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Casualty Ward, injury, injuries, team news, update, fitness, round 22, latest news, medical sub

Casualty Ward, injury, injuries, team news, update, fitness, round 22, latest news, medical sub

Fremantle expect Rory Lobb to back up against GWS, despite being subbed out of the win over West Coast.

While the Roos are counting the injury toll from a bruising encounter with the Crows.

Get the latest AFL injury news in our Round 22 Casualty Ward!

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FREMANTLE coach Justin Longmuir has defended the club’s decision to sub Rory Lob out of the win over West Coast late, despite then admitting he expects the star to play next weekend.

Lobb has been carrying a shoulder injury for the past few weeks and appeared to aggravate it in a marking contest in the third term.

But the big forward waved away medical staff and played on, despite clearly carrying his right shoulder.

“He’s sore,” Longmuir admitted post-match. “We don’t think it’s too significant. We’re proud of his efforts after he got injured and halved some contests and remained in the game and kept working his way through it.

“(We) expect him to play (against GWS).

“Players have played plenty of times after they’ve been subbed out.

“He was carrying his arm around so he’s got an injury. He’s been carrying it for three weeks so he got a stinger on it and couldn’t go on tonight but we think he’ll be alright.”

Longmuir said he would enjoy the win over West Coast before contemplating having both Lobb and fellow big forward Matt Taberner unavailable for the away clash with GWS.

“I’ll worry about that when I get home,” he laughed.

“It’s not ideal and I’d love Lobby to play next week. We haven’t really crossed that bridge yet.

“When you see a player out there carrying their arm, you want to protect them so that’s why we subbed him out.

“He’s a fast healer. He played the week after he hurt it the first time from memory. So fingers crossed he gets up. He doesn’t let on when he brings injuries into games and he pushes through it really well.

“He’s 205cm and we needed to contest forward of the ball.

“I’m really proud of his efforts to keep competing, sometimes with one arm.”

Saint in hot water over bump? | 00:41

The call to sub Lobb out of the contest came with just four minutes remaining when the match was all but won.

“The docs went out and checked him and probably decided that he couldn’t go on anymore,” Longmuir said.

“He battled as well as he could for as long as he could. We needed to get him off for his own welfare from him.”

Lobb’s potential absence could hurt Fremantle’s top four push with Taberner already sidelined. skipper Nat Fyfe is no guarantee to return from his hamstring injury in Round 23 with Longmuir adamant the club would take a cautious approach.

“We don’t need to (bring him straight back), but if he’s fit to play, he’ll put his hand up for selection,” Longmuir said.

“If he’s not declared fit, we’re not going to put him out there and risk him. You injure yourself at this time of year and have a repeat injury to that hammy, then your season’s almost done.”

Longmuir said Fyfe may even go back to the WAFL for a second time this year to build fitness heading into finals.

“If it’s not this week, then we’ve got the bye and a WAFL game in the bye so we’ll look at that,” he said.

ST KILDA‘s Jimmy Webster‘s season is all but over after he injured his hamstring in the loss to Brisbane.

With the Saints now only a mathematical chance of finals, Webster is set for scans in the coming days.

He was subbed out of the loss to Brisbane early and was iced up for the remainder of the clash.

Cunnington emotional after huge return! | 02:47

ADELAIDE forward Shane McAdam is in doubt for this weekend’s Showdown with Port Adelaide.

McAdam was subbed out of the win over North Melbourne with a hamstring complaint.

“Forward Shane McAdam injured his hamstring while leading for the ball in the final quarter and was subbed out of the game,” Crows high performance manager Darren Burgess said.

“He will be assessed in coming days ahead of next week’s Showdown.”

NORTH MELBOURNE are counting the cost of a bruising loss to the Crows, with three players injured and young Paul Curtis now racing to be fit for the final match of the season.

jed anderson suffered concussion and won’t play again this season under the AFL’s protocols.

skipper jack ziebell is also likely done for 2022 after suffering a “significant” shoulder injury.

“It didn’t look great for Ziebs in particular,” coach Leigh Adams said.

“It’s some sort of shoulder injury. I think we all know Jack Ziebell is going to put his body on the line every time.

“I’m not sure if its collarbone or a dislocation but for him to come straight off and get subbed off, it must have been pretty bad. He doesn’t come off unless something is wrong.

“Fingers crossed it’s not too bad but it looks like his season is over.”

Kangaroos miss chance against Crows | 01:34

Jaidyn Stephenson will have to prove his fitness to play again this season after coming off with a back injury.

“Stevo’s had a bit of back issues that can come good pretty quick.”

Adams defended the club’s decision to send Anderson back out into the contest, as he was later ruled out with concussion.

“I haven’t seen the vision yet – I’m comfortable our doctors will have made the right decision,” he said.

“I know he came off with the blood rule and I was told at three quarter time he’d gone into the concussion protocols.”

Adams said the club wouldn’t take any risk with young Curtis after he copped a knock to his shoulder.

“This time of year obviously with one game to go, we won’t take any risk with a young kid like that,” he said.

GWS could be without Lachlan Keeffe after he complained of groin soreness in the loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Caretaker coach Mark McVeigh said the club would take precautions with the veteran.

“We’ll assess Keeffey who complained of a bit of groin soreness. We’ll take precautions there,” he said.

Tanner Bruhn won’t play again this season after entering the AFL’s concussion protocols.

“Tanner Bruhn with the HIA so he’ll enter those protocols which is not ideal for him,” McVeigh said.

the WESTERN BULLDOGS admit skipper Marcus Bontempelli is not fully fit but continues to press on.

