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.
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 >
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.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
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.”
MORE NRL NEWS
WHISPERS: ‘Wants to get out’ – Dragons approve Hunt offer as gun eyes Dogs switch
‘GOT BASHED UP’: Arthur at a loss as Eels get ‘steamrolled’ to continue trend
TRANSFER CENTER: Raiders young gun granted immediate release to return home
WHISPERS: Papali’i’s management assure Tigers bosses his contract will be honored
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
‘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
‘HAD TOO MUCH TO OFFER’: Bennett reveals Dolphins’ talks with Green in tribute
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!
The Sharks have taken the upper hand in the cross town derby, leading 18-12 at halftime.
In the absence of Matt Moylan, Braydon Trindall has stood up with a try and a try assist.
Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey was also sent to the bin for a professional foul before Tautau Moga scored for the Dragons.
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: Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons, live scores
45TH MINUTE
The Dragons have hit back, courtesy of a floated pass from young gun Junior Amone to find Tautau Moga.
The Sharks tryline defense had held the Red V out, prompting the five-eighth to look out wide and turn Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo around.
26TH MINUTE
Sharks half Braydon Trindall sliced through the Dragons line to score, handing his side the lead.
Trindall was a late replacement for Matt Moylan, who was ruled out due to a quad injury.
According to Fox League’s Lara Pitt, the 31-year-old playmaker will be fit for Round 22.
But only moments later, Trindall again charged at the line, finding Teig Wilton with a short ball to cross with his first tough.
“Braydon Trindall again, at speed, runs to the line… just look at him, takes off,” Alexander said.
“Braydon Trindall has been the man in this first half.”
“The man who is really shining in the absence of Matt Moylan,” Ginnane said.
Only moments later, Blayke Brailey was sent to the bin for a professional foul.
12TH MINUTE
Dragons veteran Tariq Sims was sin binned for an ugly high shot which forced Sharks gun Connor Tracey to be stretched off the field.
Sims shoulder made direct contact with Tracey’s chin and as a result was given his marching orders.
Fox League’s Dan Ginnane was shocked Sims wasn’t sent off.
“That would be the minimum there and that is a best case result for the Dragons,” Dan Ginnane said.
3RD MINUTE
Sharks marquee star Nicho Hynes opened the scoring only three minutes into the contest, throwing a big dummy before ducking underneath the tackle of Tariq Sims.
The scores sit level at 6-6 in the cross-town derby — and the playmaking responsibility sits on Hynes’ shoulders in Moylan’s absence.
“There is plenty of responsibility on Nicho Hynes tonight,” Greg Alexander said.
“Throws the dummy, gets on the inside of Tariq Sims, and Sims can’t stop him.”
Moments later, Dragons forward Jack De Belin was able to collect a bouncing Ben Hunt kick to score his side’s first.
Sensationally, the star forward is only one try away from being the club’s leading try scorer.
PRE-MATCH WRAP
Craig Fitzgibbon will be without one key playmaker for the club’s local derby — Matt Moylan.
Braydon Trindall has been drafted in to replace the 31-year-old, pairing marquee player Nicho Hynes in the halves, while Lachlan Miller moves onto the bench.
Young gun Kade Dykes will also make his debut at the back after impressing for feeder club Newtown Jets, replacing Will Kennedy after a syndesmosis injury.
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 >
Meanwhile, Anthony Griffin has made changes of his own, with Billy Burns coming out of the side in place of veteran Josh McGuire.
Fitzgibbon’s Sharks will be desperate to come away with the points, currently sitting equal with the Eels after a win against Manly.
If Cronulla can beat their cross-town rivals they will sit in third, above the Melbourne Storm on 14 wins.
MORE NRL NEWS
GONE: Dragons shock call to sack NRL great as coaching clean out continues
WHISPERS: Titans’ odd man out revealed, four clubs plot raid for Cowboys star
LATE MAIL: Storm considered big Munster switch; Panthers to unleash sensation
RESURGENCE: How Dogs escaped Baz’s ‘shackles’ as roster calls wake sleeping giant
Catch all the action below in our live blog, if you can’t see it click here!
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
The Titans have kicked off the scoring in the second half, courtesy of a pinpoint grubber to find Brian Kelly.
The Storm still hold the upper-hand as the score sits 22-14, but are without star halfback Jahrome Hughes who didn’t take the field after halftime due to a shoulder injury.
