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Junior Paulo to represent Samoa at World Cup, why is he playing for Samoa, Kangaroos, Samoa players, latest, updates

Junior Paulo to represent Samoa at World Cup, why is he playing for Samoa, Kangaroos, Samoa players, latest, updates

Junior Paulo has handed the Kangaroos a major blow as the Parramatta prop confirmed he will play for Samoa at the World Cup.

The 28-year-old male is yet to represent Australia at international level but has nine State of Origin games for New South Wales under his belt.

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Paulo also has nine caps for Samoa to his name and although he was “torn” between the blue shirt of the nation or the green and gold of Australia, it was a quote from Phil Gould that ultimately swayed his decision.

“Gus Gould really hit the nail on the head when he said, ‘What nation do you cry for when you sing the anthem,’” Paulo told 9News.

Johnson double dummy MELTS Dogs | 01:05

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“That plays a big part for me, and for me that’s being proud of my home, and that’s Samoa.”

Paulo joins Canberra forward Josh Papalii as well as Panthers duo Brian To’o and Jarome Luai as NRL stars who have confirmed they will represent Samoa instead of Australia at the World Cup.

The Parramatta star also hopes that by not choosing to play for the Kangaroos, it could inspire several youngsters to be proud of their home nation when it comes to representative footy.

“I want to be able to inspire the next kid who is coming through the ranks and will be at home, or whether they’re in the islands watching that World Cup thinking they want to be able to represent their country,” Paulo said.

The Blues star is also hoping that by playing for Samoa, he can make his family proud as punch.

“I’ve got my two grandmothers, who are both overseas and while they’re still alive I want to make them proud,” Paulo said.

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AFL: ‘Reaching my prime’: Star GWS Giants forward Jesse Hogan excited for future

AFL: 'Reaching my prime': Star GWS Giants forward Jesse Hogan excited for future

Reborn spearhead Jesse Hogan’s emergence from a difficult few seasons is complete, with a new two-year deal the reward for his best campaign since 2018.

The star Giants forward booted a season-high four goals last week in a best-on-ground performance as they put a disastrous derby defeat to the Swans behind them to take down Essendon in Sydney.

Hogan is up to 30 goals from 16 games this season, and 50 from 25 overall since crossing to Greater Western Sydney on a one-year deal after a somewhat tumultuous end at Fremantle.

Another one-season, prove-it-to-us pact followed his first year with the Giants but now the ex-Demons prodigy has security again amid what he describes as the “most consistent” football of his life.

As pleasing for the 27-year-old as his goal tally is how many matches he has played this season, after managing no more than 12 in any of the past three years, when foot and soft-tissue setbacks besieged him.

Former coach Leon Cameron and the Giants’ high performance team hatched a pre-season plan for Hogan to rest twice this year either side of the mid-season bye, which has worked wonders for him.

“Last year wasn’t ideal with being injured and having a few calf injuries to deal with, and not really having too much confidence in my body,” Hogan told News Corp.

“Then this year, being able to link together 14, 15, 16 games and play some more consistent footy has been massive for me mentally, just to have faith in my body again and a decent season overall.”

Hogan’s agent, Matt Bain, of TLA Australia, is thrilled to see him playing well again and optimistic about greater things ahead.

“It’s a great result for Jesse. He’s happy there and deserves the two years,” Bain said.

“He’s put in a lot of work and it’s showing in his footy. I’m very proud of him.”

No key forward in the competition is averaging more than Hogan’s seven marks per match this season, with that part of his game always serving as a barometer for his performance.

“It’s not that I’m chasing marks or chasing kicks but that’s something that’s always kept me in the game – my ability to find a pocket of space,” he said.

“I’m not the most athletic, I’m not the quickest and I’m not the fittest but I think I’ve got a pretty high IQ when it comes to forward craft.”

The next step for Hogan is playing a full year, which he thinks is within his grasp if he can enjoy a big summer and enter the 2023 season injury free.

Part of that goal is also to ramp up his training between games, too, after largely staying off his legs until Wednesday or Thursday after a match and completing just one main session weekly this year.

