The Knights' six rising talents in State of Origin arena
There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024.
The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year.
This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower.
The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors.
The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March.
Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen.
"She's just dynamic," Jeffries said.
"She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale.
"She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world."
The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm).
McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad.
Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad.
The men's exchange is at 7.45pm.
"I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald.
"This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again.
"There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again."
McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year.
"It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said.
"It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy.
"I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again."
Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side.
Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024.
The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights.
Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back.
The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys.
Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up.
Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match.
"It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said.
"You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well."
Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL.
A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028.
Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence.
"He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said.
"He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job."
MORE IN SPORT:
The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup.
"He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said.
"Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape."
Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year.
"He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said.
"Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin."
There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024.
The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year.
This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower.
The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors.
The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March.
Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen.
"She's just dynamic," Jeffries said.
"She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale.
"She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world."
The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm).
McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad.
Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad.
The men's exchange is at 7.45pm.
"I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald.
"This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again.
"There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again."
McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year.
"It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said.
"It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy.
"I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again."
Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side.
Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024.
The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights.
Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back.
The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys.
Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up.
Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match.
"It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said.
"You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well."
Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL.
A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028.
Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence.
"He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said.
"He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job."
MORE IN SPORT:
The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup.
"He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said.
"Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape."
Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year.
"He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said.
"Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin."
There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024.
The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year.
This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower.
The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors.
The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March.
Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen.
"She's just dynamic," Jeffries said.
"She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale.
"She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world."
The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm).
McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad.
Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad.
The men's exchange is at 7.45pm.
"I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald.
"This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again.
"There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again."
McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year.
"It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said.
"It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy.
"I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again."
Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side.
Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024.
The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights.
Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back.
The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys.
Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up.
Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match.
"It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said.
"You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well."
Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL.
A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028.
Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence.
"He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said.
"He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job."
MORE IN SPORT:
The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup.
"He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said.
"Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape."
Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year.
"He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said.
"Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin."
There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024.
The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year.
This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower.
The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors.
The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March.
Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen.
"She's just dynamic," Jeffries said.
"She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale.
"She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world."
The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm).
McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad.
Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad.
The men's exchange is at 7.45pm.
"I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald.
"This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again.
"There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again."
McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year.
"It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said.
"It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy.
"I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again."
Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side.
Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024.
The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights.
Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back.
The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys.
Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up.
Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match.
"It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said.
"You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well."
Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL.
A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028.
Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence.
"He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said.
"He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job."
MORE IN SPORT:
The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup.
"He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said.
"Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape."
Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year.
"He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said.
"Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin."
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News.com.au
an hour ago
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The Advertiser
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Adam O'Brien showed class in publicly owning mistake with Knights fans
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Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt. MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time. There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd! In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof. Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference. On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room". O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year. GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he? You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off. If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble. STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship. The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours. RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why. The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day. I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation. MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt. MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time. There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd! In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof. Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference. On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room". O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year. GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he? You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off. If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble. STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship. The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours. RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why. The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day. I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation. MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt. MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time. There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd! In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof. Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference. On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room". O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year. GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he? You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off. If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble. STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship. The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours. RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why. The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day. I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation. MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
'Hungrier than us': Aussie-bound Lions mauled by Pumas
The British and Irish Lions' dream of an unbeaten 2025 campaign is over even before they fly out to tour Australia after a jolting opening Test loss to Argentina in a thrilling Dublin curtain-raiser. The party-pooping Pumas gleefully ignored all the hype surrounding the Lions as they ripped through the feelgood factor at Lansdowne Road on Friday night with a deserved 28-24 victory against Andy Farrell's predictably rusty but surprisingly outgunned outfit. It was the first time for 54 years since their famous 1971 triumph in New Zealand with Barry John and co that the Lions have lost their opening match of any tour - and the setback left coach Farrell quickly reading the riot act. He didn't hold back about his side's lack of intensity as he declared: "They were hungrier than us - and that's just not acceptable." There were moments, as the Lions scored three tries through centre Bundee Aki, a penalty try and lock Tadhg Beirne, when they showed what captain Maro Itoje called "glimmers of what we can do", the sort of cohesive attacking and forward domination they'll need in their nine Australian matches including three Tests. But their error count was horrendous, allowing the slick visitors, who Beirne had reckoned would be treating the match as their "World Cup final", to lead 21-10 at halftime and then hold out courageously after repelling the Lions' second-half comeback. The excellent counter-attacking Pumas also crossed the whitewash three times through Ignacio Mendy, Tomas Albornoz and Santiago Cordero in a deflating evening for the Lions before they fly out to Perth for their first match against Western Force next Saturday. "It's disappointing. We've got to take the learnings from this," said Farrell, back at the Aviva Stadium where he's led Ireland to so much success. Not for the first time, the Pumas, who crushed the Wallabies by 40 points the last time the teams met in the Rugby Championship, delighted in spoiling the send-off, the world's No.5-ranked side now adding the Lions to their victims for the first time after beating all three Rugby Championship rivals last season. The Pumas took the upper hand early when, after Mendy's try had been answered by Aki's score, Albornoz struck from a Puma's counter from their own 22 on the stroke of halftime. The Lions, deprived of almost half their squad because of recent club commitments and injuries, had a couple of scores ruled out in the first half - including one from Sione Tuipulotu - because of knock-ons. But Farrell was briefly enthused at the start of the second half when their robust response led to the penalty try and home favourite Beirne powering over. But Cordero then put the also under-strength Pumas back in front with a superb team score and they held on grimly under pressure near their own line only for the Lions to spurn their last chance when a penalty in front of the Argentina posts was reversed over a Beirne neck roll. "Argentina deserved the win and capitalised on all the errors we made," said Farrell. "There is a lot to do. You can't win a Test with that error rate. We lost enough balls in that game for a full tour, throwing balls that weren't on. "There was good and bad throughout. We were just a little bit off - and I take responsibility for that." There was at least some good news for the Lions in the performances of their three Australian-born players - Scotland's Tuipulotu plus the Irish pair of prop Finlay Bealham and replacement wing Mack Hansen, who all made excellent debuts in the scarlet. Melburnian Tuipulotu looked the Lions' most incisive attacker even if his handling may