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Sydney Roosters

-title Cherry-Evans’ Arrival Pushes Savala to Explore Roosters Alternatives

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 9, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Roosters’ Savala to‌ Explore Options, Ponga ‌Linked ⁢to Warriors, Haas⁤ Faces ⁣Ban in Rebel League Pursuit

SYDNEY, November 2, 2023 – Sydney Roosters assistant coach Hugo Savala‍ is set to test his ‍market value after ⁤the club secured Daly ‍Cherry-Evans, while speculation swirls around⁣ the future of Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga, who was⁣ photographed meeting with a Warriors recruitment official.Meanwhile, Brisbane Broncos⁤ forward Payne Haas is reportedly considering a lucrative code switch to the rebel league R360, a move that could result in a decade-long ban from⁤ the⁤ NRL.

The ⁣developments signal a potentially significant ‍shift in the NRL landscape as players and coaches assess their options ahead of the‌ 2024 season ⁣and⁣ beyond. Savala’s availability adds another experienced coaching figure to the market, while⁤ uncertainty surrounds Ponga’s long-term commitment to the knights.Haas’s potential move represents a major challenge to the NRL’s⁢ authority and a significant financial blow to the‌ Broncos.

A photo surfaced showing Ponga in conversation with ⁤Warriors recruitment boss Andrew McFadden,fueling speculation about a potential move. Ponga has previously expressed interest in representing the All‍ Blacks, but ⁣has stated he is unwilling to play Super Rugby, a prerequisite for selection in New Zealand’s rugby ⁣union team. Despite reportedly dismissing suggestions of ‌joining the Warriors, Ponga’s future remains ‍uncertain as the Knights have yet ⁣to secure him to a contract extension.

Payne ‌Haas is reportedly on the verge of signing a deal with R360 worth up to ‍$3 million per season. The Daily Telegraph reported ⁢that⁣ Haas, who is free to negotiate with ‍rivals ‍as ⁤of ⁢November 1, is considering the switch for a substantial pay rise. While the Broncos are keen to retain ⁣Haas with a multi-year extension,they are unlikely⁤ to match R360’s offer.

However, any deal with R360‍ carries a significant ‍risk for Haas. The NRL has implemented strict rules prohibiting players and agents from engaging with the rebel league, ‌and a contract with R360 could result⁤ in a 10-year ban, potentially effective promptly, ⁢even if Haas honors his current contract through 2026.

Haas has played 142⁤ games for the Broncos as his ‍debut in 2018,‍ scoring⁤ 13 tries. He has also represented both ‍New South Wales in 17 State of Origin matches and⁢ Australia and Samoa at the international level, with six Test appearances.

November 9, 2025 0 comments

Sport

NRL 2025 Finals: Fixtures, Draw & Schedule

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor September 6, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

NRL Finals 2025: full Fixture, Dates & Road⁤ to‌ the Grand Final Revealed

The 2025 NRL Finals⁣ Series is set to kick off on Friday,‌ September 12, culminating in the Grand Final ⁤at Accor Stadium on Sunday, October ⁤5 at 7:30pm.The draw outlines the path for eight teams vying for the premiership, with⁣ a complex‍ bracket system determining who‌ will battle for the title.

This year’s finals format sees the top eight teams battling through‍ a series of qualifying, elimination, semi-final, and preliminary matches. the structure is designed to reward the regular season’s highest performers⁣ while still providing opportunities for teams to ⁢surge through the bracket.Understanding the system is crucial for fans eager to ⁤follow thier team’s journey to the‌ Grand Final.

Here’s a breakdown of how the NRL Finals system works:

qualifying Finals: The teams finishing ‌1st and ‌2nd on the ladder earn the right ‌to host Qualifying Finals against the teams finishing 4th and 3rd respectively.‍ Winners advance directly to host Preliminary Finals.
Elimination Finals: The teams finishing 5th and 6th host Elimination Finals against the teams finishing 8th and 7th respectively.⁤ Winners advance to the Semi-Finals. Semi-Finals: The ⁤loser‌ of each‌ Qualifying Final hosts a Semi-Final against the winner ‍of each Elimination Final.
Preliminary Finals: The winners of the ⁤Qualifying Finals⁣ host⁢ the winners of the Semi-Finals.
grand Final: ‌ The winners of the two‌ Preliminary Finals will face off at Accor Stadium on October 5 to determine the⁢ 2025 NRL‍ Premiers.

