Paul Kent – Page 2 – Michmutters

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

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

MORE NRL NEWS

TEAM TIPS: Broncos swing the ax as stars return while Storm face another headache

REVEALED: NRL’s punishment for Ricky for ugly spray as Kent slams

NEW ERA: Storm in ‘serious decline’ if Munster leaves as ‘biggest test’ looms

‘RATTLED THE CAGE’: The moment Eels star began mulling over Tigers backflip

“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

MORE NRL NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MORE NRL NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One game suspension harsh on Ricky? | 03:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salmon family calls for action on Stuart | 03:00

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

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

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

Paul Kent said the NRL ”knows the truth” and

“It’s not a good look and I accept that but it’s not about whether it is right or wrong.

“To suspend a game for that

“Any person that gets hung out for defending their family, and I get its the wrong ga

“The NRL should sit there and says it’s not a personal matter

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

ARL to decide Grand Final location soon | 05:25

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

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

Kent said the NRL “knows the truth” behind Stuart’s reaction and reiterated that the issue for him is the suspension.

Caryannis responded by asking “what’s the deterrent then?”

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

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

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Isaiah Papali’i backflip on Wests Tigers contract, Parramatta Eels, Michael Maguire sacked

Isaiah Papali'i backflip on Wests Tigers contract, Parramatta Eels, Michael Maguire sacked

Isaiah Papali’i has confirmed he is yet to make a decision on whether he will honor the contract he’s signed with the Tigers or backflip on it to remain at the Eels.

Papali’i told 9 News that he’ll make a call “in the off-season” and also revealed the moment he began mulling over his future.

The 23-year-old signed a big-money three-year contract last November with the Tigers beginning next season.

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However just under a month ago reports emerged that Papali’i had a change of heart and was considering backflipping on the contract.

Speaking to 9 News on Monday, Papali’i was still unsure about what he was going to do.

“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,” he said.

“I reckon somewhere in the off-season because this is distracting me at the moment,” he added when asked when he wants to make a decision by.

“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’.”

One game suspension harsh on Ricky? | 03:27

MORE NRL NEWS

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

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

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

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

Papali’i also revealed that it was the sacking of Michael Maguire in June that “rattled the cage” for him.

“I think it was the coaching axing that went on,” the Kiwi international said.

“When I did sign it was talking to Madge — he’s an awesome coach. That rattled the cage a bit and I guess you have to have those conversations and I guess that was a massive factor for me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fair to criticize Storm for tackling? | 02:04

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

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

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

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

MORE NRL NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One game suspension harsh on Ricky? | 03:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Nofoaluma vows to honor Tigers deal | 01:16

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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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Kyle Flanagan shuts down Hull FC transfer rumours, news, contract, Canterbury Bulldogs, Michael Potter

Kyle Flanagan shuts down Hull FC transfer rumours, news, contract, Canterbury Bulldogs, Michael Potter

Bulldogs halfback Kyle Flanagan has enjoyed a remarkable rise under interim boss Mick Potter in Canterbury, with the now free-scoring team surging up the ladder.

Now the 23-year-old number seven has shut down talk of a mooted move to the English Super League, declaring he ‘definitely’ wants to extend his time at the club.

Having been benched in the opening months of the season and subsequently for struggling form, Flanagan had been linked to a move to English side Hull FC in recent months.

But he shut that talk down at Tuesday’s press conference, laughing off a question around whether he had held talks with Hull.

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“No,” Flanagan laughed. “The first time I got out there on social media and shut that stuff down, that was the first I’d heard of it.

“I’m on contract here next year at the Bulldogs and keep winning footy games, I won’t have to listen to that sort of stuff.”

With his contract expiring at the end of 2023, Flanagan declared his allegiance to the Dogs long-term, stating his desire for a long-term deal.

“Yeah, I think so,” Flanagan replied to a question about remaining at the club.

“Obviously I live in Cronulla and I love the Bulldogs. They gave me an opportunity and I like to think I have turned things around and things are going forward for the club.

“As I said, if we keep winning and combinations keep building, this footy team is only going to get better.

“I’m loving my time here and I definitely want to extend here.”

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EARLY MAIL: ‘Wear a lot of heat’ – Eels’ spine shake-up to protect Moses replacement

Flanagan was full of praise for interim boss Potter, declaring he has simplified the club’s on-field strategy and removed the shackles from the side.

“I can’t give any more credit to what Pottsy has done for me individually or this footy team.

“He is such a calm head and simplifies things so much for us. He just backs up and gives us confidence to go out there and play footy, and we do exactly that.

