Lightning jolts Souths to life but Bulldogs hang on
Lightning has proved Canterbury's biggest enemy in a 24-18 defeat of South Sydney, who only jolted into action after inclement weather brought the game to a halt.
Toby Sexton staked his claim to hold Lachlan Galvin from the Bulldogs' halfback spot as he inspired a 18-0 lead without Matt Burton on Sunday at Accor Stadium.
Top-four side Canterbury looked ready to stroll to a big win, until the game came to a standstill just after 4.40pm (AEST) with lightning crashing nearby.
It marked the first time since an Anzac Day hailstorm in 2015 that an NRL game was suspended by inclement weather.
Gameday staff and media professionals ducked for cover in the tunnel as security ordered fans in the lower seating to seek shelter.
Play resumed 28 minutes after the halt in play, following consultation between referee Adam Gee and venue staff.
The stoppage proved a fresh start for the Rabbitohs, whose veteran winger Alex Johnston grabbed his 202nd career try from the side's first red-zone entry just before halftime.
Souths continued to hammer the left edge and came within eight points as Jack Wighton dived over while Canterbury's Jake Turpin was in the sin bin for a high shot on Tyrone Munro.
The Rabbitohs were daring to dream when a kick from Isaiah Tass off a scrum helped Tyrone Munro over on the right side and made it a one-score game.
But with Souths' last roll of the dice, halfback Jamie Humphreys spilt the ball in a big shot from the returning Jacob Preston and the Bulldogs held on.
Earlier, Sexton showed he would not be giving up his No.7 jersey without a fight as superstar recruit Galvin started his first game for Canterbury.
Sexton's most impressive act was a silky one-two with Jacob Kiraz for the first try, fooling Jamie Humphreys by feigning a kick and slicing open Souths' left side.
He swung left to help Marcelo Montoya score the first of his two tries and came close to putting Viliame Kikau in twice late on in the first half.
Souths back-up playmaker Jayden Sullivan limped off with an apparent injury late in the second half.
His absence for next week's clash against Melbourne would test the side's depth even further with Cody Walker still expected to be missing through a groin issue.
Lightning has proved Canterbury's biggest enemy in a 24-18 defeat of South Sydney, who only jolted into action after inclement weather brought the game to a halt.
Toby Sexton staked his claim to hold Lachlan Galvin from the Bulldogs' halfback spot as he inspired a 18-0 lead without Matt Burton on Sunday at Accor Stadium.
Top-four side Canterbury looked ready to stroll to a big win, until the game came to a standstill just after 4.40pm (AEST) with lightning crashing nearby.
It marked the first time since an Anzac Day hailstorm in 2015 that an NRL game was suspended by inclement weather.
Gameday staff and media professionals ducked for cover in the tunnel as security ordered fans in the lower seating to seek shelter.
Play resumed 28 minutes after the halt in play, following consultation between referee Adam Gee and venue staff.
The stoppage proved a fresh start for the Rabbitohs, whose veteran winger Alex Johnston grabbed his 202nd career try from the side's first red-zone entry just before halftime.
Souths continued to hammer the left edge and came within eight points as Jack Wighton dived over while Canterbury's Jake Turpin was in the sin bin for a high shot on Tyrone Munro.
The Rabbitohs were daring to dream when a kick from Isaiah Tass off a scrum helped Tyrone Munro over on the right side and made it a one-score game.
But with Souths' last roll of the dice, halfback Jamie Humphreys spilt the ball in a big shot from the returning Jacob Preston and the Bulldogs held on.
Earlier, Sexton showed he would not be giving up his No.7 jersey without a fight as superstar recruit Galvin started his first game for Canterbury.
Sexton's most impressive act was a silky one-two with Jacob Kiraz for the first try, fooling Jamie Humphreys by feigning a kick and slicing open Souths' left side.
He swung left to help Marcelo Montoya score the first of his two tries and came close to putting Viliame Kikau in twice late on in the first half.
Souths back-up playmaker Jayden Sullivan limped off with an apparent injury late in the second half.
His absence for next week's clash against Melbourne would test the side's depth even further with Cody Walker still expected to be missing through a groin issue.