“I finished the game off alright didn’t he?” coach Luke Beveridge said.

“He’s struggling a little bit with a niggle or two. I had Marcus and Chrissy Bell in my office yesterday talking through, he’s got a bit of an adductor issue going on.

“Both Marcus and Chris were sure he’d get through the game.

“He’s not 100 per cent. I have pushed through a bit of discomfort today.”

Bulldogs keep finals in sight | 02:53

GEELONG Coach Chris Scott has hinted at resting more players for the final round clash against West Coast.

With top spot assured, the Cats do have one injury concern with Rhys Stanley subbed out of the win over the Gold Coast.

“They tell me he’s got a low grade adductor strain,” Scott said.

“Generally when they say low grade it’s a week or two. It will be unlikely he’ll play next week is the feedback I’ve got but they are not too worried beyond that.”

GOLD COAST coach Stuart Dew says he feels for Sam Day after the forward re-injured his knee.

“Suspected that he’s hurt his meniscus that he’s had repaired last year and it was the same mechanism the way he slid and jammed that joint so we’ve got fingers crossed but unfortunately I think Sam might have hurt his knee which is really unfortunate,” Dew said.

Izak Rankin also remains in doubt for Round 23 after injuring his shoulder.

“He hurt that shoulder a few weeks back… clearly awkward landing/hit and he’s stirred that up,” Dew said.

“We’ll just see how that settles.”

WEST COAST could be without both Nic Naitanui and jamine jones for the trip to Geelong.

Jones was subbed out of the loss to the Dockers with a back issue.

“His back just seized up. We weighed up before the game whether to pull him out … He’s had a big year and carried some injuries. He just couldn’t last,” coach Adam Simpson said.

Simpson also admitted Naitanui was playing through the pain.

“He’s playing because the club needs him,” Simpson said.

“He needs a good break.”

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Australia

Australia’s largest land-based coral farm records ‘amazing’ spawning event

Australia's largest land-based coral farm records 'amazing' spawning event

Baby corals have been successfully spawned and grown for the first time by an Australian farm in a process that could one day help restore the Great Barrier Reef.

Monsoon Aquatics operates Australia’s largest dedicated land-based coral farm at Burnett Heads near Bundaberg, where the company recorded the first spawning event of Homophyllia australis last November.

Almost 10 months later, the company has been able to grow baby corals in captivity, hailing the spawning event with success.

“That’s a species of coral which is basically only found from around Pancake Creek up to the Whitsunday area and Swains Reef, and so it’s unique to this southern Great Barrier Reef area,” company director Daniel Kimberley said.

coral give 2
Daniel Kimberley operates Australia’s largest land-based coral farm.(ABC Wide Bay: Johanna Marie)

Craig Humphrey from the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s national sea simulator said it was a “significant achievement”.

“If there’s a decline in the reef… these things could be bred in captivity to supply the market,” he said.

From the reef to the aquarium

Monsoon Aquatics is one of 39 active license holders in Queensland’s commercial coral fishery who can target a broad range of specialty corals to be sold to aquariums and hobbyists.

According to Queensland Fisheries, there was 100 tonnes of coral harvested from the Great Barrier Reef in the 2020-21 financial year.

Moonsoon Aquatics Coral 1
A sample of coral at the Monsoon Aquatics facility in Bundaberg.(Supplied: Monsoon Aquatics)

“If you were to look at the reef as a whole, it’s a fraction of what’s out there,” Mr Kimberley said.

“The worldwide aquarium industry is worth over $US4 billion.

“A lot of that product is coming out of Indonesia and Vietnam and Tonga and Fiji and places like that, so there’s still huge scope for Australia to grow in that space.”

Mr Kimberley said successfully spawning and growing corals in captivity would mean a reduced reliance on harvesting wild corals.

“It’s about producing corals for our current ornamental market beyond what we can take from the wild, what we can harvest under quota,” he said.

coral hands
The worldwide aquarium industry is worth billions of dollars.(ABC Wide Bay: Johanna Marie)

The life of coral

Footage shows the coral releasing eggs which are then fertilized and develop into larvae before eventually growing into baby coral.

“They start morphing into essentially what looks like a little slug, and that little slug will float around in the water column until it senses the particular substrate and habitat where it wants to settle,” Mr Kimberley said.

“It will then go to the bottom, stick onto the rocks, and then start to form its first mouth and tentacles and become a coral.”

coral eggs
The eggs develop into larvae, and eventually grow into coral.(Supplied: Monsoon Aquatics)

Coral spawns around the same time every year in both the wild and in captivity.

“It’s the change in water temperature, day length and the phase of the Moon, so in general it occurs just after a full moon in November and December,” Mr Humphrey said.

reef restoration

A report by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) found there has been a rapid recovery of coral on the Great Barrier Reef from past storms and bleaching events, but it has come at the expense of a diversity of coral species.

Mr Kimberley believes commercial enterprise should be leading reef restoration projects, and spawning coral in captivity was the way of the future.

An underwater shot showing a scientist wearing a snorkel, holding a tow bar, and floating over a large expanse of corals.
A scientist is led around the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, as part of a monitoring project.(Supplied: Australian Institute of Marine Science)

“The really exciting thing for us is that it’s the first steps towards habitat restoration. And one day being a part of the solution to replant the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Kimberley said.

“I think to drive these changes in these restorations… it needs to be commercially viable and driven by industry.”

Mr Humphrey says researchers are exploring it as a possibility.

“If you do culture them in a lab or in aquaculture setting, how do you get them out to the reef? And how do you retain them within the reef,” he said.