MATCH CENTER: Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans, live scores, teams
44TH MINUTE
AJ Brimson has delivered a pinpoint grubber to open the scoring in the second half, finding Brian Kelly.
Jahrome Hughes has remained off the field after halftime due to a shoulder injury, with Tyran Wishart slotting into the halves.
“All of a sudden the Titans are up and about,” Dan Ginnane said.
30TH MINUTE
Titans forward Herman Ese’ese scored his side’s second try, charging onto an AJ Brimson short ball to spark a comeback.
“What is going on?” Dan Ginnane said.
“It hasn’t been fancy but it has been strong and powerful,” Shane Flanagan said.
But, Storm gun Cameron Munster stopped Holbrook’s side in their tracks, slicing through to score his second.
15TH MINUTE
After making a late switch to fullback, Cameron Munster has crossed for his side’s second try of the night to make the score 10-0.
Halfback Jahrome Hughes put in a cross-field kick, finding Munster flying high to score untouched.
“I think he will like the challenge at fullback,” Shane Flanagan said.
“This is ominous,” Dan Ginnane said.
Only moments later, backrower Kenny Bromwich crossed for a four-pointer of his own before Titans gun Beau Fermor scored the Titans first.
10TH MINUTE
Storm debutant David Nofoaluma has come desperately close to scoring only seven minutes into the Titans contest, before the returning Xavier Coates crossed.
After arriving in Melbourne last week, the 28-year-old almost opened his scoring tally for his new club.
Gold Coast winger Jojo Fifita swiped at the veteran’s hands to dislodge the ball.
But, only moments later Harry Grant spotted winger Xavier Coates in space finding his man to score untouched.
“Finally Melbourne have it,” Dan Ginnane said.
“Just too good, Harry Grant, I knew he had it,” Shane Flanagan said.
PRE-MATCH WRAP
Craig Bellamy is set to unleash his new look backline against a struggling Titans outfit.
Young Tonumaipea returns to the NRL after a 1,483 day hiatus, having last played in the first grade competition for the Gold Coast in 2020.
Meanwhile, mid-season recruit David Nofoaluma will make his debut for his new club on the wing, alongside Cameron Munster who made a late switch from the halves.
Cooper Johns has slotted into five-eighth, while Tyran Wishart has moved to the bench.
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: Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans, live scores, teams
Holbrook’s Titans have struggled so far in 2022, but the Gold Coast side will be looking to young gun Jayden Campbell to provide spark from the back.
AJ Brimson also makes up a new halves pairing with Tanah Boyd, who will play in the No.7 jersey.
As it stands, the Titans sit outright last on the competition ladder recording only three wins in 2022 — and with another defeat at the hands of the Storm could find themselves even further away from the pack.
15th place Tigers take on the Knights, who sit in 14th place, and with a win could cement a two-win gap in the wooden spoon race.
MORE NRL NEWS
WHISPERS: Titans’ odd man out revealed, four clubs plot raid for Cowboys star
LATE MAIL: Storm considered big Munster switch; Panthers to unleash sensation
RESURGENCE: How Dogs escaped Baz’s ‘shackles’ as roster calls wake sleeping giant
Keep up with all the action in our live blog below, if you can’t see it click here!
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has slammed rivals for “exploiting” the August 1 signing deadline after finals contenders raided the merger club’s outside back stocks.
Bellamy’s Storm signed flyer David Nofoaluma, while the Roosters acquired English import Oliver Gildart’s services for the remainder of 2022.
While Hagipantelis agrees there are some benefits of letting players go on short-term loans — he believes clubs should have to look within for recruits to replace injured or suspended squad members.
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 >
“My personal view is I am not a fan of the transfer system this late in the season, I agree with Peter V’landys that it is there to be exploited,” Hagipantelis said on Fox Sports News.
“The intentions when it was introduced were all very altruistic to assist during the Covid pandemic, but it has gone further than that now.
“And if there is one thing that NRL clubs are good at doing, that is exploiting the rules.
“I think that this late in the season, clubs that are struggling for reasons of injury or suspension should look to themselves, it is a test of their own resilience and their depth.
“I am not in favor of the top four or top eight teams cherry-picking from the bottom eight to enhance their prospects of a premiership, they should be relying on their own assets.
“But as I say, the rules are there to be exploited.”
‘Can’t be repaired’ – Are Manly split? | 03:58
Hagipantelis was also asked how he thinks the fans have reacted to the club allowing players to leave for the remainder of 2022 — revealing the overwhelming response was positive.