“I’d get everything I needed to out of that session to feel sharp, then not much after that,” he said.

“But with the confidence I have in my body going into next season; I feel like I can get more training done, keep working on my craft during the week and be more confident going into games.”

Hogan, who has moved out of Shane Mumford’s Maroubra granny flat into a Balmain home, was among the eight players spared interim coach Mark McVeigh’s wrath after the disappointing display against the Swans.

The Giants’ underwhelming season has frustrated Hogan at times and he has spoken strongly recently about the players needing to be better defensively, but he has come a long way personally.

Hogan conceded several times since his Dockers exit that he made mistakes but also that escaping the constant houndings in Perth for somewhat of an anonymous existence in Sydney was badly needed.

“Hindsight is a wonderful thing. It’s kind of hard to reflect on – I have a lot of regrets and you can’t change the past, so I’ve just done the best I can to move on,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a littered few years, unfortunately, and that’s something I’m just going to have to live with, but this year and last year, I’ve taken steps forward.

“Hopefully, I’m just reaching the prime of my career and I can finish off my year really well and play some good seasons and have some deep finals runs.”

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Sports

AFL 2022: Max King torched, Brisbane Lions defeat St Kilda, finals, ladder

AFL 2022: Max King torched, Brisbane Lions defeat St Kilda, finals, ladder

St Kilda had it all to play for on Friday night against the Brisbane Lions, but they repeatedly shot themselves in the foot.

A thrilling third quarter saw them come back to life and put the Lions to the sword. But when it mattered most, they fell apart.

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The Saints had ample opportunities in the final quarter to run away with the contest, but continually threw it away in front of goal.

Young star forward Max King was the prime culprit, finishing the night with five behinds to his name as his set shot routine abandoned him.

The yips seemed to have taken a hold as his routine changed on multiple occasions.

At the other end of the ground the Lions capitalized on their opportunities. The Lions’ last five scoring shots netted them four goals and one behind. The Saints’ last seven scoring shots were all behinds.

St Kilda fans in the stands were routinely spotted by the cameras with their head in their hands after each miss in front of goal.

“The set shots were relatively easy, they weren’t on tight angles. You just have to go back and suck up the pressure and put them through the big sticks,” Jonathan Brown said on Fox Footy.

Former St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt said King had zero confidence in his kicking by the end.

“He’s had four shots from directly in front and in the end he just looked completely devoid of confidence, his routine was broken,” he said.

“To the point that we watched him pretty closely the last five to 10 minutes and I don’t think he wanted the ball.”

Garry Lyon added: “That’s a horrible night. I agree that in the end he was saying I don’t want to go near it.”

Footy fans watching on were quick to lambaste King for his horror night out, when St Kilda were desperate for the win.

CODE Sports’ Daniel Cherny wrote: “There is no more excruciating sight in football than watching Max King kicking for goal.”

St Kilda will now need a minor miracle to qualify for the finals after losing to the Cam Rayner-inspired Brisbane Lions by 15 points.

Brisbane opened up a 26-point buffer late in the second quarter, but for the third game in a row, they either gave up a sizeable lead, or had one eaten into significantly, as the Saints exploded in the third quarter to lead by five points, putting the Lions’ top-four ambitions in peril.

The Saints will likely drop to 10th this weekend, meaning they will have to not only beat the Swans in Sydney in the final round next week, but will also need a raft of other results to go their way to make the finals.

The win launches Brisbane into a second spot on the ladder currently and keeps their hopes alive of securing a final home.

– with Ronny Lerner, NCA Newswire

Read related topics:Brisbane

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Canberra Raiders, Ricky Stuart suspension, St George, NRL finals, playoff picture, top eight, the run home, rugby league, suspension

Canberra Raiders, Ricky Stuart suspension, St George, NRL finals, playoff picture, top eight, the run home, rugby league, suspension

NRL great Cameron Smith believes Raiders coach Ricky Stuart got off lightly after he received a one game ban for a post-match spray about Panthers playmaker Jaeman Salmon.