Lightning has proved Canterbury's biggest enemy in a 24-18 defeat of South Sydney, who only jolted into action after inclement weather brought the game to a halt.
Toby Sexton staked his claim to hold Lachlan Galvin from the Bulldogs' halfback spot as he inspired a 18-0 lead without Matt Burton on Sunday at Accor Stadium.
Top-four side Canterbury looked ready to stroll to a big win, until the game came to a standstill just after 4.40pm (AEST) with lightning crashing nearby.
It marked the first time since an Anzac Day hailstorm in 2015 that an NRL game was suspended by inclement weather.
Gameday staff and media professionals ducked for cover in the tunnel as security ordered fans in the lower seating to seek shelter.
Play resumed 28 minutes after the halt in play, following consultation between referee Adam Gee and venue staff.
The stoppage proved a fresh start for the Rabbitohs, whose veteran winger Alex Johnston grabbed his 202nd career try from the side's first red-zone entry just before halftime.
Souths continued to hammer the left edge and came within eight points as Jack Wighton dived over while Canterbury's Jake Turpin was in the sin bin for a high shot on Tyrone Munro.
The Rabbitohs were daring to dream when a kick from Isaiah Tass off a scrum helped Tyrone Munro over on the right side and made it a one-score game.
But with Souths' last roll of the dice, halfback Jamie Humphreys spilt the ball in a big shot from the returning Jacob Preston and the Bulldogs held on.
Earlier, Sexton showed he would not be giving up his No.7 jersey without a fight as superstar recruit Galvin started his first game for Canterbury.
Sexton's most impressive act was a silky one-two with Jacob Kiraz for the first try, fooling Jamie Humphreys by feigning a kick and slicing open Souths' left side.
He swung left to help Marcelo Montoya score the first of his two tries and came close to putting Viliame Kikau in twice late on in the first half.
Souths back-up playmaker Jayden Sullivan limped off with an apparent injury late in the second half.
His absence for next week's clash against Melbourne would test the side's depth even further with Cody Walker still expected to be missing through a groin issue.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
16 hours ago
- Sky News AU
AFL 2025; Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli to start contract talks
There's no anxiety for Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, who won't rush to sign a new contract but is ready to get 'rolling' on talks that will ramp up next week after a series of early season interruptions. One of the best players in the AFL, if not the best, Bontempelli, 29, is off contract in October and yet to ink his next deal despite the season reaching its halfway mark. Bontempelli's last contract was a four-year deal signed in 2021, but amid a changed landscape of longer contracts taking player commitments beyond 2030 for increased money, the six-time All-Australian remains unfazed by the lack of movement. Having endured a pre-season calf injury that delayed his entry to 2025 until round 7, Bontempelli put other matters, including his off-season engagement, ahead of contract talks. But now he's ready to get going and seal his future, which should come as welcome relief to Bulldogs fans. 'It's going well – obviously, it's getting to the point now where things will start to open up,' Bontempelli said. 'There was a lot going on in my life early on in the season and hence why – probably no different to other years – I took my time a little bit with it. 'But those conversations are definitely starting to take place, pretty much as of next week, so the ball can well and truly get rolling with that.' The six-time best and fairest winner also played a straight bat when asked about reports that suggested Collingwood would launch an audacious bid to lure him to the Magpies. 'That information never really came to me at all, to be honest,' Bontempelli said. Things are stabilising at the Bulldogs with the return of troubled teammate Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to the club, and training this week, which excited the skipper who was reluctant to talk about a playing return. 'Ultimately, I want him to just enjoy being back in the environment,' he said. 'Hopefully, getting to the stage in the not-too-distant future where he can look at playing again.' Originally published as Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli to open contract talks next week
News.com.au
17 hours ago
- News.com.au
Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli to open contract talks next week
There's no anxiety for Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, who won't rush to sign a new contract but is ready to get 'rolling' on talks that will ramp up next week after a series of early season interruptions. One of the best players in the AFL, if not the best, Bontempelli, 29, is off contract in October and yet to ink his next deal despite the season reaching its halfway mark. Bontempelli's last contract was a four-year deal signed in 2021, but amid a changed landscape of longer contracts taking player commitments beyond 2030 for increased money, the six-time All-Australian remains unfazed by the lack of movement. Having endured a pre-season calf injury that delayed his entry to 2025 until round 7, Bontempelli put other matters, including his off-season engagement, ahead of contract talks. But now he's ready to get going and seal his future, which should come as welcome relief to Bulldogs fans. 'It's going well – obviously, it's getting to the point now where things will start to open up,' Bontempelli said. 'There was a lot going on in my life early on in the season and hence why – probably no different to other years – I took my time a little bit with it. 'But those conversations are definitely starting to take place, pretty much as of next week, so the ball can well and truly get rolling with that.' The six-time best and fairest winner also played a straight bat when asked about reports that suggested Collingwood would launch an audacious bid to lure him to the Magpies. 'That information never really came to me at all, to be honest,' Bontempelli said. Things are stabilising at the Bulldogs with the return of troubled teammate Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to the club, and training this week, which excited the skipper who was reluctant to talk about a playing return. 'Ultimately, I want him to just enjoy being back in the environment,' he said. 'Hopefully, getting to the stage in the not-too-distant future where he can look at playing again.'
