young gun – Michmutters
Categories
Sports

Erik ten Hag cancels Manchester United day off, running exercise, distance covered, highlights, latest, updates

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly canceled a planned day off for his players and forced them into a humiliating running exercise as the fallout from the shock Brentford defeat continues.

Ten Hag, who oversaw a successful pre-season but has endured a nightmare start in the Premier League, was helpless as he watched his side capitulate at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

It was United’s second straight defeat after the opening day loss to Brentford and consigned the Red Devils to the bottom of the Premier League ladder for the first time in 30 years.

And according to The Telegraph’s Jason Burt, ten Hag was furious with what his team served up against the Bees and ordered his team to come to the club’s training ground for a punishing extra session.

Man U HOWLERS gift Brentford goals! | 01:17

MORE COVERAGE

PL Talking Pts: Keeper howler exposes far bigger Utd blunder; Arsenal’s $77m masterstroke emerging

Ange hails ‘first rate’ Celtic as Hoops run riot in five-goal thrashing

Roo Radar: Aussie star set for shock move after exile; young gun makes PL return

“With United not playing again until next Monday, at home to Liverpool, ten Hag had intended to allow his squad not to report to their training HQ, Carrington, for a recovery day,” Burt wrote.

“Instead, having told the players that their performance was ‘shocking’ and agreeing with the post-match analysis that they had played ‘like kids’ ten Hag demanded a response with an intense training session which, surprisingly after a game, included an element of running.”

Over the course of 90 minutes, United ran 95.6km as a team while Brentford chalked up 109.4km.

The shocking margin was another element of ten Hag’s brutal punishment, as Burt claims the Dutchman forced his players to cover 13.8km throughout the training session conducted in 30-degree heat, “exactly the distance they collectively ran less than the Brentford players during the game .”

With a clash against bitter rivals Liverpool on the horizon, things could get much, much worse before they get better for ten Hag and Manchester United.

.

Categories
Sports

Football news 2022, Socceroos, World Cup Qatar, Aaron Mooy Celtic, Tyrese Francois, Fulham, EPL results, transfers, Ajdin Hrustic

Socceroos star Ajdin Hrustic appears destined for a late transfer after being exiled at German club Eintracht Frankfurt.

Hrustic played 38 times for the German first-tier side over the past two seasons – mostly off the bench – culminating in scoring a penalty in a shootout win over Rangers in the Europa League final.

But the playmaker has been entirely left out of Frankfurt’s match-day squads for the opening three matches of the season, including their UEFA Super Cup clash with Real Madrid.

Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Tuchel & Conte see red in feisty derby | 00:42

­­­

MORE COVERAGE

Ange hails ‘first rate’ Celtic as Hoops run riot in five-goal thrashing

‘It’s ridiculous’: PL thriller ends in chaos as Spurs, Chelsea bosses SENT OFF over fiery handshake

‘Get in the bin’: Football legend called out after ‘disgraceful’ comment sparks sexism row

Reports from Spain claim Real Betis – which finished fifth in La Liga last year – is interested in his signature, having previously considered a move for the classy 26-year-old in the last transfer window.

Serie A battler Salernitana are also rumored to be interested in signing the Aussie, whose priority is gaining match minutes ahead of the World Cup, in which he should play a key role for the Socceroos.

Salernitana narrowly avoided bankruptcy as well as relegation last campaign, presenting a high-risk option for the Australian.

AUSSIE GETS PREMIER LEAGUE MINUTES

It might have been brief, but Australia has a Premier League player once more. Young Tyrese Francois came off the bench for Fulham in stoppage time of their 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A Fulham Academy player, Francois previously managed one Premier League appearance when Fulham were last in the top flight in 2020-21.

Having just turned 22, Francois has reportedly signed a new two-year deal with an option in the club’s favor for a third season.

The Olyroos star will be hoping for more minutes in coming rounds to build his case for a shock World Cup call-up.

MOOY BUILDING

Veteran midfielder Aaron Mooy is showing promising signs at Celtic. He has now appeared off the bench in all three of the Scottish giant’s league matches so far this season, but having been given just eight minutes then five minutes in the first two rounds, the Australian played 24 minutes in a 5-0 win over Kilmarnock FC. The win took Ange Postecoglou’s men top of the table on goal difference.