“There’s a whole range of research being undertaken in all those areas.”

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Sports

AFL: ‘Go sit somewhere else’: Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney’s road to 150

AFL: 'Go sit somewhere else': Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney's road to 150

Isaac Heeney was 12 years old, nursing a broken hand and sitting in a mostly empty grandstand with his mother Rochelle.

A junior football carnival was playing out in front of them that he was supposed to be captaining an under-12s team in, before suffering his injury in one of the early games.

Then up walked a man, seemingly unaware of how many seating options he had, to slide in next to the Heeneys.

“We were like, ‘Go and sit somewhere else; you don’t have to sit in our laps’,” Heeney, 26, recalled, laughing about the memory, which he said made him “feel old”.

“Then he introduced himself: ‘I’m Chris Smith from the Sydney Swans Academy. I’ve been watching you for a little while.’”

Heeney’s life changed forever in that moment. The Swans had found a future superstar, one who will play his 150th AFL game at the SCG on Sunday against Collingwood.

Rochelle, a dairy farmer, started working half-days on Thursdays to drive Heeney and his brother, Beau, two-and-a-half hours each way from the outskirts of Newcastle to Sydney for a 90-minute Academy training session.

Their dad, Adam, a butcher, would sometimes drive them as well but also spent countless hours with his sons kicking the Sherrin on their hobby farm.

“I had the best childhood in the world. It was a really simple way of living but it was epic,” Heeney said.

“My parents were so supportive and loving and it was simple and cheap. We never had much money… we’d come home, eat sausages for dinner and always be outdoors.

“Mum and dad, being sporty people themselves, loved being outside and having fun with us, too.”

Their home doubled as a field of sporting dreams and was the scene of all sorts of other “sketchy” adventures, from tree parachuting to propelling into a dam at full speed on a bike.

Heeney only half-jokingly reflects on how Beau almost killed himself a couple of times.

“We built a ramp that we would go down on this hill and it was sort of like a quarter pipe but shooting off into the dam,” he said.

“You’d probably be a good four or five meters in the air with a pushbike that had a couple of milk cartons on it, so it didn’t sink to the bottom and just launches into the dam.

“Dad, Beau and I would also set these star pickets as goals and we’d just kick the footy to each other every afternoon and pretend to take hangers on each other – just like kids do.”

But not every kid is as gifted as Heeney.

He once kicked a ridiculous 68 goals in 12 games of junior soccer, and averaged 216 with the bat while playing up an age group but still in the top division.

A friendship developed in those soccer days with a boy who lived down the road, plus a family decision to delay him playing either of the rugby codes for fear of head knocks were critical in setting Heeney on his AFL path.

That friend was Will Quade, the grand-nephew of Rick Quade, the inaugural coach of the rebranded Sydney Swans’ team in 1982.

Will’s cousin also just so happened to be Charlie Dixon, who has played 187 games and counting for Port Adelaide and Gold Coast.

In a further twist of fate, big brother Beau ended up marrying Rick Quade’s niece, Amanda. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

Will wanted to start playing Australian rules football and asked Heeney if he wanted to join him, so they headed down to sign up for Wallsend Swans.

The problem was there weren’t enough players to field a team – participation numbers have skyrocketed in Newcastle in recent years – meaning they instead ended up at Cardiff Hawks, which now has bragging rights as Heeney’s junior club.

“I loved it from the get-go, and credit to Cardiff Hawks. It was a really fun, family sort of vibe and I think that’s why mum and dad loved it, too,” he said.

“Everyone knew each other and was really welcoming and they were amazing for me.

“At the same time, I was the only kid in my primary school who played it, then at high school there was only a handful of us out of like 1000 kids.”

Heeney’s star rose quickly but his Academy invitation came at just the right time, as he started playing rugby league at school.

But not rugby league or any of the gentle teasing about him playing “aerial ping pong” dissuaded him from chasing his AFL dream.

Heeney became not only the standout Sydney junior but arguably in the entire country for his 2014 draft year, when the likes of Paddy McCartin, Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and Darcy Moore were also selected.

He has lived up to the hype and inked a bumper new six-year deal worth about $900,000 per annum on season eve this year that adds up to his growing importance at the Swans, which goes well beyond the field.

In Heeney, Sydney has a homegrown, Academy-bred star with an overflowing highlight reel to win over the masses.

The Swans now have a series of Academy graduates on their list, from Heeney to Callum Mills, Nick Blakey, Errol Gulden, Braeden Campbell, James Bell, Sam Wicks and more.

But does Heeney himself realize how meaningful he has become in the club’s bigger picture?

“I know there’s some significance there, absolutely. But I just look at myself as another player and whenever I can give back, whether that’s to the club or the fans, I definitely will,” he said.

“I know that I’m a decent role model to a lot of kids out there and I understand there’s a fair significance I’ve got around the club. I don’t know how to word it but it’s humbling.”

Read related topics:sydney

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Entertainment

Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky is announced as a show jumping ambassador for the Magic Millions

Elsa Pataky, 46, (pictured) was announced on Friday as the official Magic Millions Global Ambassador for show jumping, cementing her love for horse riding

Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky is announced as a show jumping ambassador for the Magic Millions’ carnival on the Gold Coast

By Kinta Walsh-cotton For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Elsa Pataky was announced on Friday as the official Magic Millions Global Ambassador for show jumping, cementing her love for horse riding.

The Interceptor star, 46, will be attending next year’s Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Show Jumping on Queensland’s Gold Coast, donning her new title.

‘Show jumping is one of my greatest passions and getting that phone call from Katie Page [Magic Millions co-owner] was just a dream come true for me,’ she told the auction house.