“I think it has been understanding, I think people understand that there is a forensic and financial advantage to an NRL club in this loan system,”
“There can be advantages to the player as well to experience an alternate reality and then come back, David Nofoaluma is a perfect example.
“I know David personally, I think it will be very good for him to get away from Sydney to play in Melbourne and in all likelihood play in the finals.
“He is very keen on coming back to the Wests Tigers with that experience under his belt, we see how David plays when he plays for Samoa when he has something to play for.”
MORE NRL NEWS
RUN HOME: Souths miss golden chance; Cowboys hunt unthinkable as rivals falter
DEADLINE DAY: Grading your club’s mid-season moves as frenzy shakes up title race
RESERVES WRAP: Tigers star’s big switch as beast stuns; answer to Storm’s woes
‘PREFER FOR LESS MONEY’: Sheens backs Brooks to stay at Tigers on reduced deal
The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield revealed on NRL360 ARLC chairman Peter V’landys was set to move to August 1 deadline back to its original June 30 date.
In 2020, the cut-off was moved to assist teams stuck in Queensland fill their squads without reserve grade competitions taking the field.
NRL360 co-host Paul Kent was “disappointed” the NRL didn’t have the foresight to shift the date back, labeling it an “oversight” from powerbrokers.
“The whole thing is a win for common sense, it needed to happen, I am disappointed it was allowed to happen this year, I think it was an oversight that they have allowed it to happen,” Kent said.
How long will Carrigan get for hip drop? | 03:22
“The fact is, this is wrong for so many reasons this August 1 deadline, it is allowing teams to troubleshoot their rosters.
“The part of the game’s appeal is your 30-man roster gets you through the season, and it is the attrition and the endurance to last the season and to get to the finals in a good state of fitness.
“If you can’t do that for whatever reason… so be it, but that is a part of the magic of this competition.”
Fox League’s James Hooper agreed, explaining clubs making late-season signings “cheapens” the values that NRL clubs have stood for.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘CAN’T REPAIR A SPLIT THIS BIG’: Manly player divide could ‘derail their season’
WHISPERS: Broncos gun set to sign with the Warriors as Walsh replacement
DEADLINE CHANGES: V’landys set to scrap the August 1 signing deadline
‘ONLY MINOR CONTACT’: MRC reveals why Storm enforcer escaped punishment
It has long been the attitude of the rugby league fraternity that your roster is what you have to work with for that season, and if replacements are needed they came from reserve grade.
Now clubs are able to cast an eye across the competition and cherry pick the best players from teams who will not be playing football finals.
“For a game that has been founded on tribalism, it just cheapens that whole concept because for the weaker clubs, what does it say for their fans,” Hooper said.
V’landys moves transfer deadline | 03:02
“They don’t get anything out of the fact that the strong clubs sit back and know the deadline is looming, know they have got time.
“Look at the Storm, how many players did they go after from Reece Walsh to Adam Doueihi… the list went on.
“That can’t be sitting well with the clubs down the bottom of the ladder.”
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“For those middle teams… they get no benefit out of it, and I actually believe they are harmed by it because they can’t troubleshoot,” Kent said.
“The middle teams are not attracting players and they aren’t loaning players because it is just too tight, they need all hands on deck.
“They were being impacted, it was basically strengthening the top four teams who have the ability to go and pick the eyes out, as has happened, of the bottom four teams and just target their better players.”
Sydney is at risk of losing the NRL grand final to its northern rivals unless the NSW Government delivers on its promise to upgrade suburban stadiums.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys had a meeting with Premier Dominic Perrottet on Monday night, hoping to guarantee the deal to revamp four stadiums would be honored.
The agreement would see Brookvale Oval, Leichhardt Oval, Penrith Stadium and Shark Park receive significant upgrades — and if delivered, the grand finale would remain in Sydney for the next 20 years until 2042.
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 >
But, according to The Daily Telegraph, V’landys is fuming as the initial deal struck in May to spend $800 million on stadium improvements is now in doubt.
“We are in delicate negotiations with the NSW government,” V’landys said.
“All options will be on the table if these negotiations fail.”
Last year, the Queensland government allowed the competition to continue, relocating all teams into the ‘Sunshine State’ due to Covid-19.
