Latest news with #BillySlater
News.com.au
11 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Gone, not a starting player': NSW Blues urged to make changes for Origin decider
NSW coach Laurie Daley is being urged to make changes to his forward pack after Queensland forced a series decider with victory in Game 2. The Maroons defeated NSW 26-24, withstanding a ferocious second half onslaught in Perth as the Blues threatened to pull off the greatest comeback in Origin history after trailing 26-6 at halftime. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The series will head to a decider in Sydney, as NSW chase back to back series wins and Billy Slater aims to secure a third Origin shield in four years. After being thoroughly outclassed in Game 1, Queensland gave an improved performance in Game 2 as Slater's decision to recall veteran forward Kurt Capewell (107m from 11 runs) proved a masterstroke. Payne Haas (142 metres from 16 runs) was immense again for NSW, but the injury to Warriors forward Mitch Barnett that ruled him out of Game 2 may well have created a selection headache for coach Daley at the prop position. Max King was elevated to the starting line-up but only played 25 minutes in Game 2 (47m from six runs), while Storm forward Stefano Utoikamanu was picked on the bench (41m from 5 runs). But they looked a touch off the place, with Daley urged to shake-up his forward pack for the series decider on July 9. Fox League commentator Andrew Voss told his SEN radio show: 'Across two games, there's not too many of them (NSW players) that can say, 'I played up to my ability'. 'Stefano Utoikamanu is gone. I'm rubbing him out for Game 3. 'Max King is not a starting Origin front rower. So there's a starting front rower spot up for grabs for NSW. 'I don't think you can go with the same starting 13 again. You can't go with Max King if you're only giving him that many minutes.' Connor Watson's service out of dummy half late in the game left a bit to be desired, with the No. 14 throwing an errant pass down the short side when NSW's playmakers were screaming for the ball on the left. Speaking about potential NSW changes, Greg Alexander said: 'A front rower, maybe? And maybe a different No. 14? I'm not convinced about that but it's worth thinking about. 'That's about it. I still think it's an outstanding side, surely we can't lose this series with this side? 'If they go on to lose the series, that will be a bitter pill to swallor after beating Queensland in Queensland in Game 1.' So who should come in to partner Payne Haas at prop for the series decider? Keaon Koloamatangi was brought into NSW's squad for Game 2 but was replaced by Jacob Preston after suffering a fractured eye socket in camp. If he recovers in time, the Rabbitohs forward is a contender to be added to the starting side after playing various roles for Wayne Bennett at Souths. Tigers prop Terrell May has been solid as ever at club level, but it would appear he is not on Daley's selection radar for this series with the NSW coach looking elsewhere. Angus Crichton (93m), Liam Martin (41m) and Isaah Yeo (105m) are gun players that aren't going anywhere, but they were slightly below their best in Game 2. Raiders forward Hudson Young played a large chunk of the game and gave plenty of go-forward when he came on (109m), but he is an edge forward, not a prop. Rooster firebrand Spencer Leniu is preferred as an impact player off the bench, and is unlikely to be elevated to the starting side. The forward pack isn't the only area of concern for Daley, who will be hoping Nathan Cleary can recover to be 100 per cent for Game 3 in Sydney. Cleary looked hampered by a groin niggle in Perth as Zac Lomax was given the conversion kicking and Latrell Mitchell the long kicking duties at the end of sets. Voss said on SEN: 'Nathan's not having a great year. He's having a good year, but he's not at his grand final, two years ago best.' Cleary should be fit for the decider, but Mitchell Moses is not expected to be available as he continues his recovery from a calf injury sustained in camp ahead of Game 2. The Panthers and Eels are said to be frustrated by the injuries to Moses and Cleary in Origin camp. According to Code Sports, Penrith officials were 'dumbfounded by Cleary's apparent injury' that saw the NSW halfback wearing who wore a compression bandage wrapped around his upper right leg.