Stuart was also issued with a $25,000 fine after calling Salmon “a weak-gutted dog” after Canberra’s 26-6 to Penrith last Saturday.

The veteran coach will miss his side’s crunch match with St George on Sunday, as the Raiders look to keep their dwindling hopes of finals football alive.

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As reported by Fox Sports’ James Hooper, Stuart also can’t attend training sessions or contract anyone at the club for seven days from when the punishment was handed down.

speaking on The Captains Runformer Melbourne Storm captain Smith said that he was expecting Stuart to be issued with at least a two-game suspension for his spray.

“With the Salmon family situation, are they still seeking some legal advice on the situation? That’s always an option for them because without a doubt it’s defamation, every day of the week,” Smith said onSEN 1170 Radio.

“I was shocked Kempy (Denan Kemp), I was really shocked. I don’t know how you felt about it but I was extremely shocked when I heard the comments from Ricky.

“We’ve all seen him have his say in post-match press conferences and at times he has certainly pushed the boundaries as far as comments and remarks around officials and what happened on the game.

“That was just a clear crossing of the line. You just don’t go there in that forum.

“He said as much in the days post the comments that he made that it was the wrong thing to do. Now he’s coped a week for it.

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“I thought that it was quite light to be honest, one week. Fairly significantly fine involved, $25,000, it’s a lot of money.

“I actually thought it was going to be more around a minimum of two weeks suspension from the club.”

While Stuart has never been afraid to express how he’s feeling after a match, both Smith and co-host Denan Kemp agreed that a line had been crossed.

Kemp said that a one match suspension was still “reasonable” considering how the Raiders are placed on the ladder, but still felt that the comments had fallen into a “no go zone”.

“If I’m being honest, I used to enjoy his blow-ups. I really did. As a footy fan I thought it was great that we had this guy that sometimes crossed the line, but I think the key for me was always it was about the football with professionals,” Kemp said.

“Whether he’s having a crack at the refs or whoever it was, they’re professionals, they’re apart of the game, and he’s having his opinion on that situation. That’s where I can go ‘you know what, I kind of like the passion’.

“The line is when it’s not at football, and once you get across that line, it’s a no go zone.

Cleary backs NRL over Stuart suspension | 02:44

“The reason why I’m a bit surprised he only got one week was because he obviously has formed, he’s got I think it was $160,000 worth of fines now.

“I’m still happy with a week. His team is at a very crucial point in the season right now, they need to win every single game pretty much.

Canberra are still in with a chance of playing finals football this season as they continue the run home with four games left to be played.

They’re two competition points behind eighth-place Sydney Roosters, but have a significantly worse point’s differential which could work against them.

Smith thinks that they’ll overcome the loss of their coach to incredibly make the finals, as they have the “softest run” of any team currently in the mix.

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Entertainment

Chris Hemsworth surfs with sons in Byron Bay after Mad Max: Furiosa paused due to Covid-19

Chris Hemsworth surfs with sons in Byron Bay after Mad Max: Furiosa paused due to Covid-19

Chris Hemsworth has been spotted carving up the Byron surf with his twin boys Tristan and Sasha while making the most of some unexpected time off after production on his upcoming film was paused.

the hunky Thor actor, 38, was reportedly seen flexing his superhero skills in the waves, stopping his sesh at one point to help a woman navigate away from a rip.

It comes as filming for Mad Max: Furiosastarring Hemsworth and Anya Taylor-Joy, has been suspended after director George Miller tested positive for Covid-19, the Daily Mail reported this week.

The publication reports that the multimillion-dollar production based in Kurnell, just south of Sydney will resume filming next week, once legendary director Miller, 77, has finished his isolation period and recovered.

In the meantime, Hemsworth has been soaking up the time with family, taking his 8-year-old twins Tristan and Sasha for a surf and a spot of takeaway after picking them up from school in Byron Bay this week.

Mad Max: Furiosa is a prequel to post-apocalyptic blockbuster furyroad, with Anya Taylor-Joy playing a younger Charlize Theron.