As a result, the end-of-year spectacle was played at Suncorp Stadium and now V’landys has left the door open for Queensland to host the grand final again if no deal is confirmed with the NSW government.
How long will Carrigan get for hip drop? | 03:22
Meanwhile, the only stadium given confirmation of a $300 million upgrade has been Penrith’s — in the electorate of sports minister Stuart Ayres.
Mr Ayres told 2GB on Tuesday that the Premier’s negotiations are “ongoing” with the NRL, but explained there were “limitations” to the budget.
“We have been really clear with the NRL about the limitations that exist on our budget,” he said.
“We have invested well in excess of $1.5 billion. Part of that is to say that we would like to have a long-term commitment from the NRL for the grand finale.
“I think there comes a point where you have got to say we have invested enough in that sporting infrastructure and when we have got the capacity to invest in more sporting infrastructure in the future there is no reason why we won’t do that.”
During the Covid pandemic, the $800 million upgrade of Accor Stadium was scrapped and the NRL moved to shift those funds to suburban grounds — and as a result the grand finale would remain in Sydney.
But now, that money which was said to be allocated towards Brookvale, Leichhardt and Sharks Park is unlikely to be put towards upgrades.
MORE NRL NEWS
DEADLINE DAY: Grading your club’s mid-season moves as frenzy shakes up title race
RESERVES WRAP: Tigers star’s big switch as beast stuns; answer to Storm’s woes
‘CAN’T REPAIR A SPLIT THIS BIG’: Manly player divide could ‘derail their season’
WHISPERS: Broncos gun set to sign with the Warriors as Walsh replacement
DEADLINE CHANGES: V’landys set to scrap the August 1 signing deadline
V’landys moves transfer deadline | 03:02
The Queensland government is now readying a bid to claim to NRL grand final for years to come.
2GB’S Ben Fordham questioned Mr Ayres surrounding the Panthers upgrade being approved, while other grounds are looking unlikely to receive any funding.
“You’re the Sports Minister, your home ground is Penrith, you’re a Panthers fan and for all I know you’re probably the number one ticket holder,” Fordham said.
“So they got the $300 million, so what about Brookvale, Shark Park, Leichhardt Oval… I would be seriously surprised if you don’t know the answer I am posing to you.
“Why did your home ground get the money at your home ground and the others didn’t?
“Why don’t we just tell the listeners now, those other grounds aren’t getting their redevelopments?”
“Ben, there’s a long-term strategy,” Ayres said.
Inside Klemmer’s failed move to the Eels | 02:08
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“We made decisions in what was the best interests of the public.
“We’ve had a long-term stadia strategy that we’ve been delivering since 2015. We’ve rebuilt Parramatta Stadium, we’re just about to open the new Sydney Football stadium.
“We’re committed to a stadium in Penrith, it reflects our three city strategy.
“We’ve invested well in excess of $1.5b dollars, part of that is, we’d like to have a long-term commitment from the NRL for the grand finale.
“We’ve just had Covid, we’ve had substantial flood impacts that have put more pressure on the budget.”
The Parramatta Eels reportedly were blocked in their attempts to sign Knights enforcer David Klemmer for the remainder of the 2022 season on a loan deal.
Reports circled Sea Eagles prop Marty Taupau would make the short move, but that play was rejected by Manly coach Des Hasler.
Brad Arthur then turned his attention elsewhere in a bid to secure a front rower before the August 1 deadline but Knights powerbrokers also denied the request according to The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield.
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 >
“They contacted Clint Zammit, who took it to Adam O’Brien and the senior management at the Knights… they made the decision, and they made it about an hour ago that they would not realize him,” Rothfield said on NRL360.
Rothfield revealed there were a number of sticking points that were unable to be negotiated, including the length of the deal.
The Eels reportedly wanted Klemmer on a short-term loan, but the bustling prop wanted a longer contract to extend his stay at Parramatta past 2022.
“I think there were too many issues involved in the deal, David Klemmer, to join Parramatta for these five games, wanted two years, not just the last year of his contract,” Rothfield said.
“And there were a lot of things like this they couldn’t sort their way through.”