have been just a tiny bit off while Canberra's Bealham was instrumental in the Lions' scrum domination. The ebullient Hansen, another Canberra native much loved by the Dublin faithful, got one of the biggest cheers of the night when he came on for the last 20 minutes, and repaid the ovation with a couple of fine raids. The British and Irish Lions' dream of an unbeaten 2025 campaign is over even before they fly out to tour Australia after a jolting opening Test loss to Argentina in a thrilling Dublin curtain-raiser. The party-pooping Pumas gleefully ignored all the hype surrounding the Lions as they ripped through the feelgood factor at Lansdowne Road on Friday night with a deserved 28-24 victory against Andy Farrell's predictably rusty but surprisingly outgunned outfit. It was the first time for 54 years since their famous 1971 triumph in New Zealand with Barry John and co that the Lions have lost their opening match of any tour - and the setback left coach Farrell quickly reading the riot act. He didn't hold back about his side's lack of intensity as he declared: "They were hungrier than us - and that's just not acceptable." There were moments, as the Lions scored three tries through centre Bundee Aki, a penalty try and lock Tadhg Beirne, when they showed what captain Maro Itoje called "glimmers of what we can do", the sort of cohesive attacking and forward domination they'll need in their nine Australian matches including three Tests. But their error count was horrendous, allowing the slick visitors, who Beirne had reckoned would be treating the match as their "World Cup final", to lead 21-10 at halftime and then hold out courageously after repelling the Lions' second-half comeback. The excellent counter-attacking Pumas also crossed the whitewash three times through Ignacio Mendy, Tomas Albornoz and Santiago Cordero in a deflating evening for the Lions before they fly out to Perth for their first match against Western Force next Saturday. "It's disappointing. We've got to take the learnings from this," said Farrell, back at the Aviva Stadium where he's led Ireland to so much success. Not for the first time, the Pumas, who crushed the Wallabies by 40 points the last time the teams met in the Rugby Championship, delighted in spoiling the send-off, the world's No.5-ranked side now adding the Lions to their victims for the first time after beating all three Rugby Championship rivals last season. The Pumas took the upper hand early when, after Mendy's try had been answered by Aki's score, Albornoz struck from a Puma's counter from their own 22 on the stroke of halftime. The Lions, deprived of almost half their squad because of recent club commitments and injuries, had a couple of scores ruled out in the first half - including one from Sione Tuipulotu - because of knock-ons. But Farrell was briefly enthused at the start of the second half when their robust response led to the penalty try and home favourite Beirne powering over. But Cordero then put the also under-strength Pumas back in front with a superb team score and they held on grimly under pressure near their own line only for the Lions to spurn their last chance when a penalty in front of the Argentina posts was reversed over a Beirne neck roll. "Argentina deserved the win and capitalised on all the errors we made," said Farrell. "There is a lot to do. You can't win a Test with that error rate. We lost enough balls in that game for a full tour, throwing balls that weren't on. "There was good and bad throughout. We were just a little bit off - and I take responsibility for that." There was at least some good news for the Lions in the performances of their three Australian-born players - Scotland's Tuipulotu plus the Irish pair of prop Finlay Bealham and replacement wing Mack Hansen, who all made excellent debuts in the scarlet. Melburnian Tuipulotu looked the Lions' most incisive attacker even if his handling may have been just a tiny bit off while Canberra's Bealham was instrumental in the Lions' scrum domination. The ebullient Hansen, another Canberra native much loved by the Dublin faithful, got one of the biggest cheers of the night when he came on for the last 20 minutes, and repaid the ovation with a couple of fine raids. The British and Irish Lions' dream of an unbeaten 2025 campaign is over even before they fly out to tour Australia after a jolting opening Test loss to Argentina in a thrilling Dublin curtain-raiser. The party-pooping Pumas gleefully ignored all the hype surrounding the Lions as they ripped through the feelgood factor at Lansdowne Road on Friday night with a deserved 28-24 victory against Andy Farrell's predictably rusty but surprisingly outgunned outfit. It was the first time for 54 years since their famous 1971 triumph in New Zealand with Barry John and co that the Lions have lost their opening match of any tour - and the setback left coach Farrell quickly reading the riot act. He didn't hold back about his side's lack of intensity as he declared: "They were hungrier than us - and that's just not acceptable." There were moments, as the Lions scored three tries through centre Bundee Aki, a penalty try and lock Tadhg Beirne, when they showed what captain Maro Itoje called "glimmers of what we can do", the sort of cohesive attacking and forward domination they'll need in their nine Australian matches including three Tests. But their error count was horrendous, allowing the slick visitors, who Beirne had reckoned would be treating the match as their "World Cup final", to lead 21-10 at halftime and then hold out courageously after repelling the Lions' second-half comeback. The excellent counter-attacking Pumas also crossed the whitewash three times through Ignacio Mendy, Tomas Albornoz and Santiago Cordero in a deflating evening for the Lions before they fly out to Perth for their first match against Western Force next Saturday. "It's disappointing. We've got to take the learnings from this," said Farrell, back at the Aviva Stadium where he's led Ireland to so much success. Not for the first time, the Pumas, who crushed the Wallabies by 40 points the last time the teams met in the Rugby Championship, delighted in spoiling the send-off, the world's No.5-ranked side now adding the Lions to their victims for the first time after beating all three Rugby Championship rivals last season. The Pumas took the upper hand early when, after Mendy's try had been answered by Aki's score, Albornoz struck from a Puma's counter from their own 22 on the stroke of halftime. The Lions, deprived of almost half their squad because of recent club commitments and injuries, had a couple of scores ruled out in the first half - including one from Sione Tuipulotu - because of knock-ons. But Farrell was briefly enthused at the start of the second half when their robust response led to the penalty try and home favourite Beirne powering over. But Cordero then put the also under-strength Pumas back in front with a superb team score and they held on grimly under pressure near their own line only for the Lions to spurn their last chance when a penalty in front of the Argentina posts was reversed over a Beirne neck roll. "Argentina deserved the win and capitalised on all the errors we made," said Farrell. "There is a lot to do. You can't win a Test with that error rate. We lost enough balls in that game for a full tour, throwing balls that weren't on. "There was good and bad throughout. We were just a little bit off - and I take responsibility for that." There was at least some good news for the Lions in the performances of their three Australian-born players - Scotland's Tuipulotu plus the Irish pair of prop Finlay Bealham and replacement wing Mack Hansen, who all made excellent debuts in the scarlet. Melburnian Tuipulotu looked the Lions' most incisive attacker even if his handling may have been just a tiny bit off while Canberra's Bealham was instrumental in the Lions' scrum domination. The ebullient Hansen, another Canberra native much loved by the Dublin faithful, got one of the biggest cheers of the night when he came on for the last 20 minutes, and repaid the ovation with a couple of fine raids.