Elsa Pataky, 46, (pictured) was announced on Friday as the official Magic Millions Global Ambassador for show jumping, cementing her love for horse riding

Elsa Pataky, 46, (pictured) was announced on Friday as the official Magic Millions Global Ambassador for show jumping, cementing her love for horse riding

She continued: ‘Horse people are passionate. I love the energy, and having a way to express and share that with other people who feel the same way at Magic Millions is something I am so looking forward to, and I cannot wait to see it all come together in January.’

Katie sang her praises of the Spanish actress and model, saying she was ‘perfect’ for the ambassador title.

The Magic Millions auction house is best known for its annual Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January.

The Interceptor star will be attending next year's Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Show Jumping on Queensland's Gold Coast, donning her new title

The Interceptor star will be attending next year’s Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Show Jumping on Queensland’s Gold Coast, donning her new title

Katie sang her praises of the Spanish actress and model, saying she was 'perfect' for the ambassador title. (Pictured with daughter India, 10)

Katie sang her praises of the Spanish actress and model, saying she was ‘perfect’ for the ambassador title. (Pictured with daughter India, 10)

However, it also hosts a horse race which is restricted to two-year-old Thoroughbreds bought at one of their auctions.

Elsa has often been open about her passion for horses and the equestrian sphere.

In August last year, it was revealed that she and her husband of 11 years, Chris Hemsworth, had submitted plans to build a second ‘Westfield-style’ home near their existing Byron Bay mega-mansion.

The A-list couple also came under fire after building a large stable complex on their existing property, knocking the top off a hill to create an enormous horse ring.

‘Apparently his mates call it ‘El Caballo Blanco’ – named after a large equine Andalusian theme park that operated in western Sydney in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s,’ a source told Daily Mail Australia that month.

In August last year, it was revealed she and her husband of 11 years, Chris Hemsworth, 39, (right) had submitted plans to build a second 'Westfield-style' home near their existing Byron Bay mega-mansion

In August last year, it was revealed she and her husband of 11 years, Chris Hemsworth, 39, (right) had submitted plans to build a second ‘Westfield-style’ home near their existing Byron Bay mega-mansion

Elsa spoke about her love of horse riding in an interview with Australian Women’s Health in March last year, and said she had kept her sane during lockdown.

‘When we were in lockdown, I could still ride, so it was [all about] my family, my husband and my horses,’ she told the publication.

‘It’s such a passion, kind of like meditation for me. I think it’s important for your mind to have something you enjoy – a hobby that’s just for you and your time.’

The A-list couple also came under fire after building a large stable complex on their existing property, knocking the top off a hill to create an enormous horse ring

The A-list couple also came under fire after building a large stable complex on their existing property, knocking the top off a hill to create an enormous horse ring

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Sports

Isaiah Papali’i backflip, Wests Tigers contract, transfer news, Billy Slater, rugby league legends, news, highlights

Isaiah Papali'i backflip, Wests Tigers contract, transfer news, Billy Slater, rugby league legends, news, highlights

Rugby league legend Billy Slater has slammed Isaiah Papali’i’s potential Tigers backflip following the news the 23-year-old would make a decision at the season’s end.

Reports suggest the backrow enforcer will honor his contract and ply his trade for the merger club in 2023, but doubts still linger over Papali’i’s future.

The 23-year-old penned three-year deal with the Tigers late last year, but after the sacking of Michael Maguire the young gun said he wants to have “no regrets.”

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“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 to 9 News.

“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.”

Now, Slater has been left stunned that Papali’i could potentially backflip on his deal and urged him to honor his contract.

Warriors whack Bulldogs in Auckland | 02:17

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“If you sign with a club, go to the club,” Slater said on Nine’s coverage.

“You’re signing with a club. You’re not signing with a coach, you’re not signing with a player — you’re signing with a club. Go to the club.

“You’re not allowed to walk away from a contract. It’s just pressure, public pressure if you want out.

“If you sign with a club, you want to take that money and you sign the deal, go to the club.”

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Sports

Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights, result, tries, highlights, SuperCoach scores, videos, Adam Reynolds, Anthony Milford

Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights, result, tries, highlights, SuperCoach scores, videos, Adam Reynolds, Anthony Milford

The Broncos have beaten the Knights 28-10 on the back of brilliant displays from Te Maire Martin and Ezra Mam and a hat-trick to Selwyn Cobbo.

Martin’s return from injury gave the Broncos an edge in attack and Cobbo cashed in with a brilliant three-try performance as the Knights’ edges were blown apart.

MATCH CENTER: Broncos vs Knights teams, SuperCoach scores, videos, updates

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Cobbo opened the scoring in the corner after some brilliant lead-up work from Adam Reynolds and Martin.

Corey Oates crossed in the opposite corner for his 19th try of the season after a questionable last pass from Delouise Hoeter was cleared.

Mam and Martin combined for one of the long-range tries of the season to push the Broncos out to a commanding 18-0 lead.

Daniel Saifiti barged over from close range to give the Knights a chance at a late comeback.

Bradman Best dived over to cut the deficit to eight points and set up a grandstand finish.

However, Cobbo snuffed out the comeback after securing his double to seal an important win for the Broncos.

Cobbo sealed his hat-trick when Reynolds put the ball on a dime for him to score in the corner and put the icing on the cake.

Here are the key takeaways from the match.

MARTIN PROVES MISSING LINK FOR BRONCOS

Te Maire Martin returned for his first game since Round 16 and showed the Broncos exactly what they have been missing in a masterful display.

