debut for Cronulla back in round 11.

“His form for Newtown has gotten to a point where (picking) him was undeniable,” Fitzgibbon said.

“We had a couple of weeks where we were rotating between him and Lachie Miller. Both really were pressing for selection. He’s got really good balance and speed and footwork so hopefully we can see some of his best attributes from him tomorrow.

“It was a hard decision based on Lachie’s debut.

“If you have a rewards system based on NSW Cup, training, performance etc, then Kade got to a point where it warranted an opportunity.

“I will say Lachie has been performing well and has been pressing for selection as well, so Lachie has some utility value and I do see Lachie playing again for us soon.

“It was difficult in that regard but also really exciting for Kade because he earned the opportunity.”

The hype around Dykes is already building, but his coach is confident the 20-year-old will handle it days after he signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2024.

“Young players who are exceptionally talented have a confidence about them so the hype doesn’t affect them too much,” Fitzgibbon said.

“Kade is a confident kid and really confident in his ability, so when you see the way that they mingle with the other players and the way that they train (you’re not worried).

“This is Kade’s first season against has men and he’s been one of the strongest performers in the competition.”

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Greg Alexander, Patrick Carrigan hip drop, Cameron Smith responds to claims Melboune Storm invented hip drop, injuries, Brisbane Broncos, news, updates

Greg Alexander has doubled down on his claims that the Storm are the perpetrators of the influence of dangerous tackles in the game over the last 20 years.

It comes after Storm legend Cameron Smith hit back at Alexander’s original comments, calling them “unfair.”

Alexander targeted the Storm after Broncos enforcer Patrick Carrigan received a four-game suspension for a hip-drop on Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings.

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The tackle in the 73rd minute left Hastings with a broken fibula, with the Great Britain representative now in a race to be fit for this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

Speaking on SEN, Alexander said he was “surprised” by Smith’s reaction and believes “history shows” that several dangerous tackles have come out of Melbourne.

“I didn’t think it was any kind of revelation when I made those comments about the hip-drop emanating out of Melbourne Storm,” he said on Friday morning.

“I was surprised that Cameron and Denan (Kemp) were surprised that someone would actually think that the hip-drop started out of Melbourne.

“I thought it was just a general consensus that over the last 20 years that all the tackles, the wrestling techniques had come out of Melbourne.

“I might be generalizing or even jumping to a conclusion, but I don’t think I am.

“These tackles over the last 20 years, all the different types of techniques, they appear in the game and it takes the game a little while to catch up to them.

“I remember watching in 2020 and noticing tackles. Not just Melbourne Storm players, but two of the first three charges of 2020 for hip-drop tackles were Melbourne Storm players, Jesse Bromwich and Max King.

Walker perfection sets up Butcher | 01:20

“I distinctly remember the Max King incident because I was calling the game. Max King just fell on the back of Blake Lawrie’s leg.

“I think history shows — and it’s not a stretch for me to jump to a Melbourne Storm conclusion — that the grapple, the chicken wing, the rolling pin, the crusher, the hip-drop… I think they all emanate out of Melbourne.

“Melbourne have led the way. They have changed the game back in 2002-3 where the wrestle became part of the game.”

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Smith initially laughed it off when a caller said on Thursday that Alexander directed all the blame in the Storm’s direction, before adamantly denying that any clubs were teaching their players dangerous techniques.

“I can put that to bed now. I can be honest with you. Brandy is a great analyst of our game and one of the great players of our game,” Smith said on SEN’sThe Captains Run.

“I just don’t know how he can come up with that comment.

“To single out one club and to say that they introduced that tackle into our sport, that’s a little bit over the top.

“I work with Brandy on our radio station on SEN and he’s a great fella, but to single out the Melbourne Storm, that’s really unfair, really unfair.

“To say that a club or even clubs now are practicing or teaching their players to fall into the back of legs, I think that’s a little bit over the top.”

Could Reynolds make Canterbury return? | 00:57

Smith, who won two Dally M medals during his career, began to question how ‘Brandy’ could even come to that conclusion.

The 39-year-old couldn’t recall ever seeing Alexander at a Melbourne Storm training session during his decorated 20-years at the club.

But after questioning the claim, Smith shared why he believes that the hip-drop tackle has begun to make its mark in the game as players go without “any reward” for legitimate tackles.

“A reason why this has crept into the game is because there’s no reward for legs tackles anymore… It’s harder to make one-on-one tackles so you’re taught to make multiple defender tackles,” he added.