The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Good things take time': Bont contract talks to begin
Marcus Bontempelli expects negotiations to go smoothly as talks finally ramp up on his next contract with the Western Bulldogs. The Bulldogs captain, one of the greatest players in the AFL club's history, said on Friday morning that talks will start in earnest next week. The delay in that process inevitably has led to speculation about the 29-year-old's future, but Bontempelli is giving no signs that is looking elsewhere. Coach Luke Beveridge noted this week that the star midfielder has had a lot on his plate this year - a pre-season calf injury, a marriage to plan and part-ownership of a Melbourne cafe. "It's going well - obviously it's getting to the point now where things will start to open up," Bontempelli said. "There was a lot going on in my life early on in the season and hence why - probably no different to other years - I took my time a little bit with it. "But those conversations are definitely starting to take place, pretty much as of next week, so the ball can well-and-truly get rolling with that. "I see it going quite smoothly." Likewise, he is pleased that troubled teammate Jamarra Ugle-Hagan returned to the club this week and is back training. But just as Beveridge won't predict when the former No.1 draft pick might play again, Bontempelli has no expectations about Ugle-Hagan's potential comeback. "Ultimately, I want him to just enjoy being back in the environment - hopefully getting to the stage in the not-too-distant future where he can look at a playing again," Bontempelli said. Bontempelli's on-field output was quelled by St Kilda tagger Marcus Windhager in round 14, but the Bulldogs still won by 72 points. The 'Dogs captain was unfussed by the attention. "That is the big badge of honour, the big responsibility, you get sometimes," he said. "The opposition will pay you closer attention - it is a feather in your cap. "You have to look at that as a positive. Ultimately, in those scenarios you can look at it as an advantage and how you get a win in that area, by somewhat sacrificing your own game in the end for others to benefit." Bontempelli was at Marvel Stadium to help launch the 'Touch and Track' technology, designed to help blind people follow the game live. Blind footballer and keen Bulldogs fan Shaun Keath felt there was a missed opportunity on Friday. "I should have had a word with you earlier and got you to sign today - it would have been a great scoop," Keath said as he showed the system to Bontempelli. "I used it (Touch and Track) last week when The Bont flogged St Kilda and it was near-perfect, so it was great. "I don't need the headphones in all the time as well ... heaps more enjoyable." Touch and Track has been in development for a couple of years and Bontempelli noted "good things take time" - a bit like his contract talks. Marcus Bontempelli expects negotiations to go smoothly as talks finally ramp up on his next contract with the Western Bulldogs. The Bulldogs captain, one of the greatest players in the AFL club's history, said on Friday morning that talks will start in earnest next week. The delay in that process inevitably has led to speculation about the 29-year-old's future, but Bontempelli is giving no signs that is looking elsewhere. Coach Luke Beveridge noted this week that the star midfielder has had a lot on his plate this year - a pre-season calf injury, a marriage to plan and part-ownership of a Melbourne cafe. "It's going well - obviously it's getting to the point now where things will start to open up," Bontempelli said. "There was a lot going on in my life early on in the season and hence why - probably no different to other years - I took my time a little bit with it. "But those conversations are definitely starting to take place, pretty much as of next week, so the ball can well-and-truly get rolling with that. "I see it going quite smoothly." Likewise, he is pleased that troubled teammate Jamarra Ugle-Hagan returned to the club this week and is back training. But just as Beveridge won't predict when the former No.1 draft pick might play again, Bontempelli has no expectations about Ugle-Hagan's potential comeback. "Ultimately, I