Martin is a five-eighth turned fullback and his playing ability adds another dimension to the Broncos attack.

Corey Parker believes Martin’s inclusion ensured the Broncos looked far more cohesive in attack and it took the pressure of his halves and allowed them to play their games.

“They look more in sync with Martin back,” Parker said.

“He has got a real nice slight of hand. Not your traditional fullback in regards to getting lots of run meters, but he had two try assists in the first half.

“He alleviated a lot of pressure off the halves just by his ability to be able to ball play and Cobbo and Mam were the beneficiaries of that.”

Michael Ennis credited Martin with getting the Broncos out of their funk in terms of their attack over their two game losing run.

“What a game from Te Maire Martin,” Ennis said.

“Coming into the side after being out since Round 16, boy he made a difference just with his composure and his control.

“He has ignited the Brisbane attack.”

MAM SHINES AS REYNOLDS STEERS BRONCOS TO VICTORY

The Broncos were not at their best but with the brilliant running game of Ezra Mam providing the perfect foil for Adam Reynolds’ organisation, Brisbane took the game by the scruff of the neck in the key moments.

As long as the Broncos can get their defense in order, with Mam and Reynolds driving the ship and Selwyn Cobbo finishing in the corner, they can create more than enough points to make a deep run in the finals.

Cooper Cronk noted that the Broncos were not at the peak of their powers against the Knights, but Reynolds and Mam were able to ice the try-scoring opportunities.

“The Broncos did it in second gear,” Cronk said.

“They had the tools to break open the game at any stage with the likes of Adam Reynolds with some craft to sell the dummy for the Oates try.

“This was the attempt of the first half from Ezra Mam.

“He scored with five minutes to go and it set the tone for the rest of the game for the Broncos.”

Michael Ennis marveled at Mam’s ability to break the game open out of nothing at such a young age and with a long career ahead of him.

“Mam was electric,” Ennis said.

“19 years of age. Boy isn’t he an excitement machine.

“The Broncos have now jumped the Eels into sixth and have a healthy points differential lead over them.”

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KNIGHTS WOEFUL ATTACK GOES FROM BAD TO WORSE

The Knights had enough ball and field position to win easily against the Broncos, but a combination of their soft defense and inept attack gave them no chance at Suncorp Stadium.

Cooper Cronk lamented the Knights’ inability to create any real try-scoring opportunities despite a mountain of possession in the first half.

“It was a strange first half because statistically the Knights were the better team,” Cronk said.

“They had more ball and more possession but to be honest they didn’t look like scoring a try.

“Their centers Bradman Best and Dane Gagai were under immense pressure.

“They carved up Dane Gagai on the right edge for the Knights.

“The Knights didn’t look like firing a shot.

“When they get down the other end they are just not engaging that Brisbane defensive line at all.”

Corey Parker slammed the Knights’ horror attack, which failed to put the Broncos under any sustained scoreboard pressure.

“25 times the Knights were tackled inside the Broncos 20 without even looking like scoring,” Parker said.

“The only time they were able to mount any sort of pressure was off a couple of repeat sets.

“They were awful with their attack the Knights.

“The Knights are in all sorts at the moment.”

Michael Ennis was at a loss as to why the Knights haven’t been able to be more competitive with the roster they have at their disposal. in 2022.

“You just watch that Newcastle side come out and you see the Saifiti brothers, Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell who are absolute weapons and great leaders at different stages throughout their careers and I find it hard to fathom that Newcastle are sitting where they are this year with the roster they have,” Ennis said.

MATCH PREVIEW

The Brisbane Broncos host the Newcastle Knights in a clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Te Maire Martin returns at fullback for the Broncos, while Delouise Hoeter replaces Brenko Lee in the centers after his hamstring injury.

Ryan James starts at lockout, with Kobe Hetherington switching to the bench.

The Knights have lost David Klemmer to injury, with Jacob Saifiti to start and Sauaso Sue joining the bench.

Adam Clune returns to the No.7 jumper with Jake Clifford out with a fractured arm.

The seventh place Broncos desperately need to avoid a third straight loss to keep their slim top four hopes alive, while the Knights are playing for pride as they look for their second straight win.

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Sports

Scores, updates, stats, video, stream, result, news, blog

Scores, updates, stats, video, stream, result, news, blog

Geelong has extended its winning streak to 12 games and sealed the minor premiership with one round remaining, defeating Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night – 18.11 (119) to 9.5 (59).

The Cats put in yet another ominous performance from virtually the opening bounce, strangling the Suns defensively while the likes of Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle starred in attack.

Geelong will now host West Coast to end its home-and-away season, while Gold Coast will face North Melbourne in its final outing of the season.

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QUARTER-BY-QUARTER MATCH REPORT

first quarter

There were no late changes for either side, with Jeremy Sharp (Suns) and Mark O’Connor (Cats) named the medical subs.

The Suns showed promise early, moving the ball swiftly across Metricon Stadium. But they couldn’t get scoreboard reward for effort.

Geelong, however, could make its early opportunities count, with Tyson Stengle snapping his 40th — and probably best — goal of the season before Jeremy Cameron snapped his first of the night to give the Cats an early advantage.

But the Suns responded thanks to some individual brilliance from Izak Rankine, who gathered the ball in a pocket, spun, kicked off balance and conjured a terrific goal.

“He’s impossible to contain … No wonder the Crows have made him a target,” Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson said.

The Cats hit back at the other end as Cam Guthrie showed off his left boot and nailed a tough goal, before Sam Menegola and Tom Hawkins snapped a couple more for Geelong.

