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.”
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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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Latrell Mitchell says September football is “what I live for” as he eyes off four upcoming blockbuster club clashes and playing finals footy in a Rabbitohs jersey for the first time.
Mitchell, who starred in the 38-point walloping of the Warriors on Saturday with a personal haul of 24 points to lift South Sydney to sixth position on the ladder, has not played in a final since winning the 2019 decider with the Roosters.
Since joining the Rabbitohs he missed the 2020 finals series with a ruptured hamstring tendon and last year’s finals due to suspension.
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He has a sensational record in football finals, winning six of seven games and two premierships with the Roosters. He throws in five tries, with a try in each of his first five appearances, and it is his time to shine.
The 25-year-old custodian is not satisfied with what he has done. It is what comes next that drives him. Winning a competition with South Sydney is his quest from him, but huge games against the Eels, Panthers, Cowboys and Roosters in the next month could make or break the Rabbitohs
“I just love the pressure of this time of year. I love the competitiveness. It is what I live for. I strive for that,” Mitchell said.
“When you know what semi-finals tastes like, it is where you want to be.
Latrell Mitchell starred for the Rabbitohs against the Warriors. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“Let’s focus on getting there first… but it would be a different feeling winning [a title] here at South Sydney. I know the passion of the South Sydney fans, members, sponsors and investors… everyone who has put their blood, sweat and tears into it. It is time to repay that.
“I am definitely putting my hand up to do that because I haven’t played [finals] since 2019 and I am really excited to feel the pressure and see what unfolds.
“The next month, I think it is definitely what we need. It is only going to be a positive for us. It will outline a few things that we need to work on. This week’s done. Next week is Parra’.”
Mitchell said he had learned a lot about getting the best out of himself, while reflecting on his three-year absence from the business end of the season.
“That is a real eye opener, but it is a disappointing thing as well… with injury and suspension. Things happen in a split second,” he said.
“I have taken a lot of things out of the last three years, just with my growth. I’ve learned how to be a better teammate, and a better dad off the field as well. When your off-field is making you happy it translates into your footy, and vice-versa. I am continuing to build my legacy.
“I want to keep working on the little things and put myself in the best position.”
The Rabbitohs have won five of six matches since Mitchell’s return from a nine-week absence due to a hamstring injury suffered in round five. After putting the Warriors to the sword, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou said Mitchell’s best of him was yet to come in the next month.
The Rabbitohs fullback said the entire side had another gear.
“We still haven’t got our full strength back yet,” Mitchell said. We still have Campbell Graham to come back into the team and a few others. It is exciting. It is a great time of the year to give everyone a taste and see where our depth is at.”
Superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell put on an absolute clinic as the Rabbitohs thrashed the Warriors 48-10 on Saturday afternoon.
Mitchell scored 24 points after producing two tries, two assists, two linebreaks, four tackle busts and slotting 8/8 conversions.
MATCH CENTER: Rabbitohs v Warriors, score, teams, videos, stats
It was South Sydney’s highest score of the season and the win leapfrogs them into sixth place on the NRL ladder with a real shot at a top-four finish.
Souths started as unbackable favorites and they quickly showed why – scoring at almost a point a minute in the first half.
The Warriors’ defense was atrocious all afternoon and it’s now the worst in the competition.
Rabbitohs lock Cameron Murray set up the opening three tries, with Lachlan Illias, Damien Cook and Tevita Tatola all crossing.
“He’s run for 75 meters, made a bunch of tackles and now has a third, yes a third, try assist,” Warren Smith said on Fox League after 17 minutes.
Murray passed to halfback Lachlan Ilias who stepped off his right foot and went through a yawning gap to score the opener in the fourth minute.
Murray then made a break down the middle and offloaded to hooker Cook who showed some nice footwork to score in the 10th minute.
The Souths captain made it three assists when he broke a few tackles close to the line before offloading for Tatola to score.
Next it was Keaon Koloamatangi who broke through some more soft defense to score from close range in the 22nd minute.
The Warriors pulled one back through Edward Kosi but the Rabbitohs were soon back at it when Mitchell burst through several tackles to score under the posts.
“You can’t put him down when he gets a chance winds up from that sort of range,” Warren Smith said on Fox League after Mitchell charged over from almost 20 meters out.
Mitchell then turned provider for winger Alex Johnston who joined NRL legends Matt Sing and Hazem El Masri on 159 career tries.