Also in Scotland, Aziz Behich made his Scottish Premiership debut, starting and playing the full 90 at left back for Dundee United. Kye Rowles also played the full match for Dundee United at centre-half in a crushing 4-1 win. Meanwhile Martin Boyle came off the bench for Hibernian at halftime in a 2-1 defeat.

In Spain, Awer Mabil made his debut for Cadiz CF in a 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad – the team that Mat Ryan recently departed. Mabil played the second half off the bench but could not find the all-important equalizer.

Over in Japan, Mitch Duke played 61 minutes for Fagiano Okayama in the second tier in a 3-2 win over Renofa Yamaguchi, the victory taking their unbeaten streak to seven games.

“A man’s game” Souness comments torched | 00:32

.

Categories
Sports

Cricket news 2022: Beth Mooney falls short of historic century on Hundred debut, Southern Brave vs London Spirit score

Australian cricketer Beth Mooney came within touching distance of becoming the first centurion in the Hundred women’s competition on Friday, scoring an unbeaten 97 against last year’s runners-up Southern Brave in Southampton.

Fresh off her triumphant Commonwealth Games campaign, the 28-year-old smacked the highest score in the 100-ball tournament’s short history on her London Spirit debut, guiding the side to 4/155 in front of 9000 spectators at the Ageas Bowl.

Watch The Hundred. Every Match Live & Exclusive to Fox Sports on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Mooney needed nothing less than a six off the final delivery to reach triple figures, but the left-hander could only muster a two.

Birmingham Phoenix young gun Will Smeed remains the only cricketer to have scored a century in The Hundred, achieving the feat against the Brave in the men’s competition on Wednesday.

Mooney, who passed 50 in just 32 deliveries, struck 17 boundaries in the 55-ball demolition, combining with New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr for an 87-run second-wicket partnership.

But the Queenslander’s heroics weren’t enough for the Spirit to secure victory, with the Brave chasing the 156-run target with six deliveries to spare, courtesy of a 34-ball 65 from Player of the Match Danni Wyatt.

It was the English opener’s third half-century in The Hundred.

“I’m really happy to have contributed to a win and just to get the win on the board is really pleasing,” Wyatt told Sky Sports after the six-wicket win.

“My job at the top is to go out there and be brave and fearless, and if it’s in my area go for it.

“It’s a great start. Beth Mooney batted exceptionally today and we knew it was going to take one of us to go out there and do what she did.”

Australian leg-spinner Amanda Jade-Wellington, the Brave’s highest-wicket taker last year, was the pick of the bowlers on Friday, claiming 3/30 from her 20 deliveries.

Southern Brave captain Anya Shrubsole continued: “Beth Mooney was outstanding, and she makes you feel as a captain and a bowler you don’t have a clue where to put your fielders out. But Danni showed what a good track it was, and I’m really pleased to get a win.

“We go again against Oval on Sunday. It’sa quick turnaround and it’s quite a warm few days as well, but it’s exciting.”

Highest Individual Score in the Hundred women’s competition

97* – Beth Mooney, LS vs. SB (2022)

92* – Jemimah Rodrigues, NS vs. WF (2021)

78 – Smriti Mandhana, SB vs. WF (2021)

76* – Shafali Verma, BP vs. WF (2021)

76 – Rachael Priest, TR vs. LS (2021)

Mooney was a crucial member of the Australian team that won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Birmingham last week, scoring 61 (41) against India in the final at Edgbaston.

She was the T20 tournament’s highest run-scorer with 179 runs at 44.75 and a strike rate of 133.58.

Mooney currently sits at No. 1 on the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings, narrowly ahead of Australian teammate Meg Lanning and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.

The Spirit will next face the Northern Superchargers at Headingley on Sunday, with the first ball scheduled for 8pm AEST.

.

Categories
Sports

Sydney Swans v Collingwood Magpies, Jack Ginnivan, controversy, injury, hamstring, boo, booed, sidelined, Jon Ralph, respect, high tackle, ducking, drop knees

Sydney fans have been labeled “grubs” by Collingwood star Taylor Adams for booing his injured teammate Jack Ginnivan during the Swans’ 27-point win on Sunday.