Details of Hemsworth’s character in the film are yet to be disclosed, but the actor was pictured on set in early July looking dramatically different in a long red wig, beard, and curly mustache.

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Sports

Transfer Whispers, Dylan Brown, contract extensions, transfer news, Parramatta Eels signing, re-signing, off-contract players, Isaiah Papali’i backflip

Transfer Whispers, Dylan Brown, contract extensions, transfer news, Parramatta Eels signing, re-signing, off-contract players, Isaiah Papali'i backflip

Isaiah Papali’i’s management has reportedly confirmed the Eels backrower will honor his Tigers contract, ending speculation surrounding his future.

According to the SMH, Tim Sheens, who will take the coaching reins in 2023, spoke to agent Dan O’Loughlin regarding Papali’i’s doubts.

The merger club were reportedly assured the 23-year-old would land in Leichhardt for the club’s pre-season training alongside star recruit Apisai Koroisau.

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Papali’i previously explained he wants to have “no regrets” regarding his decision.

“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 asked why he had doubts about making the move, Papali’i said it was Maguire’s axing that made him question his decision.

“I think it was the coaching axing that went on,” Papali’i 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.”

Cheese cuts through on hectic solo run! | 00:45

Papali’i will be a key player for the Tigers, who are hoping to rebuild under Sheens, Marshall and Farrah’s tutelage.

“The only thing I will say is I’m looking forward to coaching him,” Sheens said.

Sheens’ Tigers rebuild is underway, with reports suggesting the club will make a play for former Raiders backrower John Bateman.

The Tigers have also reportedly spoken to Papali’i’s management regarding their vision for the club under the new coaching structure.

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BROWN’S LUCRATIVE CONTRACT TALKS

Parramatta star Dylan Brown’s management has reportedly urged the table a lucrative contract extension to keep the young gun at the Eels as rivals circle.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the 22-year-old’s agent met with Parramatta powerbrokers this week as the five-eighth was reportedly labeled a retention priority.

While Brown’s management is hard at work, the New Zealand international expressed his desire to stay out of any negotiations until after this year’s World Cup.

“My manager would have communicated that (to the Eels) to leave me alone until the season is done,” Brown said.

“I just don’t like it. I’d rather not sort that stuff out (during the season).

“Any distraction is a bad distraction when you are playing footy.”

Brown’s preference to put extensions talks on hold could worry Eels bosses, with rivals being able to make a play for the in-form playmaker come November 1.

Reports suggest Brown’s preference is to stay in Sydney’s west and the Eels mass player exodus has left them in a strong position to offer Brown an upgraded deal.

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Storm sizzle poor Panthers | 02:01

Brown has enjoyed the best season of his four-year career in 2022, recording 14 tries assists with a new-found confidence.

The young gun explained coach Brad Arthur has been instilling that confidence in him, and fans have been treated to a full display of his running game this year.

“The last couple of years … I have always been, not afraid, but I would second guess myself,” Brown said.

“I feel like you have got to go with your gut feeling sometimes and just be confident in what you are doing.

“You’re not getting selected in an NRL team to second guess yourself and not be confident.

“I’m in the team for a reason. Brad is trying to drive that into me. I feel like the more ball I get the better the left edge will go.”

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Fletch lauds Green’s Roosters influence | 03:04

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Sports

Cameron Munster at fullback, positional switch, Jahrome Hughes return, Melbourne Storm team, highlights

Cameron Munster at fullback, positional switch, Jahrome Hughes return, Melbourne Storm team, highlights

It was only a few weeks ago that Craig Bellamy made a stunning admission, telling reporters he was “not confident” Melbourne could turn a worrying form slump around.

The Storm had slumped to a fourth-straight loss for the first time in seven years and even Bellamy was unsure if this champion team had it in them to rise to the top again.

It was on the playing group to prove Bellamy wrong and while wins over the Warriors and Titans were certainly needed, Thursday night was their chance to make a statement.

