Sydney club cops brutal triple blow

The Sea Eagles are hoping skipper Daly Cherry-Evans gets through the State of Origin opener unscathed after the club confirmed Tom Trbojevic was one of three stars ruled out of their game against the Broncos this weekend.
Manly's ugly loss to the Eels has been made worse with news that their superstar fullback tweaked an existing thigh injury that has hampered him in recent weeks.
In more bad news, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jake Trbojevic will also miss the home game against Brisbane.
'Trbojevic has been playing with a corked thigh in recent weeks and aggravated the injury in last Friday's loss to the Eels. The club is taking a conservative approach and will rest their star fullback this weekend,' a club statement read.
'Taukeiaho picked up a minor calf strain against the Eels and he too is expected to miss just the one week.
'Jake Trbojevic will also sit out Saturday's match against the Broncos as he continues to follow NRL concussion protocol.'
The superstar fullback has endured another rough start to the season, with Trbojevic missing out on the Origin team for Wednesday night's opener.
Lehi Hopoate will shift to fullback against a Broncos side that remains without Reece Walsh. Jesse Arthars has the No.1 on his back with Selwyn Cobbo on the wing.
The Broncos have named Origin stars Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan in the front row, with big man Ben Te Kura included on the bench.
Teams with a number of Origin representatives have been granted an extra player or two on the bench, yet it's the Wests Tigers who have the biggest headline of round 13 with Lachlan Galvin not named in their side for the trip to Townsville.
Galvin is reportedly set to join the Bulldogs this week and has likely played his last game for the Tigers, with Heath Mason to partner Jarome Luai in the halves as Latu Fainu recovers from injury.
Fletcher Sharpe moves back to five-eighth with Kalyn Ponga set to start for the Knights just two days after Origin, while the Dragons get try-scoring machine Christian Tuipulotu back from a hamstring injury.
The Storm have named their Origin stars and could welcome back Jack Howarth from a shoulder injury after he was named in the reserves for the trip to the Gold Coast who lost Josiah Pahulu to Melbourne on Monday.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has made a big change by dropping grand final hero Paul Alamoti for the derby against Parramatta, with the bottom-placed premiers naming all of their Origin players to back up.
The Eels, Cowboys and Roosters should also have all of their rep stars on deck if they get through Origin unscathed, while the Raiders have named Owen Pattie to start in place of the suspended Tom Starling.

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Monster Energy's Arisa Trew (Skateboarding) and Ryan Williams (BMX) Earn Dominant Victories on Day 1 of X Games Osaka 2025

-15-Year-Old Arisa Trew from Palm Beach, Australia, Claims Gold in Women's Skateboard Vert, Ties All-Time Record for Most X Games Gold Medals in Women's Skateboarding at 6 Medals-30-Year-Old Ryan Williams from Sunshine Coast, Australia, Takes Gold in BMX Park Best Trick-Monster Energy Riders Claim 8 Medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze) on Day 1 of X Games Osaka OSAKA, Japan, June 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bringing the heat to X Games Japan! Monster Energy congratulates its team of BMX, Moto X, and Skateboarding athletes on their history-making performances on the first day of X Games Osaka 2025. On Saturday, Monster Energy riders claimed a total of eight medals (two gold, two silver, and four bronze) across five contest events inside the Kyocera Dome stadium. The Women's Skateboard Vert final saw 15-year-old Arisa Trew from Palm Beach, Australia, take the gold medal with a dominant performance to claim her sixth gold at X Games. She was joined on the podium by 18-year-old Asahi Kaihara from Osaka, Japan, in silver medal position. In the heated BMX Park event, 27-year-old Anthony Jeanjean from Béziers, France, took bronze as his first X Games medal. When the action moved into Men's Skateboard Vert, 25-year-old Tom Schaar from Malibu, California, took the bronze medal in a competitive final. Next, the team scored a double podium in Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick with 30-year-old Ryan Williams from Sunshine Coast, Australia, claiming the gold medal, and 30-year-old Kevin Peraza from Tucson, Arizona, taking the bronze medal. Closing out a big first day in Osaka, the Moto X Best Trick final concluded with 24-year-old Ben Richards from Wagga Wagga, Australia, taking silver as his first X Games medal. He was joined on the podium by 33-year-old Jackson Strong from Lockhart, Australia, claiming bronze. Here's how the action unfolded for team Monster Energy on day one of X Games Osaka 