Stengle then plucked a rare contested mark and snapped his second as the Cats kicked out to a 33-point lead.

Gold Coast got one back late in the quarter, with Sam Day converting a set-shot opportunity, but Stengle couldn’t be stopped as he conjured his third major to give Geelong a 31-point lead at the major break.

Stengle, arguably the recruit of the year, booted 3.1 from a game-high nine disposals and three marks in the first quarter.

Tyson Stengle of the Cats. Picture: Albert PerezSource: Getty Images

“It’s one of the great quarters we’ve seen from a small forward this year,” legendary Hawk Jason Dunstall told Fox Footy.

Hudson added: “He is putting on quite a show.”

second quarter

The Cats’ dominant continued after quarter-time as Mark Blicavs and Brandan Parfitt goaled and Geelong’s lead ballooned out to 42 points.

“This is so impressive,” Hudson said.

The Suns got a couple against the grain, with Elijah Hollands nailing a long-range goal before Alex Davies added another.

But Max Holmes showed off his acceleration by foot and nailed a terrific running goal in a steadying major for Geelong.

The Cats led by 51 points at the main break. Their half-time score of 12.5 (77) was their second-highest of the year to date.

“The Suns are getting a masterclass,” Dunstall said.

third quarter

Gold Coast made an impressive start to the second half.

Rankine snapped a classy goal from a free kick before Noah Anderson nailed a running major.

And when Jack Lukosius was moved forward and nailed a set-shot attempt, Geelong’s lead had been cut to 33 points.

As the Suns continued to push the Cats, Geelong ruck Rhys Stanley was subbed out of the game — the second time in three matches that’s happened.

And then Gold Coast had its own injury issues, with Sam Day limping off with a knee injury that saw

Geelong upped its defensive pressure, which led to a Gold Coast turnover and a Gryan Miers goal against the grain, before Zach Tuohy snapped another to give Geelong breathing space.

Cameron then rejoined the party, receiving a handball on the 50m arc and nailing a running goal off one step.

After being challenged by the Suns, the Cats showed their class to steady and take a 55-point lead at the final break.

fourth quarter

Rhys Stanley was subbed out of the game before the quarter commenced, but he appeared to be running freely prior to the move and could be seen smiling after one of the club’s trainers spoke to him on the ground.

Max Holmes opened the term with a major as the Cats continued to boost their already-impressive percentage.

Cameron missed a chance for a third goal, which left the door open for Gold Coast to peg a couple of goals back, which came via Jarrod Witts and Sam Flanders.

A couple of late Geelong goals helped put the Cats further ahead, with one to Brandan Parfitt right before the final siren capping the 60-point win.

THE 3-2-1

3. CATS SHOW NO MERCY IN RUTHLESS ‘MASTERCLASS’ TO SEAL MINOR PREMIERSHIP

This isn’t the season for ‘loss you need to have’ believers.

For this relentless Geelong outfit, as it proved on Saturday night, he has no plans to show any mercy to any rival club during the closing stages of the home and away season.

Despite managing several stars for the game, the Cats were ruthless against the 11th-placed Suns at Metricon Stadium, claiming their 12th straight win and sealing this year’s minor premiership in what legendary Hawk Jason Dunstall dubbed a professional “masterclass”. They produced their second-best first half of the season and finished with their fourth-highest score and equal-third biggest winning margin of the year to date.

While Jeremy Cameron again starred with three goals from 21 disposals, it was a genuine team performance from Geelong where players took the baton of responsibility from each other from quarter to quarter.

Tyson Stengle set the tone in the first quarter with three goals from nine touches, Brandan Parfitt (14 disposals, 1 goal) and Patrick Dangerfield (9 disposals) then took over with dominant second terms, Gryan Miers and Jeremy Cameron worked hard up the ground and hit the scoreboard in the third quarter before the classy Mark Blicavs proved in the final quarter why he’s so valuable to his team.

Dangerfield, in particular, looks like a man on a mission. After withdrawing himself from last week’s game against St Kilda at the last minute, Dangerfield was crucial to Geelong’s dominance over the Suns at the coalface, finishing with game-high contested possessions and clearances.

The only concern was No. 1 ruck Rhys Stanley, who was subbed out of the game in the third quarter with a lower leg injury. However judging by the reaction of the ruckman, the move was very precautionary.

The Cats next week return to GMHBA Stadium for a Round 23 clash against the 17th-placed West Coast, with Isaac Smith and Mitch Duncan due to come back into the side. If the win over the Suns is anything to go by, don’t rule out a pre-finals bloodbath at the Cattery.

2. RECRUIT OF 2022 POUNCES ON ‘ODD MATCH-UP’ TO PRODUCE ‘ONE OF THE GREAT QUARTERS’

If selectors were unconvinced Tyson Stengle was worthy of an All-Australian spot before Saturday night’s clash, they surely would’ve been after his breathtaking first quarter.

Stengle continued to build his case for AFL recruit of the year against the Suns, sparking Geelong to a fast start at Metricon Stadium.

The 23-year-old, who was picked up by the Cats as a delisted free agent late last year, booted three of Geelong’s seven first-quarter goals, including a pearler from the pocket running away from goal.

As well as the three goals, Stengle had a game-high nine disposals and three marks in the first quarter.

“It’s one of the great quarters we’ve seen from a small forward this year,” legendary Hawk Jason Dunstall told Fox Footy.Stengle (171cm) was manned up by young Sun Mac Andrew (201cm) – a move described as an “odd matchup” by Dunstall.