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Sure, the Panthers were severely understrength but so were the Storm and yet a defensive masterclass paved the way for a 16-0 shutout victory over the defending premiers.

Now in a strong position to wrap up a spot in the top four, Melbourne is right back in the title picture and Bellamy has a secret weapon up his sleeve that keeps everyone guessing.

Even Cameron Smith was fooled on Thursday morning, questioning why playmaker Cameron Munster had been moved back to the halves after a starring game at fullback the week prior.

“I was a little bit surprised, I thought he may have kept him there,” Smith admitted on SEN 1170 Radio.

Storm sizzle poor Panthers | 02:01

Bellamy did keep Munster there, although it was not necessarily always going to be the plan as the Storm coach revealed in his post-game press conference on Thursday night.

“It worked pretty well last week as well,” Bellamy said.

“We weren’t quite sure earlier in the week on which way we were going to go. We trained both of them there. I think we will probably look at it on our opposition and what we think the best way to use Munster and the best way to use Nick and their strengths [is].

“I’m not quite sure we’ll actually stick with Munster at fullback all the time but we need to have a bit of a chat about that with the leaders, obviously our halves and see what the coaches think.”

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That in itself spells trouble for the rest of the competition.

It is already hard enough to defend Munster but not knowing where exactly he will be playing in the lead-up to a game makes that tougher, you only have to ask Ivan Cleary.

The Panthers coach was asked after Thursday’s defeat “what sort of threat” Munster posed at fullback, to which Cleary could only laugh.

“A lot,” he said.

“I don’t know whether fullback is much different. I suppose he doesn’t have all the defensive work to do. He’s just playing really well, definitely dangerous and he still seemed to come up with big plays when they needed it tonight. He’s definitely a threat.”

There was a similar response from Panthers great Greg Alexander, who was asked pre-game by Jess Yates which Melbourne player he was most worried about.

“Well, Cameron Munster, Cameron Munster and Cameron Munster,” Alexander replied.

That and “who ended up playing fullback”.

Unfortunately for Alexander and the Panthers, that also ended up being Munster and he backed up last week’s three-try effort against the Titans with another impressive display.

Munster ran for 142 meters at the back to go with five tackle busts two linebreak assists and also kicked for 537, filling the void left by halfback Jahrome Hughes.

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

Cameron Munster starred at fullback. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“It’s been handy this year,” Bellamy said of having the option of playing Munster at fullback.

“The last few months or so with Paps being out and Nick missing a week. He’s certainly a different character Munster but he’s a great guy to have around the club and obviously one hell of a player.

“We’re fairly lucky to have him. The other big thing about him is he’s such a competitor. He just competes in everything at training and in games. That’s what makes him what he is.”

Bellamy admitted there may have been a point earlier in Munster’s career where he may have wanted a greater say in what position he played.

But this is a more mature Munster, one who is “just happy to play a role that’s best for the team”.

‘Ludicrous’ – Brandy hits back | 01:49

“Earlier in his career he’d probably have a say or opinion on it,” Bellamy said.

“But I think now, and I haven’t actually spoke to him too closely about it, he just usually says wherever you think I fit best in the team, I’m going to do that.

“Wherever the team needs him, he’s quite happy to do that. I think he really enjoys playing fullback because it gives him a little bit more freedom but he’s just happy to play a role that’s best for the team. It just shows how much he’s matured.”

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Sports

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors live scores, updates, stream, start time, teams, Supercoach scores, Tevita Pangai Junior

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors live scores, updates, stream, start time, teams, Supercoach scores, Tevita Pangai Junior

The Bulldogs and Warriors have traded blows as the score sits 24-18.

Mick Potter’s side sparked a huge comeback after a horror Walsh error on his own tryline, before backrower Eliesa Katoa again handed his side the lead with a charging try.

MATCH CENTER: New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

57TH MINUTE

Warriors gun Eliesa Katoa has crossed for a crucial try. charging onto a Shaun Johnson short ball to hand his side the lead.

“There is no stopping Katoa, he is a crash ball specialist,” Smith said.