“We are repaying the faith he puts in us.”

“We are out there putting the wins on the board, the shackles are off and we are just playing what we see.,” he added.”

“It’s really exciting to be playing in this footy team and for myself, I’m just really enjoying my own footy and starting to love playing every weekend.”

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

STADIUM WARS: NRL’s $800m threat to NSW govt over stadium funding backflip

‘VERY FEW LIVE BY 10 COMMANDMENTS’: Anonymous player blasts Manly seven

‘EMBARRASSING’: NRL slammed for ‘dumbest explanation’ over star’s non-charge

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

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?

MORE NRL NEWS

‘DONE 100’: Roosters star Keary’s confession reveals NRL big hip-drop problem

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

STADIUM WARS: NRL’s $800m threat to NSW govt over stadium funding backflip

‘VERY FEW LIVE BY 10 COMMANDMENTS’: Anonymous player blasts Manly seven

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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NRL news 2022: Patrick Carrigan suspended for four weeks after ugly hip-drop tackle

NRL news 2022: Patrick Carrigan suspended for four weeks after ugly hip-drop tackle

Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan has been suspended for four matches after he was found guilty of making dangerous contact in an ugly hip-drop tackle that fractured Jackson Hastings’ right fibula and damaged his syndesmosis during Saturday evening’s game at Suncorp Stadium.

Carrigan was referred straight to the judiciary for the tackle that Hastings has seen wiped out for the rest of the season.

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Hastings writhed in agony after he was held up by Broncos pair Cory Paix and Keenan Palasia, before Carrigan leant his weight to the tackle around the hips and landed on his opponent’s right foot.

Post-match, Tigers interim coach Brett Kimmorley called the tackle “horrendous.”

On a dramatic night at the judiciary, the NRL’s lawyer had asked for a ban of five to six matches to make an example of Carrigan while defense counsel Nick Ghabar had pushed for two weeks.

The panel of Dallas Johnson and Henry Perenara reached a unanimous decision that Carrigan’s actions had put Hastings in a vulnerable decision and that the penalty would act as a deterrent to other players.

“I’m very grateful to Nick and the NRL for a fair hearing,” Carrigan said.

“I’m a little bit disappointed with the result.

“I certainly didn’t have any attempt or malice in what happened, but I’m also aware that Jackson is going to miss a bit of footy. I wish him all the best with his recovery from him.

“My focus is to be as supportive as I can for the Broncos for the next four weeks.”

The Wally Lewis Medal winner from State of Origin made the trip to Sydney but didn’t give evidence at the hearing.

Instead, five angles of Carrigan’s tackle and a similar tackle by Dragons forward Josh McGuire against the Storm in Round 10 last year were used primarily during the case.

McGuire was hit with a grade three charge under the game’s old judicial code and was banned for five matches, although he did have carry-over points which added to his penalty.

The tackle on Melbourne’s Josh Addo-Carr did not result in serious injury, although the winger was forced from the field for seven minutes.

NRL judicial counsel Patrick Knowles referred to a memo sent by NRL head of football Graham Annesley to all 16 clubs on July 21, 2020 where he warned players about the hip-drop tackle that had started to creep into the game.

Knowles said that Carrigan’s tackle had all the same “hallmarks” and that it involved the dropping of weight from the hips and the trapping and twisting Hastings’ legs which created an obvious risk of injury.

Knowles asked the judiciary panel to suspend Carrigan for five to six games, pointing to the fact that Hastings required surgery to insert a plate and screws and that he would miss three to five months of footy as a result.

While he didn’t want “eye for an eye” retribution, he argued that Carrigan’s high level of force and carelessness should be punished severely.

Ghabar said his client only served a two-week ban given he showed contrition, had done everything in his power to actually limit the risk of injury on Saturday night and had only been charged twice during his 62-game career.

He pointed to a medical report from a third-party doctor that said the injury was exacerbated by the other tacklers pushing from the top, which twisted Hastings into a dangerous position and added weight to the tackle.

Ghabar said that it was a lot different to McGuire who landed directly on Addo-Carr’s foot and argued that the Dragons forward was reckless and that his actions bordered on intentional.

He went further, saying there were “mitigating factors” from the other two tacklers who twisted Hastings into a dangerous position while Carrigan actually “arched his back” to relive pressure on the foot.

Carrigan will be free to return in Round 25 when the Broncos play the Dragons.

—NCA NewsWire

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Newcastle Knights, Adam O’Brien, squad, roster, management, players, David Klemmer

Newcastle Knights, Adam O'Brien, squad, roster, management, players, David Klemmer

The Newcastle Knights and their coach Adam O’Brien are at a crossroads after a horror season that could see them go from the finals to the wooden spoon in one year.