2025: Women's Skateboard Vert: Monster Energy's Arisa Trew Puts on Gold Medal Masterclass The fourth edition of the X Games in Japan kicked off with the Women's Skateboard Vert event. In a new competition format, the eight finalists started by skating two runs in the playoffs round, with the top four riders battling for medals in the final. All eyes were on global skateboarding phenomenon Arisa Trew as the winner of the past two editions of the event at X Games. Continuing her dominance, Trew held the top spot in Osaka from the playoffs to the final runs. Barging into the final with a perfect run featuring two 540 variations and technical lip tricks, Trew locked in the gold medal with a score of 84.66 points on her first attempt. But she was far from finished: Taking her final run as a victory lap, she raised the bar by combining alley-oop backside 540, backside Judo air, frontside stalefish, backside 540 melon, kickflip Indy, Madonna, Indy 360 fakie, switch McTwist, Cab frontside 360 stalefish, frontside crooked fakie and frontside Half Cab noseslide revert for 87.66 points and the gold medal. "I'm just so happy. Skating with all the girls was super fun. Everyone is pushing it to the next level. And just being in the final with those girls was amazing," said Monster Energy's Trew upon claiming gold in Osaka. On the strength of earning her sixth X Games gold medal, Trew now ties the record for most X Games gold medals in women's skateboarding with Brazil's Leticia Bufoni. And Trew is far from done making history: Watch for her on Sunday in the Women's Skateboard Park final, dropping in as the defending champion. Also rising to the podium, Monster Army rider Asahi Kaihara claimed the silver medal in front of a hometown crowd. After losing the handle on her first run of the final, it all came down to the final run for Kaihara. Putting it all on the line, Kaihara landed a stylish run featuring huge frontside body varial benihana, Madonna, backside Saran Wrap, kickflip Indy, backside method air, frontside nosegrind lipslide, frontside noseblunt, feeble grind fakie, fakie frontside pop shove-it stalefish, frontside body varial tailgrab, and lien tailslide scoring 79.00 points for second place. Kaihara now owns three X Games medals (one silver and two bronze). BMX Park: French Team Rider Anthony Jeanjean Claims Bronze as First X Games Medal The podium spots continued in the competitive BMX Park final. After a grueling playoffs round, multiple BMX Park World Champion, Anthony Jeanjean claimed bronze as his first X Games medal in the final. With everything on the line in his second and final run, Jeanjean held it together and delivered, earning his spot on the podium. A perfect run featuring a 720 barpsin, double tailwhip, barspin, opposite tailwhip, flair barspin, superman seat grab, 360 downside tailwhip, flair double tailwhip, and alley-oop 540 flair earned 82.00 points and third place. "The course was fun, and the level was crazy today! I'm so happy about my riding and my first X Games medal here in Osaka at my third X Games. I'm so stoked!" said Monster Energy's Jeanjean upon claiming bronze in Osaka. Jeanjean also owns a bronze medal in Men's BMX Park from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Men's Skateboard Vert: Tom Schaar Claims Bronze as 15th X Games Medal Energy levels inside Kyocera Dome stadium were high for the Men's Skateboard Vert event. In the session featuring eight of the world's best vertical skateboarders, Tom Schaar dropped in as a podium favorite and previous gold medalist in the discipline. Schaar held his own in the grueling playoff round and qualified for the final four in second place. In the final, he locked in the podium spot with a perfect run featuring a huge kickflip Indy fakie, fakie backside 720 tailgrab, backside 540 melon, backside 540 tailgrab, alley-oop heelflip Indy, frontside nosegrind, kickflip body varial McTwist, backside lipslide, frontside 360 tailgrab, alley-oop Caballerial backside lipslide for 83.00 points and the bronze medal. Schaar now owns 15 X Games medals (three gold, four silver, and eight bronze). He will be back for Men's Skateboard Park and Skateboard Vert Best Trick on Sunday! BMX Park Best Trick: Ryan Williams Soars to Victory, Kevin Peraza Clinches Bronze Progression was the name of the game in the Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick event, as eight of the sport's most innovative riders attacked the course with their latest trick creations. After a 30-minute session, Team Monster Energy claimed another victory as well as a podium spot in front of the high-energy crowd. Leading the charge, Ryan Williams unveiled one of his notorious trick creations to take the victory. A technical frontflip flair tailwhip on the quarterpipe earned 'R Willy' his second gold medal in the BMX Park Best Trick discipline, and the crowd went wild! "From the start to the finish, I was trying