While Stengle’s ability to hit the scoreboard was superb, his awesome workrate was also on display. He ran hard up the ground to help the Cats’ defense before working back inside 50 to provide a forward option where he got both front and square and took contested marks.

“He just goes from strength to strength,” triple premiership Lion Alastair Lynch told Fox Footy

“He’s got an unbelievable ability to make something out of nothing. He’s really setting himself up for All-Australian small forward selection … he’s putting together quite a season.

“As far as general forwards in the league, only Tom Papley is in front of him for score involvements.”

Small Gold Coast defender Sean Lemmens was moved onto Stengle for the second term and was able to stop the bleeding, but the damage had already been done.

1. RANKINE GOES ALL ‘AKER’ AMID MAJOR CROWS PLAY

The Suns are doing everything possible to convince Izak Rankine to remain at the club – and rightly so when he can pull off great goals like he did against Geelong on Saturday night.

Although all footy fans will have their fingers crossed for the slick Suns forward after he came from the ground during the close stages of the match with an injury concern to his already-heavily strapped left shoulder.

Earlier, while the Cats dominated the first term, Rankine – who’s weighing up a big offer from Adelaide – produced a stunning major for Gold Coast, spinning out of a tackle and nailing a right-foot goal off-balance that left Fox Footy commentators stunned .

“He’s impossible to contain … No wonder the Crows have made him a target,” Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson said.

Alastair Lynch said Rankine, who was sporting a new look, was “certainly making a fair impression” in a performance that reminded the triple premiership Lion of a former teammate.

“I don’t know who he barracked for as a kid, but he’s got a bit of Jason Akermanis about him with this new hairdo, the black beard and mustache – and he’s playing like him,” Lynch told Fox Footy.

The Crows are making a major play for South Australian-based product Rankine, offering him a five-year deal worth as much as $800,000 per season – a contract Gold Coast is highly unlikely to match, although it’s still willing to pay him about $650,000 a year.

Senior Suns players have reportedly warned him of the increased pressure that would come playing for Adelaide.

But Lions legend Jonathan Brown said Rankine might be a player that could cope with the extra scrutiny of playing in a footy-mad town for extra cash.

“He’s a very talented player, but he strikes me as a guy that might be better under the pressure. He may need to have the foot on the throat a little bit down there,” Brown told Fox Footy on Friday night.

“The problem is at the Gold Coast, you can fly under the radar. Sometimes a player like him – how hard is he really working and getting the best out of himself? You look at his consistency of him in games and it’s not quite there yet.

“Maybe he might be better off going there and putting the pressure on himself at Adelaide.”

Recap Gold Coast v Geelong in our blog below!

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Paul Green death, age, Cowboys coach death, Jason Taumalolo, how did Paul Green die?, Todd Payten, player reaction

Paul Green death, age, Cowboys coach death, Jason Taumalolo, how did Paul Green die?, Todd Payten, player reaction

Cowboys skipper Jason Taumalolo said there were “no words” to express what he and his teammates were feeling in the wake of Paul Green’s shock death.

The rugby league legend passed away at his Brisbane home on Thursday and tributes have since flooded in for the former North Queensland coach.

Green led the Cowboys to premiership victory in 2015, with Jason Taumalolo starting at lockout, having been coached by the former representative halfback from 2014 to 2020.

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Taumalolo was the only player to take the field on Saturday that was a part of the 2015 grand final team, giving an emotional plea for people to speak out no matter “how big or small the problem is”.

“It has been a big few days given what has happened, no real words really to express what has happened over the last few days,” Taumalolo said in the post-match press conference.

“How it has affected people in the rugby league community, and families, I can’t imagine what Amanda and the kids are going through right now.

“Everyone should have someone to talk to, regardless of how big or small the problem is, no one should have to carry around that pressure with them.

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Fletch lauds Green’s Roosters influence | 03:04

“We have a tight-knit group and I know rugby league teams have their own little groups, I just hope that if anyone is going through something they have someone to talk to about any problems.”

Taumalolo went on to say the loss of their former coach “shocked and rattled” the playing group after the club’s 32-18 loss to the Roosters.

“I think everyone copes with loss and grief differently and yeah, I am not sure about any of the other boys but everyone is affected differently,”

“I’d like to think we are a tight-knit group and we are able to talk to each other whether we are going through a tough time or something really difficult.

“But again, I think just what has happened has really shocked and rattled most of us and it is going to take some time to get over it.”

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Emotional Parker speaks about Green | 03:13

Cowboys coach Todd Payten echoed Taumalolo’s sentiment, revealing NRL powerbrokers have provided the club with necessary resources to deal with the shock loss.

“The club and the league have been great with the resources they have provided us as a group,” Payten said.

“It is my job to make sure that we keep an eye out for each other, that everyone feels comfortable that they can go and see me or someone within the club to get some help.”

During the Cowboys and Roosters clash, both teams wore black armbands to remember Green, who had a lasting impact on both clubs.

Green was assistant to Trent Robinson in 2013, his first year at the helm of the Tricolours club — and in that year they won the premiership.

Green also played 35 games for the Cowboys and 20 for the Roosters during his glittering 162-game playing career.

PAUL GREEN NEWS

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‘FUNNY, CARING’: Legends’ emotional tribute to ‘wonderful friend’ Green

‘HAD TOO MUCH TO OFFER’: Bennett reveals Dolphins’ talks with Green in tribute

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Veteran referee Ben Cummins spills on infamous Grand Final blunder

Veteran rugby league referee Ben Cummins has opened up on the infamous ‘six again’ Grand Final call.