Specifically, the bracket unfolds as follows:

‌ the loser of the First ⁢qualifying Final (1st‌ vs 4th) will host the winner ⁣of the First Elimination final (5th vs 8th) in the ⁢First Semi Final.
 The loser of the Second qualifying Final⁢ (2nd vs 3rd) will host the winner of the Second Elimination Final (6th vs 7th)⁢ in the Second Semi Final. ⁤the winner of the First Qualifying Final will than host the winner of the ⁤Second Semi Final in the First Preliminary Final.
* the winner of the Second Qualifying Final will host the winner of the First Semi Final⁢ in the Second Preliminary Final.

The complete fixture schedule will ‍be confirmed ⁣closer to the commencement of the⁢ finals ⁢series. Fans are encouraged to stay updated through⁤ official NRL channels for specific ⁢dates, times, and broadcast ⁢details.

September 6, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Jahrome Hughes dislocates shoulder, Melbourne Storm, Jahrome Hughes injury update, Craig Bellamy reaction, details

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 24, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Storm Halfback Hughes Suffers Shoulder Injury, Future Uncertain

Coach Bellamy Admits Side May Not Fully Recover from Key Playmaker’s Absence

Melbourne Storm’s premiership aspirations have been dealt a significant blow with star halfback Jahrome Hughes sustaining a dislocated shoulder in their hard-fought victory over the Sydney Roosters. Coach Craig Bellamy has publicly stated the team will struggle to compensate for the loss of their Dally M Medallist.

Hughes Injured in Tackling Incident

The crucial injury occurred in the second half of the 34-30 win as Hughes attempted to tackle the Roosters’ James Tedesco. The 30-year-old immediately signalled distress and was attended to by medical staff, with commentators noting his evident pain.

“Oh dear, this does not look good.”

—Andrew Voss, Fox League Commentator

Hughes was unable to have his shoulder relocated on the field, necessitating his transport to hospital via ambulance for further assessment and potential surgical intervention.

Bellamy Expresses Concern Over Hughes’ Impact

Coach Craig Bellamy acknowledged the severity of the situation, admitting that the team would “probably won’t recover completely” from losing their primary playmaker. Hughes, the reigning Dally M Player of the Year, is considered an indispensable part of the Storm’s structure and success.

“No one wants to lose their halfback. He’s a massive part of our footy team, without a doubt. We probably won’t recover completely because he’s the Dally M player of the year last year so we all know what a good player he is. However long he’s out for, we’re going to miss him.”

—Craig Bellamy, Melbourne Storm Coach

The absence of a player like Hughes, who averaged 138 running metres per game last season, highlights the significant void he leaves. This level of disruption can impact a team’s rhythm and scoring ability, with statistics showing a drop in team performance when key playmakers are absent.

Replacement Options Emerge

With Hughes sidelined, the responsibility for the number seven jersey will likely fall to either the versatile Tyran Wishart or the promising young talent Jonah Pezet. Bellamy indicated that the decision would be based on what best suits the team’s strategy moving forward.

The returning Cameron Munster, who has been on personal leave, is expected to partner whoever takes over at halfback next week. Munster‘s return will be vital for the Storm as they navigate this challenging period.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy provided an update on Jahrome Hughes‘ injury.

Jahrome Hughes dislocates shoulder, Melbourne Storm, Jahrome Hughes injury update, Craig Bellamy reaction, details — Sydney Roosters player **James Tedesco** commented on his team’s performance.

July 24, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Dolphins Hold Off Cowboys in Lopsided Win – Averillo Shines, Left Edge Dominates

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 17, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Jake Averillo has been moved from the wing to five-eighth for the Dolphins, filling the void left by Sean O’Sullivan, who was dropped after partnering Isaiya Katoa last week. Averillo, a 24-year-old who was developed as a five-eighth at the Bulldogs, made a significant impact in his new role.

In the 20th minute, Averillo scored an impressive 95-metre try and was involved in setting up several other tries in the first half. He went on to score his second try of the match in the 75th minute.

Analyst Michael Ennis praised the move, stating that Averillo’s speed and running game have revitalized the Dolphins’ left edge. Averillo has previously played 18 games at five-eighth,including the final two rounds of the previous season.He has proven to be a versatile player for the Dolphins, filling in at five-eighth, fullback, wing, and center.

Averillo’s partnership with halfback Isaiya Katoa appeared to be effective, with Katoa contributing a try assist and five linebreak assists.

The Dolphins’ left edge demonstrated its potency against the Cowboys, notably against their defense. The team had already scored 40 tries from their left edge prior to this game,compared to 19 on the right. They added four more tries from this edge during the match, with a potential fifth try being dropped by Hamiso Tabuai-fidow.