to get my trick, but all the boys just started throwing down left and right. Everyone just kept sending it, and I thought, there's no way I'm going to be able to hang on to this. So stoked it worked out!" said Monster Energy's Williams upon claiming Best Trick gold in Osaka. Williams now owns 11 X Games medals (Nine gold and two silver). He has won X Games gold medals in four different disciplines. Also claiming a medal for the team, Kevin Peraza emerged from the progression session in the bronze medal position by landing a never-been-done-in-competition trick: Taking his skills to the large centerpiece box obstacle, Peraza finessed a flair downwhip to fakie, landing backwards to increase the difficulty for third place. "It's crazy. Most of us came into this knowing that we have another major X Games next week in the States. Should we roll the dice, should we try something? Or should we keep it clean and healthy? But the course was perfect, so why not get it done now. The crowd was so good, and the energy was great," said Monster Energy's Peraza upon claiming bronze in Osaka. Peraza now owns 12 X Games medals (seven gold, three silver, and two bronze) Moto X Best Trick: Australia's Ben Richards Claims Silver Medal as Youngest Competitor A big first day at X Games Osaka 2025 ended with a major upset in the Moto X Best Trick final. In a field of record-setting athletes and multiple X Games champions, Ben Richards dropped in as the youngest competitor and clinched silver as his first career X Games medal. On his first run of the final, Richards secured his podium spot by landing an ultra-rare handlebar hop variation known as Special Flip – performing a 360 body varial in his seat while in the air – for 91.00 points and the silver medal. Today's silver marks the first X Games medal for Richards in what is now his fourth appearance in the event. Richards' closest competition was no other than the most decorated rider in Moto X Best Trick, Jackson Strong. On his first run of the final, Strong put down a technical frontflip seat grab Indy for 90.00 points and the bronze medal, boosting his record-setting medal count to 18 total. Strong now owns 18 X Games medals (eight gold, six silver, and four bronze). Closely finishing outside of podium contention, Japanese style icon Taka Higashino stoked the hometown crowd with a classic performance and finished in fourth place. His highest-scoring trick of the final, a Rock Solid Indy Flip, earned 86.66 points. That's it for day one! Stay tuned for more X Games Osaka 2025! X Games is live all weekend, available to watch on the official X Games YouTube page. Visit for exclusive updates from X Games Osaka 2025, including photos, videos, and contest results as they happen. Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. For interview or photo requests, contact Kim Dresser. About Monster Energy Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes, and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at CONTACT: Kim Dresser C: (949) 300-5546 E: Day 1 Video Highlights View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Monster Energy Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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A crown earned, not given: Maro Itoje comes of age as first black British & Irish Lions captain

Maro Itoje, long hailed as a future leader, has become the first Black captain of the British & Irish Lions after finally taking charge of England earlier this year. A two-time tourist, Itoje brings experience, calm under pressure, and a selfless ethos to lead a squad blending stars from four nations. Despite early doubts from Eddie Jones, the Saracens lock has evolved into a complete leader, now tasked with guiding the Lions to victory in Australia. Maro Itoje was long tipped to be a Test captain but had to bide his time before being handed two giant roles within the space of a few months -- England skipper and the leadership of the British and Irish Lions. Itoje captained England's Under-20s to a world title in 2014 and as he rose through the ranks it was clear the Saracens lock was no ordinary player. A constant threat at the breakdown, outstanding at the line-out and punishing in defence, the physically powerful Itoje had all the skills required of a modern-day flanker, a position where he won some of his early caps, as well as a second row. But he was also something of a throwback to English rugby's amateur era, showing an impressive ability to communicate. The young Itoje, the son of Nigerian parents, won a scholarship to the world-famous Harrow School -- whose former pupils include British wartime prime minister Winston Churchill. He excelled at school, going on to study politics at university in London before completing a business qualification alongside his rugby commitments. Itoje has amassed 93 England Test caps, winning three Six Nations trophies. He has also collected