Is O’Brien under pressure at Knights? | 05:59
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING PTS:Silver lining in Panthers’ Clearly nightmare; Bellamy’s big fear laid bare
TEAM TIPS: Kevvie’s Broncos headache amid star’s ban, Panthers’ new look halves
‘LAUGHABLE’: Five incidents that highlight NRL’s staggering foul play inconsistencies
TRANSFER WHISPERS: Eels’ desperate call to land Manly star; Roosters’ rake switch
‘COULD NOT UNDERSTAND’: Manly’s crisis meeting as angry text messages revealed
‘SILLY THING TO SAY’: O’Brien under fire for talking himself up amid Knights slump
“So he would have gone for the remainder of this season and then another couple of seasons on top of that,” Fox League’s James Hooper said.
While the 28-year-old has been one of Newcastle’s best in 2022, Rothfield believes a move for Klemmer was entertained by Newcastle powerbrokers and could have been finalized.
Knights coach Adam O’Brien was said to have met with club bosses on Monday afternoon who reportedly “wouldn’t have fought too hard to keep him”.
“I can’t sit here and say that definitely, but what I am hearing within the club they wouldn’t have fought too hard to keep him,” Rothfield said.
“If the right deal could have been done, why would that have been? He is only 28, he has been around, he has played Origin, he has played Test matches.
V’landys moves transfer deadline | 03:02
“I think there is a feeling around the club that Klemmer hasn’t fitted into game plans like they’d probably hope he had had this year.
“That he might take one or two too many carries each half, when Joey has trained them during the week to switch it or spin it or whatever.
“I just think he can be a hard guy to coach, and that is why I am saying that I don’t think they would have tried overly hard, they wouldn’t have kicked him out the door, but that is why they entertained it today.”
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
NRL Match Review Committee manager Luke Patten has outlined why Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona escaped punishment for an ugly elbow on Wayde Egan — explaining there was only “minor contact”.
Asofa-Solomona’s elbow came down hard on the dummy-half’s chin, forcing him to leave the field in the fourth minute.
The hulking front rower was placed on report for the incident, but escaped sanction — which has since been heavily scrutinized by the rugby league community.
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 >
Patten, who played 282 NRL games, explained the MRC first cleared that the incident didn’t include a crusher tackle.
“There was a number of things for the MRC to consider,” Patten said.
“First of all we identified that there was an extra player, Kaufusi, contributing to the force of the tackle as he joins.
“Two big men, on a smaller man, we identified that Nelson creates space, so there is no crusher force or pressure applied to Egan’s neck here.”
Patten went on to explain that there was “clear separation” between Asofa-Solomona’s elbow and Egan’s head, meaning the MRC cleared a head slam.
Big Nelson drops dodgy elbow? | 00:40
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING PTS:Silver lining in Panthers’ Clearly nightmare; Bellamy’s big fear laid bare
TEAM TIPS: Kevvie’s Broncos headache amid star’s ban, Panthers’ new look halves
‘LAUGHABLE’: Five incidents that highlight NRL’s staggering foul play inconsistencies
TRANSFER WHISPERS: Eels’ desperate call to land Manly star; Roosters’ rake switch
‘COULD NOT UNDERSTAND’: Manly’s crisis meeting as angry text messages revealed
‘SILLY THING TO SAY’: O’Brien under fire for talking himself up amid Knights slump
“There was a couple of other things that we needed to clear in this tackle, firstly it was the head slam, we see that there is clear separation from Nelson’s right arm as Wade Egan sort of gets thrown to the ground,” Patten said.
“Nelson has a good grip with his left arm, but there is clear separation, whereas in a head slam you’d see that arm isolate the head and really slam it into the ground.
Then, Patten moved on to the dangerous contact aspect — the exact charge that was handed down to Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for a similar incident.
The Tricolours prop dropped his elbow onto the head of debutant Zac Fulton, earning a $3,000 fine with an early plea.
Patten said that in this instance there was only “minor contact” with Egan’s neck, and therefore no further action was taken.
King eye gouge raises questions! | 00:41
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“We have cleared that because his arm does separate from Egan, secondly was the dangerous contact aspect that we had to clear here,” Patten said.
“As I mentioned previously, Nelson has a grip with his left arm and there is clear separation, in one of the back angles you can see Nelson gets a grip under Egan’s left arm, under the underarm.
“We believe that Nelson’s right arm was diagonal from that grip, so diagonally across his chest and that there might be possible minor contact at the end of the tackle with Nelson’s forearm to possibly the neck and chin area.
“But that was only minor contact, it was a forceful tackle which unfortunately resulted in Egan’s head going into the ground.
“But these were all the things that we considered when we ruled that this accidental incident was ruled NFA for us.”