44TH MINUTE

The Bulldogs have scored off the back of a horror Reece Walsh mistake.

Halfback Kyle Flanagan scooped the ball up to cross untouched and bring his side back into the contest.

“An early error from the Warriors, and the Bulldogs exactly what they needed,” Flanagan said.

“We have a game here in Auckland,” Smith said.

Only moments later, Bulldogs flyer Josh Addo-Carr reeled in an intercept to charge away for an 80-meter try.

Multiple Warriors defenders charged across in cover defense but Addo-Carr streaked away to score.

17TH MINUTE

Bulldogs fullback Jake Averillo crossed for his side’s first of the night, running onto an Aaron Schoupp short ball.

Mick Potter’s side charged at the Warriors line, with Matt Burton breaking through before Averillo crossed.

“Matt Burton going so close on the previous play… good heads up play by Averillo,” Smith said.

Only moments later, the Warriors scored off the back of a scrum with Reece Walsh finding Edward Kosi in space.

“He is a class player Reece Walsh, that was beautifully done, he just skips on the outside,” Shane Flanagan said.

“That is all class from Reece Walsh.”

6TH MINUTE

The Warriors have opened the scoring courtesy of a Shaun Johnson short ball to find Viliami Vailea.

The 19-year-old crossed for an untouched try in his return to the New Zealand side after suffering a broken jaw.

The Bulldogs now trail 12-0 on return to Mt Smart Stadium, having played their last game across the Tasman in Round 1, 2019.

MATCH CENTER: New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

“Broken jaw, has been out now for the best part of ten games,” Warren Smith said.

Only moments later, veteran winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak intercepted Matt Burton pass to cross untouched from 90 meters out

“He is a real pro of wing play, a great carrier and he can still scoot,” Smith said.

“He’d have been a great decathlete, he has speed, he has power and great jumping ability.”

PRE-MATCH WRAP

The Bulldogs will make the trip abroad to New Zealand for the first time since Round 1, 2019 for their clash against the Warriors.

Kiwi-born players Jeremy Marshall-King, Jackson Topine, Zach Dokar-Clay and Raymond Faitala-Mariner will make a big homecoming to face their rivals across the Tasman.

Mick Potter’s Canterbury-Bankstown side will be without star enforcer Tevita Pangai Junior for family reasons, shifting Faitala-Mariner to lock.

An hour before kick-off, Potter also made a late change, shifting Harrison Edwards into the starting side in place of Jack Topine.

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 >

MATCH CENTER: New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Meanwhile, the Warriors have made a raft of big changes.

Daejarn Asi returns at five-eighth, shifting regular hooker Wayne Egan back into the dummy-half role.

Young gun Viliami Vailea has also slotted into the centers, while interim head coach Stacey Jones has reintroduced Storm recruit Eliesa Katoa onto the bench.

Tom Ale, 23, will also make his first appearance of the 2022 season off the bench, taking the field for his fourth NRL game.

TEAMS

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Edward Kosi 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jack Murchie 15. Bunty Afoa 13. Josh Curran 14. Freddy Lussick 16. Eliesa Katoa 22. Tom Ale 17. Jackson Frei

Bulldogs: 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 16. Harrison Edwards 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jackson Topine 14. Zach Dokar-Clay 15. Joe Stimson 17. Chris Patolo 20. Kurtis Morrin

PAUL GREEN NEWS

‘DOESN’T HURT TO TALK’: V’landys’, Kevvie’s emotional pleas over Green tragedy

OBITUARY: 167cm great who became a giant and the gamble that set him up for glory

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

Catch all the action below in our live blog, if you can’t see it click here!

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Business

Australia’s tourism woes as visitors drop by 65 per cent since pre-Covid

Australia's tourism woes as visitors drop by 65 per cent since pre-Covid

The number of international tourists visiting Australia since the country’s borders opened back up is way down on pre-pandemic levels, according to new data.

Much of the decrease is due to international conflicts and a dip in the number of Chinese nationals choosing to holiday Down Under.