Despite a lapse in concentration in the second half where they nearly relinquished a 28-point lead, the Dolphins’ performance in the first 50 minutes was strong enough to concern opposing teams. Cooper Cronk highlighted the exceptional play of Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Connelly Lemuelu, with Lemuelu delivering what was arguably his best game to date.Lemuelu recorded two try assists, two linebreaks, a linebreak assist, six tackle busts, and amassed 223 meters from 20 runs. Averillo,Farnworth,and Tabuai-Fidow each surpassed 120 meters in the game.

July 17, 2025 0 comments

World

Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs match wrap, scores, match centres, videos, Brandon Smith debut, news, videos, highlights

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 6, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Anthony Seibold was a dead man walking a fortnight ago.

Yet, following Manly’s 30-12 shellacking of South Sydney, the Sea Eagles now find themselves back in the NRL’s top eight.

How quickly things can change in rugby league.

MATCH CENTRE: Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs live scores, teams

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While it took a quarter of the game for them to make a dent on the scoreboard, the Sea Eagles more than made up for it soon after with a flurry of points.

The much-maligned personnel changes looked to click for Seibold, with now winger Reuben Garrick and makeshift centre Tom Trbojevic each scoring a double to help Manly race out to a 20-point lead soon after half-time.

The gun centre also paid tribute to Liverpool star Diogo Jota who tragically passed away alongside his brother in a car accident, making his jersey No.20 with his hands.

Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans extended the lead when he polished off a long-range effort, in a final blow to South Sydney’s fortunes.

Two tries in quick succession for Souths centre Tallis Duncan and a four-pointer at the death for winger Isaah Taas proved nothing but consolations.

While the Sea Eagles will be disappointed with their efforts in the final 20 minutes, the real litmus test will come after their next-up bye with games to come against three top four outfits in Melbourne, Bulldogs and Canberra.

Brandon Smith of the Rabbitohs is assisted from the field with a fresh injury blow.Source: Getty Images

Of concern for the Sea Eagles is the immediate future of Jason Saab who was taking from the field with an ankle injury midway through the second half.

RETURN SOURED

A silver lining amidst the Rabbitohs’ ongoing woes was the club debut of mid-season signing Brandon Smith, who was thrown into the deep end from the get-go with a 20-minute stint at hooker.

There were plenty of emotions surrounding Smith’s return 10 months on from a knee reconstruction, but it soon turned sour in his second on-field stint.

Smith would require assistance in the shadows of full-time, leaving the field before Wayne Bennett confirmed he’d suffered a fresh MCL injury.

Smith will once again spend time on the sidelines, staring down the barrell of six to eight weeks of recovery.

Injuries have been the story of South Sydney’s season, with their 18-point loss leaving them one rung off the bottom of the ladder.

While still a long way off from being determined, a wooden spoon would be an unwanted first for master coach Wayne Bennett who must be wondering what he did to deserve the Rabbitohs’ burgeoning casualty ward.

Both Cody Walker and Euan Aitken have suffered recent injuries, while Cameron Murray has been sidelined all year with an Achilles rupture.

Nightmare return! Smith cops new injury | 00:40

RABBITOHS DEFENSIVE WOES

As the old saying goes, defence wins games.

The Rabbitohs in Round 18 missed a staggering 23 tackles in the first half, which handed the Sea Eagles the ascendency.

Manly scored 14 unanswered points to go into the break with a strong lead, but from there one try early in the second half summed up their performance according to Nathan Hindmarsh.

“The talking point of the day was having Cheese back, Brandon Smith. But 24 missed tackles in the first half,” Hindmarsh said.

“You can’t win footy games missing that many tackles. They were never in control Souths, Manly just chipped away.

“This try here… Turbo can come this far back across field and no one gets near him and he scores. Just bits and pieces like that.”

TURBO SWITCH PAYING DIVIDENDS

Tom Trbojevic had arguably his best game of the season in Round 18, two weeks after making the switch to the centres.

The 28-year-old scored a double and popped up on both sides of the field, breaking five tackles and the line twice to go with a try assist.

However, English legend Garry Schofield still believes Manly are better off with Trbojevic at fullback.

“I prefer him at fullback to be honest with you because I think he’s more effective,” he said on the Matty Johns show.

“He’s got more open space there, so I prefer him at fullback but he’s still not a bad centre is he?”

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July 6, 2025 0 comments