Mitchell picked up where he left off in the second half, throwing a bullet cut-out pass for debutant Izaac Thompson to score.
Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson crossed for a sharp try in the 51st minute when he passed and then wrapped around to take back the ball from Josh Curran and score.
Mitchell scored the simplest of tries after Jai Arrow ran a decoy and the former crossed untouched in the 56th minute for his double.
Here are three of the biggest takeaways from the match.
LATRELL SHINES AGAIN
Souths transformed into a different team upon the return of superstar Latrell Mitchell in Round 16.
They’ve now won five of six games since Mitchell came back from a lengthy hamstring lay-off, and their only loss came in golden point against the Sharks.
Mitchell’s individual brilliance simply makes his teammates better – and it was on display again against the Warriors.
The classy fullback scored a personal record 24 points after producing two tries, two try assists, two linebreaks, two linebreak assists, four tackle busts. He was rested for the final 20 minutes of the game.
“That was a big step in the right direction, tonight was about earning the right and all the boys kicked into another gear,” Mitchell told Fox League.
Latrell Mitchell of the Rabbitohs celebrates scoring a try. Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“It’s all about holding the ball and whoever does that and defends their line the best takes the lollies.
“I’m really enjoying this group and I couldn’t be at a better club.”
Mitchell set up tries on the each side of halftime for wingers Alex Johnston and debutant Izaac Thompson, with the second leaving rugby league great Steve Roach in awe.
“We are watching a magician in play here, Latrell Mitchell. Sit back and watch just how good that pass is,” Roach said.
“Watch this for class. Just the vision, bang, catch and pass. There’s not a lot of blokes who could throw that pass in the history of the game. That’s just brilliant.”
“That was poor play from the Warriors, they got caught flat footed and Ilias couldn’t believe his luck,” Steve Roach said on Fox League.
RABBITOHS EYEING TOP FOUR
Souths are charging towards the top four after clinching their fifth win in six games, and setting a new club record against the Warriors.
It’s the first time in over 100 years since the Rabbitohs have scored over 30 points in five straight games against an opponent (North Sydney 1917-19).
It was the Bunnies’ highest score and biggest win this season, their fourth 40-point scoreline and fifth win by at least 18 points.
They’re now sitting sixth and just one win outside the top four with four rounds remaining. They face top-eight sides the Eels, Panthers, Cowboys and Roosters on their run home.
“I thought the first half was pretty clinical,” Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou said.
“We’re looking good for our back end of the year with some of our key players hitting some form.
South Sydney press conference | 05:54
“Everyone talks about the draw but the beauty about what we’ve got at the back end is that we’ve got teams that are going to influence where we finish and it’s on us.
“Every two points will decide where we finish at the end of the year. There’s another two points up for grabs next week against a team that’s playing some good footy as well.”
Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray were sensational as the latter set up three tries but left the game late for an HIA.
“I’m feeling good, I’ve come away from it unscathed,” Murray said.
“Overall I thought we were pretty good tonight, we’re building nicely, everyone is buying into what we’re doing and we’re building our combinations.”
WARRIORS’ WOES CONTINUE
The Warriors started the game with the second-worst defense in the competition and they finished it with the worst.
The Kiwis were simply abysmal in defense as the Rabbitohs crossed with ease, scoring eight tries in the opening 56 minutes.
The Warriors have now conceded 561 points in 20 games this season, allowing more than 28 points per game.
They’ve lost 10 straight outside New Zealand and four of their past six by more than 20 points. It was the fourth time the Warriors have conceded 40 points this season.
Interim coach Stacey Jones said it was the worst performance he’s seen since replacing Nathan Brown two months ago.
“Since I’ve taken over in this role, that’s the most disappointed I’ve been,” Jones said.
NZ Warriors press conference | 03:18
“I thought our attitude to defense was terrible, we didn’t want to get physical with them and if you allow a team like that to dominate early that’s what happened.
“I told the boys we need to address not just how to turn up on game day but how we train. We’ve got four weeks to go and we need to show a lot more than we showed tonight.”
The Warriors copped it from Fox League commentators Warren Smith and Steve Roach all afternoon.
“That was poor play from the Warriors, they got caught flat footed and Ilias couldn’t believe his luck,” Roach after the first try.