Ginnivan had been subbed out of the match at half time, moments after winning a high tackle free kick that led to Collingwood’s third goal of the day.

He returned from the rooms with his right hamstring heavily iced and sat on the bench for the final half.

Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

When his face was put on the big screen, boos rang out from the record crowd of more than 44,000.

Ginnivan’s injured teammate Adams took to social media to slam the treatment of the 19-year-old.

“Imagine booing an injured player. Grubs,” I tweeted.

Ginnivan pulled a pout when he was initially shown on the screen as the boos began before then laughing as he was again shown and the boos increased.

Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph called on those in the crowd to “have some respect” for Ginnivan.

“I just think we’ve got to have a bit of respect,” Ralph said.

“We understand he’s become the pantomime villain of the AFL.

“He’s also said a couple of times now as recently as this week that he’s battled with the mental health issues. You can talk about whether the media has inflated some of that, but I think you need to have a little bit more respect for Ginnivan there, especially when he was injured.”

Commentator Alister Nicholson agreed with Ralph’s assessment.

“I reckon Jack Ginnivan is extremely stiff and its got to be a bit unwarranted that you’re injured and still getting booed by the crowd,” he said.

AFL commentator Dale Thomas said Sydney fans should know better, given the treatment of their star Adam Goodes that led to his early retirement.

Goodes was widely booed at every ground around the country late in his career.

“Even without the Adam Goodes stuff, I think its absolutely disgraceful (the booing of Ginnivan),” he said on 7’s Sunday Session.

“He’s a young kid going about his business, he’s injured and they pan to him on the bench and the Swans fans boo.

“I don’t think that’s the right thing.”

Demons rob Blues on the Buzzer! | 03:03

Ginnivan’s injury summed up a tough day for the Pies that began with star Jordan de Goey a late withdrawal for the match with the Swans with a hip flexor issue.

“This is far from ideal for the Collingwood Football Club at the worst possible time of the season,” Ralph said.

“(Ginnivan) will have to play potentially a qualifying final a day or two short of the perfect 21-day recovery time after he was subbed out with that hamstring soreness.

“The very best case, the Pies are going to have to play Taylor Adams first up off a 30-day break with that groin tear and Ginnivan with a question mark on his body and won’t be sure if either of those players will last out the game.”

Fox Footy’s David King said Goey’s Collingwood shouldn’t risk for the clash with Carlton next week – despite the result determining their top four hopes.

“I think it’s a no risk policy for me,” he said.

“I’m not risking losing him for an elimination final next week. If it costs you one position on the ladder, so be it.”

Brad Johnson agreed and said the club should take a “100 per cent fit or not” policy from this point on.

.

Categories
Sports

Alana King hattrick, video, reaction, Shane Warne tribute, The Hundred, debut, Beth Mooney

Australian leg-spinner Alana King paid tribute to the late Shane Warne in epic fashion, becoming the first female to take a hat-trick in The Hundred as Trent Rockets defeated Manchester Originals by 43 runs.

King finished figures of 4-15 from 20 deliveries, took a spectacular diving catch and was also handy with the bat in hand, scoring 19 from nine balls.

Watch The Hundred. Every Match Live & Exclusive to Fox Sports on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Alana King of Trent Rockets celebrates dismissing Kate Cross.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Alana King of Trent Rockets celebrates dismissing Kate Cross. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

speaking to Sky Cricket post-match, a classy King was just happy to get the win.

“Pretty special but as I said, I’m here to do my job for the team and I’m glad it came off today,” she said.

“It was a fresh wicket today, it was a bit dry and hoping there was some spin and there was. Stoked to get the win and happy I can contribute.”

It was a particularly special performance for King, who made history on the same ground that Warne bowled the ball of the century in the 1993 Ashes series.

“I hope he’s looking down and pretty proud that I’ve spun a few today,” King said.

“Just a special place Old Trafford.”

Alana King did Shane Warne proud. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Earlier, Australian cricketer Beth Mooney came within touching distance of becoming the first centurion in the Hundred women’s competition on Friday, scoring an unbeaten 97 against last year’s runners-up Southern Brave in Southampton.

Fresh off her triumphant Commonwealth Games campaign, the 28-year-old smacked the highest score in the 100-ball tournament’s short history on her London Spirit debut, guiding the side to 4/155 in front of 9000 spectators at the Ageas Bowl.