a mountain of silverware at club level, winning five Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups with Saracens. But despite his prowess on the pitch, former England coach Eddie Jones was not initially convinced that Itoje was cut out for leadership. In his book, "Leadership: Lessons From My Life In Rugby", published in 2021, the veteran Australian boss wrote: "I might be wrong, but I am not sure Maro is a future England captain. "He is going to be one of the great players, but he is very inward-looking. He drives himself rather than anyone else. He doesn't usually influence people off the field." Jones backtracked shortly after the book's publication, explaining that Itoje had matured rapidly, predicting he would be a future England skipper. 'Calm under pressure' Steve Borthwick took over from Jones in December 2022 but Owen Farrell was captain at the time and was succeeded by Jamie George. Itoje was finally handed the job in January this year at the ripe old age of 30. "Calm under pressure" were the words Borthwick used to describe his new skipper, citing Itoje's growing influence upon the rest of the squad. AFP The new man made his mark, leading England to a second place in this season's Six Nations, and caught the eye of Lions boss Andy Farrell, the father of Owen. Itoje's rival for the Lions captaincy for the three-Test Australia tour, Ireland skipper Caelan Doris, misses out through injury. "As a two-time tourist (in 2017 and 2021), Maro fully understands what the Lions is all about and also the role of the captain in helping the group achieve its goal of winning a Test series this summer," said Farrell. Itoje, the first black captain of the Lions, spoke of the "tremendous honour" when he was named skipper. "I feel like I'm ready to do the role," he told Sky Sports. "I think I'm ready to do the job and I gain confidence from the quality of coaches we have, the quality of support staff we have and the quality of personnel we have within our squad." The lock has the task of getting the best out of the top players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales in Australia and is clear about what he expects. "I want this Lions squad to be tough. I look at our forwards and I see a group of tough men," he said. "The Lions works when the players are selfless, so to make sure it's a successful tour we all have to be selfless and put the Lions at the forefront of everything we do." Itoje brushed off Friday's 28-24 warm-up defeat against Argentina in Dublin, saying his side will "live, learn and get better".

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Rams aren't just trying to win over L.A. They strive to be 'the world's team'

Rams linebackers Bryon Young (0) and Jared Verse (8) stand with teammates during the playing of the national anthem before a win over the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 28. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) The Rams returned to Southern California nearly a decade ago intent on capturing the heart of NFL fans in Los Angeles. Now, with two Super Bowl appearances, one championship and a still glistening-like SoFi Stadium, they have their eyes set on a larger territory: the world. Advertisement The Rams' trip to Maui last week for a minicamp was their latest foray into building a global brand. 'In the journey to growing your brand globally, there's never an 'Aha, this is a perfect moment,'' Rams president Kevin Demoff said as he stood on the field at War Memorial Stadium after a workout attended by several thousand fans. 'But I think this is a great step.' The Rams' reach is expanding well beyond the United States. Read more: Puka Nacua's rapid ascent an inspiration to Polynesian athletes and Hawaiian fans As part of the NFL's Global Markets Program, the Rams in the last decade were granted rights in Mexico, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement In February, the NFL announced that the Rams in 2026 would be the home team for the first NFL regular-season game in Australia. The game against a still-to-be determined opponent will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On Thursday, Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, offensive lineman Steve Avila and tight end Davis Allen left Hawaii to travel to Melbourne for a family-friendly fan combine that was expected to draw thousands at Margaret Court Arena. 'While many many people travel to L.A. and we have many of our international fans come to a game at SoFi every year, putting it in somebody's backyard makes it that much more accessible,' said Stephanie Cheng, the Rams' head of international and special projects. The Rams have sent ambassadors abroad before. Former running backs Steven Jackson and Todd Gurley made trips, and former safety Nick Scott accompanied the Super Bowl LVI trophy on a tour of Australia and Mexico. Advertisement Last March, safety Quentin Lake visited Japan. Though he was not there in an official capacity with the Rams, the fourth-year pro attended fashion week, an Ohtani-crazed Dodgers game against the Cubs and participated in other cultural activities. Lake's father, Carnell, a former NFL safety, played a 1996 exhibition game for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Chargers at the Tokyo Dome. During Lake's own trip, he worked out with Tokyo University defensive backs. 