The Tigers will be without Jackson Hastings for the rest of the season after he suffered an ugly leg break against the Broncos.
Hastings had his leg caught under him in an ugly tackle that saw Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan placed on report for a hip drop tackle.
Scans confirmed a broken leg for Hastings who will undergo surgery that rules him out for an extended period.
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 >
Meanwhile, the Eels have copped a massive blow in their hunt for the top four with star halfback Mitchell Moses reportedly suffering a broken finger.
Brent Read told Triple M that Moses will be ruled out for at least a month after suffering in the injury in last night’s win over the Panthers. Moses appeared to injure his finger at him in the 31st minute, and had it strapped by a physio shortly afterwards, but managed to finish the match.
Moses will reportedly undergo surgery and could miss the remainder of the regular season.
COWBOYS LOSE FLYER TO HAMSTRING INJURY
The Cowboys will be sweating on a hamstring injury to winger Kyle Feldt after he limped off in their 34-8 win over the Dragons.
STORM FULLBACK CRISIS WORSENS
Meanwhile, the Storm’s outside back injury crisis has worsened with replacement fullback Nick Meaney going off against the Warriors with a shoulder injury.
Meaney fell on the point of his shoulder from a great height after he was taken out in the air by Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
“He fell awkwardly and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has quite a significant AC joint injury the way that shoulder came down right on the point,” Warren Smith said on Fox League.
“Melbourne in all sorts of problems here. They were chasing Reece Walsh to be a fullback.
“Tyran Wishart will come on and play fullback now after they already lost Ryan Papenhuyzen for the season.”
Nick Meaney suffered a shoulder injury.Source: FOX SPORTS
Coach Craig Bellamy was hopeful after the game that it wasn’t a serious injury and revealed there are some positive signs.
“He’s done something to his right shoulder but I don’t think we’re quite sure of what he’s done,” he said.
“It looked pretty dire when he came off, he obviously had the sling on. But it’s looking a bit better at the moment, they don’t think it’s quite as bad as what they thought it was at the start.”
In the same game, Warriors five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita succumbed to a leg injury in the first half and left the field.
“We’re thinking it’s an MCL… he’ll have scans to see the extent of the injury. But our medical officer said it’s an MCL injury,” interim coach Stacey Jones said after the game.
Brain fade gives Niche a golden moment | 00:51
ROOSTERS STAR SUFFERS UGLY CONCUSSION
Roosters prop Lindsay Collins has suffered a nasty head knock, colliding with the head of Morgan Boyle.
Collins bounced out of the tackle, knocking himself unconscious before leaving the field with the assistance of the club doctor and trainer.
The 26-year-old was one of three players who left the field in the first four minutes of the Origin decider and was playing his first game since the blow, spending two weeks sidelined due to ongoing concussion symptoms.
“I fear for Lindsay here, he went straight down… he has copped both head and shoulder, that is incredibly heavy on Lindsay Collins,” Andrew Voss said.
“You could see the contact,” Greg Alexander said.
“That is worrying for a player that is only returning this round because of concussion.”
Fox League’s James Hooper confirmed Collins would not return to the field in Round 20.
“Category 1 concussion, his night is over,” Fox League’s James Hooper said.
PANTHERS’ INJURY UPDATE
The Panthers have copped a significant blow with star five-eighth Jarome Luai expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.
The club confirmed the timeline on Thursday and revealed that Luai had suffered a high grade MCL injury.
Penrith also revealed that Mitch Kenny (knee) and Stephen Crichton (ear/concussion) could return next week.
“I can do it all!” Foxx delivers try | 00:39
TIGERS’ BIG BLOW
Luke Brooks will miss Round 20 and likely the rest of the season after suffering a calf injury at training.
The Wests Tigers confirmed on Thursday that Brooks will be out for five to six weeks with Jock Madden the man expected to replace him in the halves.
The Tigers also revealed Luke Garner is a good chance of returning from a neck injury in Round 21, Stefano Utoikamanu has commended a running program after undergoing wrist surgery and Tommy Talau will return to full team training over the next month.
Read on for the full NRL casualty ward.