Mooney needed nothing less than a six off the final delivery to reach triple figures, but the left-hander could only muster a two.

Birmingham Phoenix young gun Will Smeed remains the only cricketer to have scored a century in The Hundred, achieving the feat against the Brave in the men’s competition on Wednesday.

Mooney, who passed 50 in just 32 deliveries, struck 17 boundaries in the 55-ball demolition, combining with New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr for an 87-run second-wicket partnership.

But the Queenslander’s heroics weren’t enough for the Spirit to secure victory, with the Brave chasing the 156-run target with six deliveries to spare, courtesy of a 34-ball 65 from Player of the Match Danni Wyatt.

It was the English opener’s third half-century in The Hundred.

Beth Mooney of the London Spirit. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“I’m really happy to have contributed to a win and just to get the win on the board is really pleasing,” Wyatt told Sky Sports after the six-wicket win.

“My job at the top is to go out there and be brave and fearless, and if it’s in my area go for it.

“It’s a great start. Beth Mooney batted exceptionally today and we knew it was going to take one of us to go out there and do what she did.”

Australian leg-spinner Amanda Jade-Wellington, the Brave’s highest-wicket taker last year, was the pick of the bowlers on Friday, claiming 3/30 from her 20 deliveries.

Southern Brave captain Anya Shrubsole continued: “Beth Mooney was outstanding, and she makes you feel as a captain and a bowler you don’t have a clue where to put your fielders out. But Danni showed what a good track it was, and I’m really pleased to get a win.

“We go again against Oval on Sunday. It’sa quick turnaround and it’s quite a warm few days as well, but it’s exciting.”

Highest Individual Score in the Hundred women’s competition

97* – Beth Mooney, LS vs. SB (2022)

92* – Jemimah Rodrigues, NS vs. WF (2021)

78 – Smriti Mandhana, SB vs. WF (2021)

76* – Shafali Verma, BP vs. WF (2021)

76 – Rachael Priest, TR vs. LS (2021)

Mooney was a crucial member of the Australian team that won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Birmingham last week, scoring 61 (41) against India in the final at Edgbaston.

She was the T20 tournament’s highest run-scorer with 179 runs at 44.75 and a strike rate of 133.58.

Mooney currently sits at No. 1 on the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings, narrowly ahead of Australian teammate Meg Lanning and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.

The Spirit will next face the Northern Superchargers at Headingley on Sunday, with the first ball scheduled for 8pm AEST.

.

Categories
Sports

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

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

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

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

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 >

“Obviously people ask me about it, just even on the street or family and friends are hitting me up but that’s kind of for my manager look after and even if I don’t stay here or I do go next year, I want to make sure that this year has no regrets,” he said to 9 News.

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

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

Warriors whack Bulldogs in Auckland | 02:17

MORE NRL NEWS

‘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

BIG HITS: Warriors veteran ‘winds back the clock’ as young gun shines

BIG HITS: Latrell on fire was Walkers stars to keep Souths’ top four dream live

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

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

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

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

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!

.

Categories
Sports

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.

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 >

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.

MORE NRL NEWS

WAYNE’S WORLD: What Dolphins team looks like and why Bennett isn’t panicking

‘BAD PRACTICE’: Matty Johns says Bunnies can win comp… if they fix big ‘concern’

LATE MAIL: Bunnies star OUT in big blow as training mishap forces Broncos reshuffle

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.

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

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.”

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

.

Categories
Sports

Manase Fainu: NRL rising star guilty of church stabbing

NRL rising star Manase Fainu has been found guilty of stabbing a church youth leader during a violent and bloody brawl outside a Mormon church dance.

Fainu, 24, pleaded not guilty to plunging a steak knife into the back of Faamanu Levi at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Wattle Grove in southwestern Sydney on the evening of October 25, 2019.

But it only took the jury a few hours to find him guilty of one count of wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is facing a maximum of 25 years in prison.

The jury accepted the Crown prosecution’s argument that Fainu stabbed Mr Levi in ​​the back near his shoulder blade and cut him above his right eye during a brawl also involving four of his mates and another group of men.

Mr Fainu will remain on bail until at least Monday when it will be decided whether he will be taken into custody.