“The game has taken away any reward for good leg tackles, one-on-one leg tackles. You watch the games over this weekend, if someone makes a good covering tackle around the legs, or even just a good front on tackle on-one-one… as soon as the ball carrier hits the turf, the referee is screaming at the tackler to release.”

The 430-game NRL veteran said that these tackles are performed all the time in a game of rugby league, but are only cited whenever it looks “ugly” or there’s an injury.

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Smith suggested that the Match Review Committee would have to be tougher on players if they want to eliminate the technique from the sport.

“If you actually watch the game closely and you watch every tackle, these tackles are performed all the time.

“You could almost find one of these tackles in every set. But it’s not until someone gets injured or there’s a really, really ugly, messy looking tackle where someone’s legs get caught and they get bent back over the defender that’s sat down on those legs.

“Nothing’s done about it. There’s actually nothing done about it.

“Maybe the way for the NRL to go if they want to eliminate these tackles from our sport, the MRC need to start going through these games with a fine tooth comb and anytime something like this is performed, then the player needs to be notified any even charged.

“I don’t know whether it’s a fine to start with, if it’s a less dangerous hip-drop tackle and there’s no result of injury, just to say ‘hey mate, we’re onto ya’”.

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NRL 2022 Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos live score, updates, stream, start time, teams, SuperCoach scores

Plenty is on the line when the Roosters host the Broncos at the SCG on Thursday night with the former hoping to hang onto the top eight and the latter looking to keep in touch with the top four.

The Roosters sit eighth after three consecutive wins but a loss to the Broncos could see them drop out of the eight if the Raiders beat a depleted Panthers outfit on Saturday.

MATCH CENTER: Roosters vs Broncos live score, video, stats

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On the other side of the coin, the Broncos look set to return to finals footy and have their eyes on a top four finish — but a shock loss to the Tigers last week has seen them drop to fifth.

Both coaches have been forced into making key changes to their side with Roosters duo Lindsay Collins (concussion) and Egan Butcher (suspension) out as well as Broncos star Patrick Carrigan, who copped a four-week ban for a hip-drop tackle.

Trent Robinson has promoted Matt Lodge to the starting side and brought Terrell May and Ben Thomas onto the bench.

Meanwhile, Kevin Walters has replaced Carrigan with Kobe Hetherington and Rhys Kennedy joins the bench.

In other key changes for the Broncos, Origin star Selwyn Cobbo returns on the wing from the concussion he suffered in game three, while Jake Turpin is back in the 17 at the expense of Cory Paix and will start at hooker with Billy Walters dropping back to the bench.

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TEAMS

Roosters: 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. Ben Thomas 16. Drew Hutchison 17. Terrell May. Replacement player: 19. Fletcher Baker

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 14. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 9. Billy Walters 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Corey Jensen 17. Keenan Palasia. Replacement player: 18. Te Maire Martin

Follow the action live in our blog below. If you can’t see it, click here.

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NRL 2022: Cameron Smith blasts great over ‘really unfair’ Melbourne Storm hip drop tackle claim

Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith has slammed suggestions his former club invented the hip drop tackle.

Debate has reignited around the controversial tactic after Brisbane Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan was given a four-game suspension for a hip drop tackle on Jackson Hastings, which resulted in the Tigers playmaker suffering a broken fibula.

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Panthers great and Fox League commentator Greg Alexander said on SEN radio the Storm were the first team to introduce the hip drop tackle, a claim which Smith strongly denied.

“Brandy (Alexander) is a great analyst of the game and one of the greatest players of our game,” Smith said on SEN on Thursday.

“I just don’t know how he came up with that comment.

“To single out one club and to say that they introduced that tackle into our sport, that’s over the top.

“I can’t ever recall seeing Brandy at one of our training sessions throughout my career and my 20 years at Melbourne.

“I work with Brandy on our radio station and he’s a great fella, but to single out the Melbourne Storm, that’s really unfair, really unfair.

“To say that a club or even clubs now are practicing or teaching their players to fall into the back of legs, I think that’s a little bit over the top.”

Hip drop tackles occur when a third player enters and attacks the ball carrier’s legs, which has resulted in serious leg injuries such as broken legs and ruptured ACLs.

Smith believes hip drop tackles have become more prominent in the NRL because referees are no longer rewarding players for one-leg tackles.

“There are no rewards for leg tackles anymore,” he said

“Players are taught to have multiple defenders be in the tackle.