'You would think in Japan, they don't know football over there,' Lake said. 'But they were doing drills and I was genuinely impressed. They're playing football there in pads and helmets and I was like, this is insane. ... That really gave me an appreciation that football is expanding.' Rams safety Quentin Lake recently got a taste of how popular football is in Japan. (Ryan Sun / Associated Press) Jamison Collier, who describes herself as 'just a super fan,' serves on the Rams' fan council in Australia. Advertisement Collier's husband, Zachariah Sepulveda, grew up in Orange County, 'so his whole family supports the Rams,' she said. The couple played together on a mixed rugby team. But one day, after seeing a team playing American football, Sepulveda decided he wanted to play. After one season, he encouraged his wife to try a training session. 'I was hooked,' she said. Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata, an Australian who grew up playing rugby, made it to the NFL through the league's International Player Pathway Program. Now, he is a Super Bowl champion. Read more: Rams primed to be Super Bowl contenders, but two critical areas of concern remain Advertisement The Rams' scheduled game in Australia has created new fans, Collier said. 'Having Jordan Mailata play for the Philadelphia Eagles was a great way for the league to get exposure in Australia,' Collier said. 'But the Rams have really capitalized on that by being, 'Oh, well, look at that, we're going to come play.' 'So people that were kind of just getting their foot in the door of watching the game have gone, 'OK, well I don't have a team. The Rams are coming. They're my team,' which is how a lot of people tend to get into a team. Over here, it's one that's close to your home, or the first game you go to.' The Rams are not the only team expanding their brand in Australia. The Eagles, the Seattle Seahawks and the Las Vegas Raiders also have marketing rights. Advertisement Read more: Rams' new headquarters to be centerpiece of ambitious Warner Center development project Charlotte Offord, general manager of NFL Australia and New Zealand, said the NFL fan base has grown from 5.7 million to 7.5 million in nearly three years. The Rams were the first team to open the market, and have grown it through player appearances, social media channels, books, watch parties, flag football and cheerleading clinics. 'Australian fans love sports so much, but they want the authentic product,' Offord said. 'And so it's not about an Australian talking about the Rams to another Australian. They want an American voice. They want the authentic players, the real players... which really brings to life the Rams brand.' Advertisement By setting up a Super Bowl watch party in Australia a few years ago, and then winning the game, the Rams 'couldn't have asked for a better entry into the market,' said Lucas Barclay, vice president and general manager of the 160over90 agency that helps market the Rams. And Los Angeles as the 'gateway' to the United States for Australians taking direct flights also gives the Rams an advantage, he said. 'The majority of people fly through L.A.,' he said, 'and therefore L.A.'s become known as that team, that if you're going to an NFL game or want to start to discover or uncover the NFL, then the Rams themselves are the team to do it.' As the Rams prepare for their 10th season in L.A. since returning, they are anticipating another potential Super Bowl run. Advertisement Demoff noted that the fans who wore Rams T-shirts and jerseys as 5-year-olds in 2016 are now teenagers. In 10 years, those fans could be season-ticket holders to see the Rams play at a stadium that will also host the World Cup next year and the 2028 Olympics. Read more: Rams' chances of trading for cornerback Jalen Ramsey appear to be fading 'I don't think you look at the first decade and say, 'Check, we did that,'' Demoff said. 'We've had amazing growth, and when I look at all our metrics in terms of fandom and growth, I would say they're certainly where we had hoped they would be. 'But I still think we can push for more.' Advertisement Locally and globally. The goal is to be 'the world's team,' Demoff said. 'To be truly part of Los Angeles, you have to be part of the globe,' he said. 'And as we've looked at our international efforts, we're excited about the foothold and what we're trying to gain, but there's a lot more work to do.' Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.