He is required to remain living with his parents and report to police on a daily basis over the weekend.

Defense barrister Margaret Cunneen SC said Mr Fainu was surrounded by a “God-fearing community who will all be devastated by this verdict”.

She asked for his bail to be extended with “stringent” conditions until he is sentenced, adding there was no danger to the community and noting he had no history of violence or criminal record.

“There is absolutely no danger to the community whatsoever. This is extraordinary in the context of his otherwise blameless life of him, ”she said.

One eyewitness, Tony Quach, told the court that he had seen Mr Fainu, who had his arm in a sling at the time, stab Mr Levi, puncturing his lungs and causing internal bleeding.

It was not an issue during the trial that Fainu had his arm in a sling after undergoing shoulder surgery a month earlier or that he was in the carpark.

But he denied playing any part in the stabbing or the brawl, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity.

Fainu claimed he was about 10m away and began back-pedaling because he feared for his safety when he heard someone yell “knife, knife”.

But Mr Quach told the court he saw Fainu stab his friend Mr Levi and was able to identify him by his distinctive sling.

During his evidence, Mr Quach said Fainu had not started the fight but “he ended it”.

“I saw the knife plunged into Levi’s back,” Mr Quach said.

“Who did you see plunge the knife into Levi’s back?” Crown prosecutor Emma Curran asked.

“The accused,” Mr Quach said, adding he saw Fainu with one arm in a sling and holding a knife in his other hand, with his arm bent at a 90-degree angle.

Mr Quach described Fainu as having an angry look on his face.

The court was told that earlier in the evening, two of Fainu’s friends – including Uona “Big Buck” Faingaa – were involved in an altercation on the church hall dance floor and were escorted out.

Fainu said he went to the church dance with four of his friends because Mr Faingaa was seeking to collect money owed to him by a man for a concreting job.

The Manly Sea Eagles hooker said he left the church grounds as his mates were being escorted out and apologized to a security guard for his friends’ behavior as he exited.

Ms Curran said another man, Kupi Toilalo, said he saw a man approach him and his friends during the incident with his left arm in a sling holding a knife.

“When Kupi saw this, he was at arm’s length away from the person holding the knife, nothing obstructing his view,” Ms Curran said.

CCTV played during the trial showed Fainu jumping the fence from a Coles carpark back into the church grounds shortly before the brawl.

He said he jumped the fence despite admitting that he could have walked back in via the front gate.

“Manase Fainu jumped over a fence into the grounds of the church, he was with four of his friends and the group of them approached Mr Levi and his friends,” Ms Curran said during her closing submissions.

“A brawl broke out and when things looked like they were getting out of hand, Mr Fainu pulled out a knife and plunged it into the back of Mr Levi, causing a wound that punctured his lung and caused internal bleeding.”

Fainu will be sentenced at a later date.

.

Categories
Sports

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin won’t comment on reported pursuit of Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has conceded his club is always looking at “contingencies” but wouldn’t confirm or deny interest in Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy as a potential replacement for young gun Luke Jackson.

Goodwin conceded Jackson, who has been heavily linked to a big-money move to Fremantle, had yet to inform the club whether he was staying or going in 2023.

But ahead of a must-win clash with Carlton on Friday night, with the Demons needing a win to maintain their chances of a top-four finish, Goodwin wouldn’t comment on a link to Grundy, who has five more years remaining on his contract at Collingwood.

“It’s a good story and I understand the questioning but I’ve been pretty clear on this over a number of years. I’m not going to speculate and talk about players from opposition clubs,” the premiership coach said on Wednesday.

“Clearly, people in our industry are going around looking at how they can potentially improve their list… that’s not my focus. It’s not for me to comment on.”

Brodie Grundy could be headed to Melbourne. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel PockettSource: AAP

Goodwin said Melbourne would give Jackson, who has formed a key one-two punch with Demons captain Max Gawn, as much time as he needed to make a decision.

But he also said the club was always making contingency plans as part of list management, which would include covering Jackson’s potential departure.

“If you look at list management all the time you have contingency plans for a whole range of different things that sit within your environment,” he said.

“We’ve talked about Luke a lot. We are going to give him the most amount of time to make his decision about him. We don’t know what the decision is at the moment.