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Paul Green's wife reacts to Billy Slater firestorm in fiery build-up to State of Origin Game 2
The widow of the late Paul Green, Amanda, says her 'heart breaks for Billy Slater' after the Maroons coach came under heavy fire in the lead-up to State of Origin Game 2 after insinuating the former Queensland and Cowboys coach took his own life as a result of the mental toll of coaching. After an unusually subdued build-up to Game 1, a feud between Maroons coach Billy Slater and former Blues prop Aaron Woods exploded in the lead-up to Game 2. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Woods called Slater a 'grub' last week, before the 42-year-old coach responded in an explosive and emotional press conference on Tuesday, referencing mental health concerns and the death of Green. 'You don't know what people are going through. Although I might be able to handle it, the next person mightn't be. Maybe our last coach (Green) didn't,' Slater said in response to the Wood's 'grub' barb. 'I believe the character of a person is judged more on what they say about people, and how they treat people, than what an individual says to create attention about someone. There's your answer.' Green coached the Maroons in 2021 before taking his own life the following year in a moment that rocked the rugby league community. So Slater mistakenly linking her husband's death to the stress of coaching and not the brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), understandably caused a mass uproar from league fans. As a result, the Maroons coach called an impromptu press conference the following day to apologise to both the Green family and the rugby league world. 'Yesterday, I wrongly made the link between Paul Green's death and the stress and pressures of coaching, which wasn't accurate, nor was it appropriate,' Slater said. 'I feel terrible about what I said. I spoke to Amanda Green this morning and apologised for any hurt that may have caused her and her family. 'Paul had CTE, which is a different disease to what I was referring to. Once again, I'm deeply and genuinely sorry.' It was a move that Amanda said showed his character and highlighted the need to educate more people about the dangers of CTE. 'To begin with, I would like to say how very courageous it was of Billy to call me, completely unprompted, yesterday,' Ms Green said in a statement to Code Sports. 'My heart breaks for Billy Slater as a partner of someone who has been in his position. I completely understand the pressures of the role. It shows a lot about his true character and what a fine role model he is for young men. I commend and admire him for that. 'Yesterday's commentary did highlight to me just how far we still must go in raising awareness and understanding around CTE. Paul was diagnosed with Stage 3 CTE. Severe CTE. He was living with a very advanced brain disease.' CTE is a brain disease that is widely believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, which result in the death of nerve cells in the brain. The disease can lead to a range of severe mental and physical health problems, including cognitive decline, mood disorders, and motor skill impairments.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Door wide open for Reece Walsh as Slater urged to axe Queensland superstar
Former NRL player Denan Kemp has questioned whether Kalyn Ponga has lost some of his aura, speculating that Billy Slater might be better off axing the star fullback for State of Origin 3. Ponga hasn't been much of a factor in either of the Origin games so far this series, and hasn't been in great form with Newcastle either. In Game 1 he had 21 runs for 163 metres, but in Game 2 on Wednesday night it was just eight runs for 77 metres. Queensland won 26-24 to send the series to a decider, but Ponga had four missed tackles and two errors - both on high balls that he failed to secure. The $1.4 million fullback missed a key tackle on Brian To'o for one of the NSW winger's three tries, and was caught out of position when Angus Crichton streamed through to ground a grubber from Jarome Luai. He also had a poor miss on Nathan Cleary, but got lucky the try was disallowed for an obstruction. Queensland's win has largely taken the heat off Ponga that might have arisen had the Maroons lost. But Kemp is among a number of leading voices questioning his place in Slater's side. Speaking on the popular 'Bloke in a Bar' podcast on Thursday, the former Broncos and Warriors player suggested Slater might be tempted to pick someone else for Game 3. "He dropped three bombs. He got bounced off by Cleary and got lucky there was an obstruction," Kemp said. "I think Billy has to have a real hard look at that fullback position. I think KP (Ponga) is just out of form. "It's tough but if you've got that many errors, it's just a real question we (Queensland) have to ask ourselves. We need someone who's bringing energy around the ruck, making their catches and tackles. It's definitely a question that I think Billy should be considering because we can't afford to go into Game 3 and have that many dropped balls. We'll lose by 30-plus." Co-host Tim Williams, the brother of former Canberra player Sam, added: "KP is normally elite under the high ball. When he's dropping bombs like that...I know the conditions were bad but there were some pretty soft ones. It's normally the case where every time Ponga gets the ball in Origin my heart sinks thinking 'how is he going to kill us (NSW) this time. The last two games, I've forgotten he's playing at times." Reece Walsh would be the obvious choice to replace Ponga if Slater decides to make a change, but Kemp said he's not sure the Broncos fullback has enough games under his belt. Walsh's season was disrupted by a knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks, but he returned with two tries in the Broncos' thrashing of the Titans a fortnight ago. The 22-year-old has played five Origin games to date, and has clashes with the Sharks and Warriors to state his case for selection in Game 3. "When you are a Queenslander, that's all you want to do," Walsh said after the Titans game about a possible call-up. "If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I'll be there and ready to go. If he doesn't, I'll still be cheering the boys and backing them at home." RELATED: Selwyn Cobbo facing dire situation as Broncos sign three players Andrew Johns airs complaint over Origin moment 'shouldn't be allowed' The other option would be to put Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback - his preferred position. The Hammer played centre in Game 1 and wing in Game 2, but many believe he's Queensland's best fullback option. Murray Taulagi is back to full fitness and would be an option for the wing if Slater puts Tabuai-Fidow in the No.1 jersey in the decider.