“That was a little bit too easy. I said they were brittle, well maybe scratch that, they’re beyond brittle, they’re Swiss cheese, there’s not much defense from the Warriors,” Smith added after the third.
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NRL great Cameron Smith has called on the Newcastle Knights to “be better” as further details emerged related to prop David Klemmer’s incident over the weekend.
Klemmer allegedly refused to leave the field and verbally abused trainer Hayden Knowles during Newcastle’s 14-point loss to the Bulldogs last Sunday.
The star forward was also dropped for this weekend’s crunch clash with the Wests Tigers, amid reports he could have his contract torn up by the Knights.
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The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read understands that the former Blues representative has apologized to head coach Adam O’Brien, as he acknowledged that he could’ve handled things differently.
The Telegraph reported on Thursday further details of Klemmer’s spray, claiming he called Knowles a “c***” and told him to “shut the f*** up”.
The report also revealed an exchange of messages between a Knights player and a senior member of staff about Klemmer, in which the member signs off with “FEC”.
“Confidential understands is an acronym for “F*** every c***. It suggests that the language was part of everyday life at the Knights and largely driven by some members of staff,” the report adds.
Weighing in on the news on Thursday morning, former Australia captain Smith couldn’t believe that a formal complaint had been submitted against Klemmer for an incident which he suggested happens regularly.
Klemmer sanctioned for abusing trainer | 02:55
“Well it’s strange really. If words were spoken between a player and a trainer, that’s happened a thousand times before,” Smith said on The Captain’s Run on SEN on Thursday.
“I’ve seen it first hand, I think you have as well. It’s not a new thing. I’m really confused as to why this is such a huge problem.
“The way I’ve seen it dealt with and sorted out in the past is that if there’s an issue… it’s dealt with in-person after the match.
“It’s just unnecessary. Like seriously, how bad have the words been spoken between David Klemmer and this trainer, to have a formal complaint made. It’s just ridiculous. Deal with it man to man.
“Do we go running to people now to double on each other? Like seriously, footy clubs, you’ve got to be better than that.”
Smith, who holds the record for the most NRL games played with 430, couldn’t understand why the Knights would make the complaint considering their form.
The Telegraph have reported that Newcastle players will be involved in the investigation, as they provide witness statements of what they heard.
Newcastle are currently 14th on the ladder, but they would drop back to second-last with a loss against the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
“The football is one thing, they’re not going great, they’re not going great at all,” he added.
“Even their performances at home, they’ve let their members and their fans down at home, who are extremely good supporters.
O’Brien’s time at Knights running out? | 02:43
“We’re starting to come to the end of the 2022 season, they’ve had a bludger of a year, they’re trying to get their season done as best they can with the remaining games.
“Now their starting prop, one of their enforcers, he’s been stood down. They’ve got several players now being pulled in now to be part of this investigation, and give their account of events.”
Smith played a lot of rugby league against and with Klemmer, with the pair helping the Kangaroos to a tense 6-0 win in the World Cup final against England in 2017.
The former Melbourne Storm hooker described Klemmer as “very respectful”, and felt that he would’ve worked through the situation alongside the club if given a chance.
“I’ve had a little bit to do with David Klemmer, like I’ve played many, many times against him, and look he is one of the most competitive and passionate blokes that I’ve played against in my career. He loves footy, he loves playing for the teams that he represents.
“But once the games over, he’s a very, very respectful man. He’ll deal with those situations the way he needs to deal with them respectfully. I don’t know why they’ve gone down this path.”
The Parramatta Eels reported attempted to sign Klemmer on a loan deal for the rest of the 2022 season, but the move was blocked by the Knights.
Klemmer is currently on a deal worth up to $900,000 at Newcastle until the end of next season, but a number of teams could be interested in acquiring his services if he becomes available.
Maroons star Ben Hunt is not short of suitors amid reports the Gold Coast Titans are ready to launch an audacious bid for his services.
news corp revealed that the Titans are considering a play to lure the Dragons captain north to from the 2023 season.
The Titans are believed to be one of six clubs trying to acquire Hunt’s services from at least the 2024 campaign.
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But considering he doesn’t come off contract with the Dragons until the end of next season, the Titans will have to wait until November 1st to submit an official offer.
It was reported last week that Hunt was set to sign a two-year contract extension with St George until the end of 2025.
“We have started the process to extend Ben, and we’re very hopeful we can keep him at the club long-term,” St George Illawarra chief executive Ryan Webb said.