want him to just enjoy being back in the environment - hopefully getting to the stage in the not-too-distant future where he can look at a playing again," Bontempelli said. Bontempelli's on-field output was quelled by St Kilda tagger Marcus Windhager in round 14, but the Bulldogs still won by 72 points. The 'Dogs captain was unfussed by the attention. "That is the big badge of honour, the big responsibility, you get sometimes," he said. "The opposition will pay you closer attention - it is a feather in your cap. "You have to look at that as a positive. Ultimately, in those scenarios you can look at it as an advantage and how you get a win in that area, by somewhat sacrificing your own game in the end for others to benefit." Bontempelli was at Marvel Stadium to help launch the 'Touch and Track' technology, designed to help blind people follow the game live. Blind footballer and keen Bulldogs fan Shaun Keath felt there was a missed opportunity on Friday. "I should have had a word with you earlier and got you to sign today - it would have been a great scoop," Keath said as he showed the system to Bontempelli. "I used it (Touch and Track) last week when The Bont flogged St Kilda and it was near-perfect, so it was great. "I don't need the headphones in all the time as well ... heaps more enjoyable." Touch and Track has been in development for a couple of years and Bontempelli noted "good things take time" - a bit like his contract talks. Marcus Bontempelli expects negotiations to go smoothly as talks finally ramp up on his next contract with the Western Bulldogs. The Bulldogs captain, one of the greatest players in the AFL club's history, said on Friday morning that talks will start in earnest next week. The delay in that process inevitably has led to speculation about the 29-year-old's future, but Bontempelli is giving no signs that is looking elsewhere. Coach Luke Beveridge noted this week that the star midfielder has had a lot on his plate this year - a pre-season calf injury, a marriage to plan and part-ownership of a Melbourne cafe. "It's going well - obviously it's getting to the point now where things will start to open up," Bontempelli said. "There was a lot going on in my life early on in the season and hence why - probably no different to other years - I took my time a little bit with it. "But those conversations are definitely starting to take place, pretty much as of next week, so the ball can well-and-truly get rolling with that. "I see it going quite smoothly." Likewise, he is pleased that troubled teammate Jamarra Ugle-Hagan returned to the club this week and is back training. But just as Beveridge won't predict when the former No.1 draft pick might play again, Bontempelli has no expectations about Ugle-Hagan's potential comeback. "Ultimately, I want him to just enjoy being back in the environment - hopefully getting to the stage in the not-too-distant future where he can look at a playing again," Bontempelli said. Bontempelli's on-field output was quelled by St Kilda tagger Marcus Windhager in round 14, but the Bulldogs still won by 72 points. The 'Dogs captain was unfussed by the attention. "That is the big badge of honour, the big responsibility, you get sometimes," he said. "The opposition will pay you closer attention - it is a feather in your cap. "You have to look at that as a positive. Ultimately, in those scenarios you can look at it as an advantage and how you get a win in that area, by somewhat sacrificing your own game in the end for others to benefit." Bontempelli was at Marvel Stadium to help launch the 'Touch and Track' technology, designed to help blind people follow the game live. Blind footballer and keen Bulldogs fan Shaun Keath felt there was a missed opportunity on Friday. "I should have had a word with you earlier and got you to sign today - it would have been a great scoop," Keath said as he showed the system to Bontempelli. "I used it (Touch and Track) last week when The Bont flogged St Kilda and it was near-perfect, so it was great. "I don't need the headphones in all the time as well ... heaps more enjoyable." Touch and Track has been in development for a couple of years and Bontempelli noted "good things take time" - a bit like his contract talks.