The Knights have the worst defensive record in the NRL and their attack is not much better with the pressure ramping up on O’Brien to keep his job amid turmoil and player unrest at the club.

Paul Kent believes the recent changes to the club’s football department is evidence that the Knights desperately need to change the way they operate in time for next season.

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“This is a touchstone moment for Adam O’Brien,” Kent said on NRL 360.

“His career now is at a tipping point. After the season they have had where they have shown no improvement on the two previous seasons. In fact they have gone backwards.

“You have got player unrest. You have got a club that is trying to turn things around.

“Phil Gardner has moved himself away from much of the football operation, which he needed to do because he was inexperienced and after putting his toe in the water for 18 months he failed to come up with what they need.

“They have got a rookie football manager in Danny Buderus, who has suddenly been pushed sideways to bring in Peter Parr. They are trying to start the turnaround.

“Adam O’Brien has realized that he is either part of the solution or part of the problem and it starts now.”

MORE NRL NEWS

‘DONE 100’: Roosters star Keary’s confession reveals NRL big hip-drop problem

VERDICT: Broncos star cops four-game ban for controversial hip-drop tackle

TEAMS: Manly young gun dumped; Bellamy’s big Storm reshuffle

RUN HOME: Souths miss golden chance; Cowboys hunt unthinkable as rivals falter

Knights coach Adam O’Brien.Source: Supplied

Phil Rothfield revealed O’Brien admitted he has eight weeks next season to turn things around, but Kent believes that might be generous, given their current predicament.

“Buzz said he has six to eight weeks next year,” Kent said.

“I don’t think he has got that because if the Knights find out eight weeks into next season that they have made a blue, then next season has gone as well.

“Adam O’Brien touched on in that press conference that their summer training was not up to speed this year as it should have been.

“He said, that is the one thing he would like to get in order going into next season. That’s where it starts for them next season. It begins for him now.”

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Klemmer sanctioned for abusing trainer | 02:55

Kent accused the Knights of being too soft on their players in the wake of the decision to reprimand David Klemmer.

“It began it appears today with David Klemmer and let’s talk about player discipline and how players buy into what is going on at teams,” Kent said.

“David Klemmer is known for not wanting to go off the field. Let’s cop that. It happened at Canterbury. It has happened before.

“But we talk about Brandon Smith and what Melbourne have done to him since he got sin-binned and suspended a couple of weeks back and how they drive their discipline, which Adam O’Brien has been aware of.

“I think for too long up there he has been running a soft ship and they basically have been taking the mickey out of him, so I think that is where it starts.”

Is O’Brien under pressure at Knights? | 05:59

The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio agreed O’Brien’s future is on thin ice, given they are unlikely to win another game in 2022, with the wooden spoon a real possibility.

“I think Adam’s coaching career is right on the precipice,” Riccio said.

“Don’t forget this Newcastle Knights side can still get the wooden spoon. They play the Tigers this weekend.

“If they lose to the Tigers you can bet your bottom dollar the heat will be turned up.

“They then play the Broncos away. They play the Raiders at home. The Titans away and they finish with the Sharks at home.

“I haven’t got the Knights winning any of those games.”

Kent believes the introduction of Parr as the club’s director of football means that Phil Gardner will no longer have the final say on O’Brien’s future.

Inside Klemmer’s failed move to the Eels | 02:08

“Gardner has no longer got the say,” Kent said.

“Parr will have the say. Parr will sit there over summer and if he decides things aren’t looking the way they need to look, he can still find himself a coach.

“He has got trainers and strength and conditioning coaches in from the Roosters and the Panthers and everywhere else. They are in good hands there.”

Riccio agreed the board will decide who the long-term coach will be based on a recommendation from Parr.

“I think it will come down to the board,” Riccio said.

“I think Peter Parr has been put there for a reason. Not only for his experience and know how, but I believe he can make a tough call.

“And Gardner can remove himself from what has been a car crash since he got there.”

In light of O’Brien’s comments that he has seen what success looks like at the Storm and the Roosters, Kent believes it is time for less talk and more action at the Knights.

“At some point you have got to start living the standard and not talking the standard,” Kent said.

“I think for too long at Newcastle they talk about what they want to do.

“It has been going on for too long where they just basically pull the shades down over everybody’s eyes and say, don’t worry about us we are going OK, when in fact they are not doing what Newcastle are known for, which is playing tough, hard football and being constantly competitive.”

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