Madge’s take on Tigers coaching plan | 02:04
“He is an important person on the field and has a tremendous impact off it.”
Hunt, who was leading the Dally M race before the count behind closed doors, signed a
mammoth five-year deal worth more than $5 million with the Dragons in 2017.
The 32-year-old has proven himself to be one of the premier players in the competition since, after starring in State of Origin again this year.
The party was well and truly on in Queensland as Hunt ran away for a long-range, game-winning try in the Origin decider in Brisbane last month.
But considering his age, it’s believed that he could commit to a smaller deal.
If Hunt does sign with the Titans, he would potentially line-up in the halves alongside another key signing in Kieran Foran.
The New Zealand international has signed a two-year deal which is reportedly worth $400,000 per season.
Dragons captain Ben Hunt is reportedly eyeing a move to the Gold Coast Titans. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Before entering contract negotiations, Hunt revealed that he was happy playing under the “right coach” in Anthony Griffin at the Dragons.
“It’s no secret I enjoy being coached by Hook (Anthony Griffin),” Hunt said.
“I know we’ve had some setbacks for the past two games, but we’ve got the right foundation in place – and we have the right coach.
“I’m loving my time at the club and enjoying myself. I know I’m also getting to the back end of my career and want to win (a premiership).
“My manager will meet with the club next week so we’ll see what happens. I still think I’ve got at least three years of footy in me. I’m contracted for next year, and I’d like another two after that.
“I’ve been lucky with injuries. I don’t see why I can’t go until at least the end of 2025.”
Carrigan cops 4-game ban for tackle | 02:14
RABBITOHS SET TO LAUNCH BID FOR MANLY ENFORCER
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have reportedly entered the race to secure Sea Eagles’ prop Martin Taupau’s signature for the dawn of the 2023 season.
According to Zero Tackle, the club believe that Taupau would be a suitable replacement for departing prop Mark Nicholls, who will join the Dolphins for their inaugural season.
The Bunnies are reportedly set to table the 32-year-old a two-year contract which will see him at South Sydney until the end of the 2024 season.
The Eels were close to locking in Taupau for the rest of the season, however the Sea Eagles chose to wart the move in a last ditch attempt at securing a spot in the top eight come finals time.
If Taupau is to link up with the Rabbitohs for the 2023 season he would he would add to the club’s depth in the forwards joining the likes of Thomas Burgess, Liam Knight, Tevita Tatola, Davvy Moale and Daniel Suluka-Fifita.
With the Manly prop now in the latter stages of his career, a two-year deal with South Sydney could very well be his last in the NRL.
While the Dolphins have expressed an interest in Taupau, the experienced prop ideally wants to play for a club based in Sydney.
The Titans have made a big call on young halfback Toby Sexton, while the Sharks are set to unleash a debutant in the No.1 jersey.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have been forced into a reshuffled to fill the void of the suspended Nathan Cleary.
And interim Warriors coach Stacey Jones has made mass changes to his side ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Rabbitohs.
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V’landys moves transfer deadline | 03:02
THURSDAY
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos 7.50pm at SCG
roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Ben Thomas 16. Drew Hutchison 17. Terrell May 18. Adam Keighran 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Kevin Naiqama 21. Renouf Atoni 22. Siua Wong
broncos team: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13 Kobe Hetherington 14. Jake Turpin 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Corey Jensen 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Te Maire Martin 19. Zac Hosking 20. Xavier Willison 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Cory Paix
FRIDAY
Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans 6pm at AAMI Park
storm-team: 1. Tyran Wishart 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Marion Seve 4. Grant Anderson 5. Dean Ieremia 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Chris Lewis 18. Alec MacDonald 19. Cooper Johns 20. Xavier Coates 21. Jordan Grant 22. Young Tonumaipea
titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Sosefo Fifita 3. Phillip Sami 4. Brian Kelly 5. Patrick Herbert 6. AJ Brimson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Aaron Booth 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Erin Clark 14. Greg Marzhew 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Isaac Liu 17. Jaimin Jolliffe 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Corey Thompson 20. Toby Sexton 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 22. Paul Turner
Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels 7.55pm at 4 Pines Park
Sea Eagles team: 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12 Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dylan Walker 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Martin Taupau 17. Morgan Boyle 18. Josh Schuster 19. Ethan Bullemor 20. Kurt De Luis 21. Kaeo Weekes 22. Brad Parker
eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Hayze Perham 20. Brendan Hands 21. Sean Russell 22. Elie El Zakhem
‘Not a fan’ Chairman shares frustrations | 10:15
SATURDAY
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Warriors 3pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium
rabbitohs team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Hayze Perham 20. Brendan Hands 21. Sean Russell 22. Elie El Zakhem
warriors team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Euan Aitken 5. Edward Kosi 6. Wayde Egan 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Tohu Harris 11. Bayley Sironen 12 Jack Murchie 13. Aaron Pene 14. Taniela Otukolo 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Josh Curran 18. Jackson Frei 20. Dunamis Lui 21. Daejarn Asi 22. Adam Pompey 23. Viliami Vailea
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers 5.30pm at GIO Stadium
raiders team: 1. Xavier Savage 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott 14. Tom Starling 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Emre Guler 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 18. Albert Hopoate 19. Ata Mariota 20. Matt Frawley 21. Corey Horsburgh 22. Semi Valemei
panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Charlie Staines 18. Sunia Turuva 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Chris Smith 21. Kurt Falls 22. Lindsay Smith
Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra 7.35pm at PointsBet Stadium
sharks team: 1. Kade Dykes 2. Connor Tracey 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Braydon Trindall 15. Aiden Tolman 16. Teig Wilton 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Lachlan Miller 19. Jesse Colquhoun 20. Royce Hunt 21. Matt Ikuvalu 22. Thomas Hazelton
dragons team: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Jaydn Su ‘A 13. Tariq Sims 14. Tyrell Sloan 15. Aaron Woods 16. Francis Molo 17. Josh Mcguire 18. Michael Molo 19. Max Feagai 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Tyrell Fuimaono 22. Jackson Ford
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Inside Klemmer’s failed move to the Eels | 02:08
SUNDAY
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys 2pm at Salter Oval, Bundaberg
bulldogs team: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Jackson 12 Jackson Topine 13. Tevita Pangai Junior 14. Zach Dokar-Clay 15. Joe Stimson 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Chris Patolo 19. Declan Casey 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Tom Gilbert 12 Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Reuben Cotter 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Griffin Neame 18. Connelly Lemuelu 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Riley Price 21. Tomas Chester 22. Ben Hampton
Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights 4.05pm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. Starford To’a 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jock Madden 8. James Tamou 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Alex Seyfarth 12 Kelma Tuilagi 13. Fonua Pole 14. Zane Musgrove 15. Austin Dias 16. Thomas Freebairn 17. Tyrone Peachey 18. Junior Tupou 19. Jake Simpkin 20. Brandon Tumeth 21. James Roberts 22. Justin Matamua
knights team: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13 Mitchell Barnett 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Mathew Croker 18. Jack Johns 19. Jirah Momoisea 20. Adam Clune 21. Kurt Mann 22. Hymel Hunt
Sharks veteran Andrew Fifita couldn’t hear the home crowd chanting his name on Saturday night when he crashed over for a try that was eerily similar to the one he scored in the 2016 grand final.
And while he would have loved to have heard the support from the Cronulla faithful, the only support he’s really cared about over the past 12 months has been from his partner who has been there for him after the scariest moment of their lives.
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The Sharks should finish in the top four thanks to Andrew Fifita’s try. Picture: Matt King/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Fifita suffered a shocking throat injury and spent several days in an induced coma last season, but before he got to the hospital, he messaged his wife telling her that he didn’t think he’d survive.
“That’s why I was a lot more emotional when I went over,” he said of his special celebration.
“It’s been a long time, especially for my missus. What she went through, especially in this round, that’s why it felt way more emotional. I think the excitement got the better of me and I started pointing at her saying, ‘See, you don’t believe me’.
“It did get the better of me.
“It’s Women in League round so I wanted to do this for her, but she didn’t believe me. I told her I was going to go over – I had a feeling – and it came true.”
Saturday’s try was the first time Fifita had scored in the NRL since 2020, and it brought back memories of his legendary four-pointer against the Storm in the 2016 decider.
Andrew Fifita scored the most famous try in Sharks history. Picture: Phil HillyardSource: Supplied
That one was in the 68th minute, while this one was a few seconds earlier, and it could prove telling for Cronulla’s top-four hopes.
But can you compare them?
“Por favor. That was the best try in the club’s history so it won’t go near it. I’m just grateful to get over the paint,” he said.