Daily Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
State of Origin Premier Chris Minns swipes Aaron Woods' bet plan after NSW Blues loss to Queensland Maroons
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. After an intense, controversy-filled week, Aaron Woods might have been saved from a run-in with police by NSW Premier Chris Minns. Former NSW Blues prop Woods and Queensland coach Billy Slater dominated the headlines in the build-up to Wednesday night's Origin Game 2. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. As everyone now knows, Woods kicked it all off when he tried to drum up a muted Origin period by labelling Slater a 'grub'. The former fullback took his time before replying in kind on Game 2 eve, questioning Woods' place in the media and referencing mental health and former Maroons coach Paul Green in an in-depth swipe. He then backtracked and apologised for mentioning Green's name on the morning of the game, which his Maroons would win 26-24. Aaron Woods and NSW Premier Chris Minns. Photos: News Corp Speaking on his Triple M radio show on Wednesday, Woods said he stood by his initial comments and felt Slater 'went over the boundary' with some of his remarks. It has since come to light that Woods made a bet with Channel 9 identity Karl Stefanovic over the result of Game 2. The punishment for the loser? A nude run into the surf at Bondi Beach. Stefanovic had taken issue with Woods' comments on Slater and called his show to throw down the challenge, which the former Wests Tigers and Sharks forward accepted. 'Here's the bet, Woodsy,' Stefanovic said. 'The loser of the Origin game in Perth runs naked into the Bondi surf.' Woods replied: 'We're on, Karlos.' This is where Premier Minns steps in after he was a guest on the Triple M Breakfast show, Beau, Cat and Woodsy, on Thursday. After Woods declared his intention to accept his punishment for the NSW defeat, he then said to the premier: 'Do you want to come do it with me?' Minns swiftly replied: 'No, it's highly illegal.' Billy Slater speaking ahead of Game 2. (Photo by) Some of the Blues players react after the two-point loss. (Photo by) Pushed on that comment Minns said: 'Yes, absolutely. Why is this news to you guys? It's been illegal forever.' Beau Ryan added: 'Woodsy is genuinely shocked. He said 'why is this illegal?' I said you can't be nude in public. 'You could get arrested.' Minns then said: 'We do have nude beaches in Sydney,' perhaps opening the door for a slight change to the bet. Karl Stefanovic was very keen for Woods to go through with the punishment. Picture: Portia Large. Minns himself has a bet going with Queensland premier David Crisafulli over the Origin series. In the past the losing state has had to fly the other state flag over Sydney Harbour or Storey Bridge. But this year it has gone a step further. 'The loser of the series has to do a tourism ad for the winner's state,' Minns said. 'It doesn't have to be good. I can rip Queensland, like 'the best thing about Queensland is it's next to NSW'.' Originally published as 'Highly illegal': Premier Chris Minns swipes Aaron Woods' plan
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Paul Green's wife Amanda breaks her silence after Billy Slater apologised for his shock comments about her husband who tragically died in 2022
Amanda Green, wife of late Queensland coach Paul Green, has lumped praise on Billy Slater for his 'courage' in picking up the phone to apologise to her and her family this week, lauding his 'true character'. She added that her 'heart breaks for Billy', reflecting on the storm of controversy that has surrounded him this week. Slater had been in the process of launching a barb back at former New South Wales prop Aaron Woods - who had questioned his character by calling him a 'grub' - but in the process, appeared to link Paul Green's death in 2022 to a mental health issue rather than Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). 'Although I might be able to handle [criticism], the next person mightn't be. Maybe our last coach [Green] didn't,' Slater had said. On Wednesday, which was also Slater's 42nd birthday, the footy coach issued a public apology over the comment. 'I feel terrible about what I said and I spoke to Amanda Green this morning and apologised for any hurt that it may have caused her and her family,' Slater had said. Green's brother, Rick, had released a statement on behalf of the family earlier this week, in which they accepted Slater's apology, despite admitting the comments were 'unfortunate'. However, Amanda has now broken her silence on the matter, issuing her sympathies to Slater, stating having been married to a former Queensland Maroons coach, she could appreciate the immense pressures he was under. 'To begin with, I would like to say how very courageous it was of Billy to call me, completely unprompted, yesterday,' Green said in a statement to The Courier Mail. 'My heart breaks for Billy Slater as a partner of someone who has been in his position. 'I completely understand the pressures of the role. 'It shows a lot about his true character and what a fine role model he is for young men. I commend and admire him for that.' CTE is a brain condition that many athletes who have played contact sports have suffered from in the past. It is a condition that is thought to be linked with repeated head injuries and blows to the head. The condition can be slowly progressive and can also lead to dementia, with symptoms including mood changes and personality changes in the early stages of the condition. In the latter stages, memory loss, confusion and some movement issues can all occur. Green, who is an ambassafor for the Australian Sports Brain Bank - an organisation conducting research into CTE - then added that the events of the past few days showed a huge lack of awareness of this horrific disease. 'This statement is not about rehashing the events of yesterday. 'However, in saying that, yesterday's commentary did highlight to me just how far we still must go in raising awareness and understanding around CTE. 'Paul was diagnosed with Stage Three CTE. Severe CTE. He was living with a very advanced brain disease. 'CTE is a degenerative brain disease found in athletes, military veterans and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma. CTE is caused in part by repeated traumatic brain injuries. 'I now have a responsibility to use my voice to help others, to help those who have lost loved ones, those who are currently struggling themselves or those who are supporting a loved one going through this horrendous disease. 'For me, I could not live with myself if I didn't fight for my children and their sports-loving mates.' If you are struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