Luke Jackson has been linked to Fremantle. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“We’ll continue to build contingencies, to work with Luke and give him the best environment possible to want to stay here and Luke will make that decision when the time is right.

“But as a club and as an organisation, you look at all positions … about how you are best going to move forward in the future.”

Goodwin said premiership defender Jake Bowey was “AFL ready” and could soon return to the Melbourne line-up having been sent back to the VFL after the round 17 loss to Geelong to find his best form.

But more changes to the team that lost by just seven points to Collingwood last week were unlikely for the clash with Carlton, Goodwin adamant his premiership-winning outfit was “tracking in the right direction”.

“We’re really comfortable with where our team is sitting. We clearly have a lot of pressure from guys underneath,” he said,

“But in terms of the type of player or personnel in the team, we are really comfortable. The last couple of weeks we have played some of our best footy for the year.

“We played a really dominant game against Fremantle and last week… we had momentum for big parts.

“There’s a lot to like in the way we are going, we just have to execute a little bit better and the results will be different.”

.

Categories
Sports

North Queensland Cowboys Tom Dearden was ‘shell of a person’ when he arrived from Brisbane, Todd Payten Face to Face interview

Cowboys coach Todd Payten has made a startling admission about young gun Tom Dearden, revealing the rising playmaker was a “shell of a person” when he arrived at the club.

Dearden, 21, was once heralded as a star of the future at the Brisbane Broncos before he reportedly fell out of favor with head coach Kevin Walters.

The five-eighth signed with rivals North Queensland on a three-year deal, and was later a granted a mid-season transfer.

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 >

Papali’i to backflip on $1.9m & Tigers? | 07:26

Both clubs were struggling towards the bottom of the ladder, with the Broncos having claimed the wooden spoon for the first time in their history the season before.

While Dearden insisted that his confidence hadn’t taken a hit by how things turned out at the Broncos, coach Payten has now revealed he saw things differently.

“He was a shell of a person, I’ve got to say,” Payten told Matty Johns on Fox League’s face to face

“He was nervous and second guessing himself, whether it was on or off the pitch.

“What I did like about him was the way he trained. He’s super competitive, he’s really professional, and playing footy means something to him.

Tom Trbojevic reveals World Cup doubts | 01:12

“He’s wanted to play NRL since he was a kid and you can see that in the way he goes about it.”

North Queensland took a backwards step in 2021 and finished a place behind the Broncos in 15th.

But a stellar pre-season, with Dearden among the standouts, has thrust the club into premiership contention this year.

Payten said while the senior players helped lead the team throughout the successful pre-season, younger players including Dearden, Reuben Cotter and Tom Gilbert also impressed.

These players helped the Cowboys learn from their mistakes, as they trained by practicing things that “they weren’t expecting”.

“They train hard, everyone trains hard so that’s a given. Through our review, I’m talking about the coaches review… we watched all of the tries that we’d conceded which was not fun to view,” Payten said.

MORE NRL NEWS

‘NOT CONVINCING’: Twist in star’s Tigers backflip saga as Warriors reunion emerges

‘ENGINEERED’: NRL accused of making Ricky scapegoat with ‘harsh’ ban

‘NOT AT OUR CLUB’: Payten reveals Thurston didn’t want him amid GF grudge

TEAMS ANALYSIS: Broncos’ backline shake-up; Knights recall enforcer

“A lot of those, I think about 60 per cent of those would come from missed tackles that should’ve been made or guys not competing enough.

“We conceded the most tries from kicks in the competition and that affected our headspace in games. We’d defend two sets and then from a guy not getting their job done or someone not competing hard enough, we’d conceded a try.

“As soon as something upset the rhythm or went against them, we didn’t have the mental or physical capacity to get on with the job.

“(We had to) just build around upsetting rhythm in different ways. Doing things that they weren’t expecting to do at different times and causing a little bit of chaos and seeing how they handled it.

“We got better as the preseason went on.”

Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom DeardenSource: Supplied

Dearden has reaped the rewards of the Cowboys’ successful season, as they currently sit in second behind the Panthers, by making his Origin debut for Queensland.

The up-and-comer announced himself on one of the game’s biggest stages, as he helped inspire his state to win in the decider at Suncorp Stadium.

.