Veteran rugby league referee Ben Cummins has opened up about his infamous mistake during the 2019 NRL grand final, confessing he felt “ashamed” and “worthless” after the incident.

Scores were tied at 8-8 late in the second half of the decider between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders when Cummins called “six again” after a Raiders attacking kick came off one of their players.

Canberra five-eighth Jack Wighton grabbed the ball and charged into the defensive line believing it was the first tackle of the set, but Cummins reversed his call as the tackle was being made, meaning Canberra had to hand over the Steeden.

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Moments later, Sydney fullback James Tedesco dived over to give the Roosters a 14-8 lead at Sydney Olympic Park.

It was undeniably a major turning point in the contest.

“I realized I stuffed up big time and I tried to correct the call – which would have been the right call,” Cummins said.

“But Jack Wighton didn’t see that and he got tackled and the Roosters get the ball and go down the length of the field in the next set and score.

“I realized then that this was big at eight-all in a grand finale.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than this.

“I walked into the tunnel and cameras were all on me… my heart sunk.”

Referee Ben Cummins. Photo by Matt King/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Referee mistakes are not uncommon, and Cummins inevitably copped a tsunami of abuse from disgruntled rugby league fans for the error; even Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe joined the pile-on.

But the veteran referee, who has officiated more than 400 NRL games, has also revealed his teenage daughters were targeted after the ordeal.

“When you sign up to referee at the top level, you know that it comes with fans who are passionate, and people can say things about your performance,” he explained.

“But when it brings in your family and your home, it’s sort of to a different level. I found that really hard.

“I can’t say it was easy for them. My son was copping a lot of abuse at school and my daughters (were) online – because they are on social media. That was really tough.

“I basically locked myself in my house for a week.

“It was pretty dark times. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it. I had some thoughts about what I wanted to do with my life and they were pretty negative.

“You feel ashamed and worthless, embarrassed. I wasn’t sleeping. I just wanted everything to go away.”

Radio presenter Gus Worland, founder of mental health charity Gotcha4Life, spoke to Channel 9 about the importance of mental strength among Australian men after former Queensland coach Paul Green was found dead in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning, the day after his son’s ninth birthday.

“It was so sad to hear this morning about Green,” he said on Thursday evening.

“This is a line in the sand moment for us as sport and us as a nation to say, ‘Enough is enough’.

“Let’s stop talking about awareness, let’s put some action into place.

“It’s all about manning up and speaking up now, Not manning up and shutting up, which is what we’ve been told all our lives to do.

“This is an opportunity to build some emotional muscle, put you hand up if you need some help and support. That’s the bravest thing you can do.

“Why are we so good in this country at helping people, but not good at asking for help?

“It’s so brave to be vulnerable.”

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Sports

NRL news 2022: Veteran referee Ben Cummins spills on infamous Grand Final blunder

NRL news 2022: Veteran referee Ben Cummins spills on infamous Grand Final blunder

Veteran rugby league referee Ben Cummins has opened up about his infamous mistake during the 2019 NRL grand final, confessing he felt “ashamed” and “worthless” after the incident.

Scores were tied at 8-8 late in the second half of the decider between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders when Cummins called “six again” after a Raiders attacking kick came off one of their players.

Canberra five-eighth Jack Wighton grabbed the ball and charged into the defensive line believing it was the first tackle of the set, but Cummins reversed his call as the tackle was being made, meaning Canberra had to hand over the Steeden.

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

Moments later, Sydney fullback James Tedesco dived over to give the Roosters a 14-8 lead at Sydney Olympic Park.

It was undeniably a major turning point in the contest.

“I realized I stuffed up big time and I tried to correct the call – which would have been the right call,” Cummins said.

“But Jack Wighton didn’t see that and he got tackled and the Roosters get the ball and go down the length of the field in the next set and score.

“I realized then that this was big at eight-all in a grand finale.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than this.

“I walked into the tunnel and cameras were all on me… my heart sunk.”

Referee mistakes are not uncommon, and Cummins inevitably copped a tsunami of abuse from disgruntled rugby league fans for the error; even Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe joined the pile-on.

But the veteran referee, who has officiated more than 400 NRL games, has also revealed his teenage daughters were targeted after the ordeal.

“When you sign up to referee at the top level, you know that it comes with fans who are passionate, and people can say things about your performance,” he explained.

“But when it brings in your family and your home, it’s sort of to a different level. I found that really hard.

“I can’t say it was easy for them. My son was copping a lot of abuse at school and my daughters (were) online – because they are on social media. That was really tough.

“I basically locked myself in my house for a week.

“It was pretty dark times. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it. I had some thoughts about what I wanted to do with my life and they were pretty negative.

“You feel ashamed and worthless, embarrassed. I wasn’t sleeping. I just wanted everything to go away.”

Cummins’ revelation comes after former Queensland coach Paul Green was found dead at his Brisbane home on Thursday morning, the day after his son’s ninth birthday. It has been confirmed he took his own life from him.

Radio presenter Gus Worland, founder of mental health charity Gotcha4Life, spoke to Channel 9 about the importance of mental strength among Australian men.

“It was so sad to hear this morning about Green,” he said on Thursday evening.

“This is a line in the sand moment for us as sport and us as a nation to say, ‘Enough is enough’.

“Let’s stop talking about awareness, let’s put some action into place.

“It’s all about manning up and speaking up now, Not manning up and shutting up, which is what we’ve been told all our lives to do.

“This is an opportunity to build some emotional muscle, put you hand up if you need some help and support. That’s the bravest thing you can do.

“Why are we so good in this country at helping people, but not good at asking for help?

“It’s so brave to be vulnerable.”

.