ROUND 20 INJURIES
Lindsay Collins (head knock) – TBC
Nick Meaney (shoulder) – TBC
Chanel Harris-Tavita (knee) – TBC
Mitchell Moses (finger) – Finals
Adam Elliott (hip) – TBC
Jackson Hastings (leg) – season
Kyle Feldt (hamstring) – TBC
FULL CASUALTY WARD
BRONCOS
Selwyn Cobbo (concussion) – Round 21
Albert Kelly (foot) – Round 21
TC Robati (arm) – Round 21
Te Maire Martin (ribs) – indefinite
Herbie Farnworth (biceps) – indefinite
Jordan Pereira (illness) – indefinite
raiders
Adam Elliott (hip) – TBC
James Schiller (ankle) – Round 21
Jordan Rapana (suspended) – Round 21
Semi Valemei (knee) – Round 21
Harry Rushton (jaw) – Round 25
Trey Mooney (ankle) – indefinite
Jarrod Croker (shoulder) – season
Josh Hodgson (knee) – season
Harley Smith-Shields (knee) – season
BULLDOGS
Paul Alamoti (cheekbone) – Round 21
Corey Allan (groin) – Round 22
Ava Seumanufagai (calf) – Round 22
Corey Waddell (suspension) – Round 25
Luke Thompson (concussion) – indefinite
Jack Hetherington (shoulder) – season
Billy Tsikrikas (knee) – season
Raymond Faitala-Mariner (ribs) – Round 21
Braith perplexed by Finucane ban | 05:15
SHARKS
Dale Finucane (suspension) – Round 22
Royce Hunt (shoulder) – indefinite
Jack Williams (shoulder) – season
Sione Katoa (pectoral) – season
TITANS
Joe Vuna (knee) – indefinite
Shallin Fuller (leg) – season
BE EAGLES
Sean Keppie (shoulder) – Round 21
Ben Trbojevic (head knock) – TBC
Tom Trbojevic (shoulder) – finals/World Cup
Karl Lawton (knee) – season
Morgan Boyle (ankle) – indefinite
STORM
Nick Meaney (shoulder) – TBC
Jack Howarth (shoulder) – Round 21
Will Warbrick (quad) – Round 21
Tepai Moeroa (shoulder) – Round 21
Brandon Smith (suspended) – Round 21
Xavier Coates (ankle) – Round 22
Trent Loiero (back) – indefinite
Ryan Papenhuyzen (knee) – season
Reimis Smith (pectoral) – season
Christian Welch (Achilles) – season
George Jennings (knee) – season
KNIGHTS
Kalyn Ponga (concussion) – indefinite
Kurt Mann (quad) – Round 21
Bradman Best (thumb) – Round 22
Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) – indefinite
Chris Vea’ila (leg) – indefinite
Bailey Hodgson (elbow) – season
Dylan Lucas (pectoral) – season
MORE NRL NEWS
COP THAT: Gay former league star slams Manly players, delivers truth bomb
REPLACEMENTS: Bozo’s grandson, 28yo debutant: The ‘feel good’ stories at Manly
JIMMY BRINGS: Latrell twist in $6m act and Tigers star who Storm wanted
‘I’D JUMP AT IT’: Eddie Jones reveals ‘dream’ club to coach in the NRL
NAME THEM: Tigers star opens up on exit rumours, says he’s ‘used to it’ by now
Wingers star in Bulldogs victory | 02:52
COWBOYS
Kyle Feldt (hamstring) – TBC
Jordan McLean (hamstring) – Round 24
Mitch Dunn (knee) – season
Heilum Luki (knee) – season
EELS
Haze Dunster (knee) – season
Ray Stone (knee) – season
Mitch Moses (finger) – Finals
PANTHERS
Eddie Blacker (hamstring) – Round 21
Mitch Kenny (knee) – Round 21-22
Stephen Crichton (ear/concussion) – Round 21
Kurt Falls (leg) – Round 21
Mavrik Geyer (thumb) – Round 21
Jarome Luai (knee) – Round 25-finals
Nathan Cleary (suspension) – Finals
‘Personally it wouldn’t be an issue’ | 01:59
RABBITOHS
Peter Mamouzelos (wrist) – Round 24
Hame Sele (hamstring) – Round 25
Michael Chee Kam (thumb) – Round 25
Campbell Graham (cheekbone) – indefinite
Liam Knight (knee) – season
Jacob Host (shoulder) – season
Jed Cartwright (hamstring) – TBC
Taane Milne (hand) – Round 21
dragons
Cody Ramsey (knee) – Round 22
Jayden Sullivan (shoulder) – Round 23
Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) – Finals
Moses Suli (ankle) – Finals
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