Chief executive officer of the Tourism and Transport Forum, Margy Osmond, said getting tourists back to the country’s landmarks is “not as easy as turning on a switch”.

“There is international conflict going on at the moment, but in the middle of it there are people,” she told Today.

“China was our number one visitor previously.

“And also, most importantly, not just by numbers, but by the amount of money they spent when they got here.”

Overall, just 131,000 international tourists visited Australia in May – down 65 per cent from pre-pandemic levels.

Ms Osmond said regional areas which had economies propped up largely by tourist visitors were still far from fully recovering.

“This is a really big issue for many businesses, particularly places like Far North Queensland, which rely almost entirely on international travellers,” she said.

“So we really need those travellers.”

The revelation comes after data revealed the dire state of Melbourne and Sydney’s CBDs almost a year after the cities’ crippling Covid-19 lockdown restrictions ended.

The figures, released by the Property Council, indicate just one in five workers are showing up to the office during the course of a typical working week.

Overall, the average office occupancy has dipped from 49 per cent in June to just 38 per cent in July, with the drop coinciding with continually spiking Covid cases, resulting in tens of thousands of new infections each week.

Elsewhere in the country, workers’ attendance in CBD offices in Sydney dropped from 55 to 52 per cent, Brisbane dipped from 64 to 53 per cent and Adelaide’s changed from 71 to 64 per cent.

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Marc Bargero: Former Aussie boxing champion facing jail

Marc Bargero: Former Aussie boxing champion facing jail

Former Australian boxing champion Marc Bargero is fighting to avoid being sent to jail after being found guilty of drunkenly sexually assaulting a teenage girl as she slept.

Bargero contested allegations he had performed an oral sex act on the 15-year-old girl after putting her to bed, however was found guilty after facing a judge-alone trial earlier this year.

Bargero confessed to “sniffing” the girl’s crotch in an attempt to relive his first sexual experience, but had denied he had licked the girl’s vagina.

The court was told during his trial that Bargero was visiting a woman at her home on Sydney’s northern beaches when the teen arrived with a group of other youths.

When the girl passed out after drinking alcohol, Bargero took her upstairs and placed her on a bed.

The court was previously told he returned a short time later, moved the girl towards the edge of the bed, pulled her pants down, got on her knees, kissed her stomach and licked her vagina.

The girl woke up and fled downstairs, crying and saying: “I just woke up and he was just eating me out.”

In an interview with police, Bargero told officers he wanted to relive his first sexual experience, where he would get under a table and “sniff” an older woman.

“I had my head down there but I was just sniffin’ it,” Bargero told police, the court previously heard.

“I got carried away at the moment, I got a bit too drunk.”

He stated that he had not touched the girl’s vagina.

However, Judge Tim Gartelmann accepted the girl’s evidence and noted that due to his level of intoxication, Bargero could not remember all he did that night.

Bargero was found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and intentionally sexually touching the girl.

During a sentence hearing on Friday afternoon, his barrister Stephen Russell said he had shown considerable contrition, despite pleading not guilty and fighting the allegations.

Mr Russell said Bargero had experienced significant “public shame and humiliation” through social media and the media.

The court heard that during his police interview he had asked officers if he could meet with the complainant and her family to apologize for his actions.

He had also offered to plead guilty to lesser charges, however it was rejected by the prosecution.

Mr Russell said Bargero had been “through the ringer” in life, had suffered mental illness and depression and had to be hospitalized and medicated following the death of his mother.

He submitted that Bargero could serve his sentence by way of a community corrections order or intensive corrections order, pointing to his lack of criminal history.

“He’s a man who had no history of anything like this,” Mr Russell said.

“People speak of him being respectful. The evidence given before your honor by a female witness indicated that he was very respectful towards women.

“This event must be seen as… a complete aberration. And he knows that himself.

“He was offended by his own behavior that he believed he had committed at that time, he stressed it so profoundly in both interviews.”

However, the crown prosecution submitted he should be jailed, with Judge Gartelmann to decide his fate later this month.

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