It’s been a long road back for Fifita, who doesn’t play the big minutes he used to.
But if he can chime in with big plays in clutch moments, then he looms as a wildcard for their premiership push.
“That was vintage Andrew,” skipper Wade Graham said.
“He’s worked hard and he’s a great character to have around the place with how much care he has for the team and the club.
“When he has energy, the team has energy – not just the team – but the club as well. You heard the crowd after the try chanting his name from him. ”
Those chants were so loud that you would’ve been able to hear them through the TV even if you had it on mute, yet there was one person who missed it.
“I honestly didn’t hear it,” Fifita said.
Cronulla Sharks press conference | 08:39
“Everyone was saying it, but I sh*t you not, I was saying to the boys ‘what do you mean Andrew chant’.
“When you’re out there it’s different, so you can’t really hear the crowd. You hear them roaring, but I didn’t hear it, and that’s what everyone was saying. I came in here and Dale (Finucane) was going ‘Andrew’.
“I’m grateful. At least I’ve left my touch on here, so I’m all good.”
The try caps a difficult couple of years for Fifita, who spent time in reserve grade playing with the Jets but will now need to step up with Royce Hunt likely to miss a few weeks with a shoulder injury.
“I wanted to play, and I’m forever grateful for Newtown because they brought the love of footy back in for me,” he said.
“Playing big minutes and having some fun on the ball, it was just one of those times.
“Did I think I’d get back? I knew I’d get back to the NRL – that was always there – but the thing for me was about getting back after the accident.”
It seems South Sydney’s Cody Walker wasn’t too happy with Cronulla’s Cameron McInnes after their game on Saturday with Walker spotted brushing McInnes’ handshake at full time.
The Sharks defeated the Rabbitohs 21-20 in a golden point thriller with Nicho Hynes slotting the matchwinning field goal after a few failed attempts from Latrell Mitchell Matt Moylan.
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Afterwards Walker went down the line, shaking hands with Nicho Hynes before locking eyes with McInnes and then shoving him away as McInnes attempted to shake his hand.
McInnes turned back as Walker continued down the line and appeared to follow after him.
The pair played together at the Rabbitohs before McInnes joined the Dragons in 2017.
Walker set up a try, got four tackle busts, two offloads and ran for 73 meters but overall it was a night to forget for the Bunnies’ star five-eighth as Sharks players continued to get under his skin.
The McInnes moment comes six weeks after Walker’s temperament was labeled a “massive problem” for the Rabbitohs given rivals are now purposely trying to set him off.
Dragons prop Aaron Woods revealed after their 32-12 win over the Rabbitohs in Round 15 that trying to get under Walker’s skin was a part of their game plan.
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“If we can get him off his game a little bit, try to frustrate him and pressure him we know he does get a little bit angry,” he told Triple M at the time.
“The fuse is pretty short with him and you can get him off the game. That was part of it [the game plan].”
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South Sydney enforcer Tom Burgess has taken the early guilty plea and will be sidelined for one week after he was sent off for a high shot on Saturday night.
A lazy swinging arm collected Sharks center Ronaldo Mulitalo high on the halfway line with three minutes left in golden point.
Burgess was charged with a careless high tackle and will miss next week’s clash against the Warriors.
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Burgess was sitting off in the loss.Source: FOX SPORTS
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The Rabbitohs were penalized over the shot and three tackles later Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes’ slotted the match-winning field goal.
“High tackle Burgess, it’s a big problem, it’s on halfway,” Dan Ginnane said on Fox League.
“No matter what it’s a penalty to Cronulla, but what is the aftermath.
Ooft, a bit of force in that from Burgess. The players from Cronulla have just seen a replay and that’s got them bubbling again.
“Gone. Sit off. Tom Burgess straight from the field and they will finish with 12 and they have three and a half minutes to hold on with 12.”
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Co-commentator Steve Roach believes Burgess was unlucky to be penalized, let alone sent off.
“He was just trying to do something for his team, a bit over the top but I don’t think he hit him in the head actually, it slid up,” Roach said.
Hynes kicked for touch and three tackles later sent the home crowd into raptures by slotting a golden point field goal.
“Nicho Hynes is ice cool, it’s Cronulla’s night, they’ve done it again at the death in the Shire,” Ginnane said.
“It might be the moment that catapults them into the final four.”
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