“If someone makes a tackle low around the legs, as soon as the ball carrier hits the turf, the referee is screaming at the tackler to release.

“So why would you perform that tackle anymore when you’re not rewarded for it?

“You are giving an advantage to the attacking team (because) you get to play the ball quickly.

“That’s completely against what you are trying to do in slowing the ball down.”

Smith said hip drop tackles are used “all the time”, adding the onus is on the NRL to clamp down on the tactic.

“If you actually watch the game closely and you watch every tackle, these tackles are performed all the time,” he continued.

“You could almost find one of these tackles in every set. But it’s not until someone gets injured or there’s a really, really ugly, messy looking tackle where someone’s legs get caught and they get bent back over the defender that’s sat down on those legs.

“Nothing’s done about it. There’s actually nothing done about it.

“Maybe the way for the NRL to go if they want to eliminate these tackles from our sport, the Match Review Committee (MRC) need to start going through these games with a fine tooth comb and anytime something like this is performed, then the player needs to be notified and even charged.

“I don’t know whether it’s a fine to start with, if it’s a less dangerous hip-drop tackle and there’s no result of injury, just to say, ‘Hey mate, we’re onto ya’.”

Carrigan’s suspension is a blow to Brisbane’s top four chances. The Broncos take on the Sydney Roosters tonight in a clash that looms as crucial for the final hopes of both teams.

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Newcastle Knights, David Klemmer abuse of trainer, what did he say?, Cameron Smith, breach notice

NRL great Cameron Smith has called on the Newcastle Knights to “be better” as further details emerged related to prop David Klemmer’s incident over the weekend.

Klemmer allegedly refused to leave the field and verbally abused trainer Hayden Knowles during Newcastle’s 14-point loss to the Bulldogs last Sunday.

The star forward was also dropped for this weekend’s crunch clash with the Wests Tigers, amid reports he could have his contract torn up by the Knights.

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The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read understands that the former Blues representative has apologized to head coach Adam O’Brien, as he acknowledged that he could’ve handled things differently.

The Telegraph reported on Thursday further details of Klemmer’s spray, claiming he called Knowles a “c***” and told him to “shut the f*** up”.

The report also revealed an exchange of messages between a Knights player and a senior member of staff about Klemmer, in which the member signs off with “FEC”.

“Confidential understands is an acronym for “F*** every c***. It suggests that the language was part of everyday life at the Knights and largely driven by some members of staff,” the report adds.

Weighing in on the news on Thursday morning, former Australia captain Smith couldn’t believe that a formal complaint had been submitted against Klemmer for an incident which he suggested happens regularly.

Klemmer sanctioned for abusing trainer | 02:55

“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 on 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.

“Do we go running to people now to double on each other? Like seriously, footy clubs, you’ve got to be better than that.”

Smith, who holds the record for the most NRL games played with 430, couldn’t understand why the Knights would make the complaint considering their form.

The Telegraph have reported that Newcastle players will be involved in the investigation, as they provide witness statements of what they heard.

Newcastle are currently 14th on the ladder, but they would drop back to second-last with a loss against the Wests Tigers on Sunday.

“The football is one thing, they’re not going great, they’re not going great at all,” he added.

“Even their performances at home, they’ve let their members and their fans down at home, who are extremely good supporters.

O’Brien’s time at Knights running out? | 02:43

“We’re starting to come to the end of the 2022 season, they’ve had a bludger of a year, they’re trying to get their season done as best they can with the remaining games.

“Now their starting prop, one of their enforcers, he’s been stood down. They’ve got several players now being pulled in now to be part of this investigation, and give their account of events.”

Smith played a lot of rugby league against and with Klemmer, with the pair helping the Kangaroos to a tense 6-0 win in the World Cup final against England in 2017.

The former Melbourne Storm hooker described Klemmer as “very respectful”, and felt that he would’ve worked through the situation alongside the club if given a chance.

“I’ve had a little bit to do with David Klemmer, like I’ve played many, many times against him, and look he is one of the most competitive and passionate blokes that I’ve played against in my career. He loves footy, he loves playing for the teams that he represents.

“But once the games over, he’s a very, very respectful man. He’ll deal with those situations the way he needs to deal with them respectfully. I don’t know why they’ve gone down this path.”

The Parramatta Eels reported attempted to sign Klemmer on a loan deal for the rest of the 2022 season, but the move was blocked by the Knights.

Klemmer is currently on a deal worth up to $900,000 at Newcastle until the end of next season, but a number of teams could be interested in acquiring his services if he becomes available.

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