Latest news with #Origin1
Herald Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Latrell Mitchell at centre of troubling new trend as State of Origin hype derailed by own stars
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The NRL has been urged to act before it is too late as stars are increasingly being allowed to escape their media obligations without punishment. Any player named in either the NSW Blues or Queensland Maroons side for any Origin game nets them an extra $30,000. And much like at club level their duties extend beyond the footy field, with media obligations and training requirements all part of what they are being paid for. 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. However, ahead of Game 1 and Game 2, players such as Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu have reportedly put themselves on 'media bans', opting out of speaking to the press. Mitchell did no media duties for Game 1 and even left in the early hours of Thursday morning to return to NSW, potentially in a bid to avoid the media – who often wait for the two sides as they enter the bus on Thursday morning to get reactions to the game. And again ahead of Game 2 in Perth, Mitchell is staying away from the cameras, as he has done for the entirety of the 2025 NRL season. The Rabbitohs star has yet to do a single interview during the 2025 NRL season, with Souths reportedly happy for the fullback to stay out of the spotlight and solely focus on his footy. He's not the only one given special treatment either, with Leniu also given the green light to avoid any interviews or press conferences since his sideline run-in with Maroons icon Johnathan Thurston after a Roosters game earlier this season. However, the self-imposed media bans certain players have undertaken have seen the hype for NRL games and State of Origin in particular at an all-time low. The build-up and bad blood heading into Game 1, was almost entirely forced by past players, with barely any of the current stars saying anything to either get fans excited or their blood boiling. And the lack of interviews and access certain players are giving to fans has led to growing fears that the growth of the game could be stunted by players being able to pick and choose when to engage with the media. 'The NRL need to be careful with State of Origin because what we saw in Origin 1 was the closest thing we've seen to an NRL game,' NRL reporter David Riccio said on SEN on Friday. 'The media build-up and promotion is critical to the hype and excitement before the game, but it's become so boring and so vanilla. 'We're not hearing from the actual players. The game has a responsibility to ensure the actual superstars promote the game and sell the game. ' … We can't allow Game 2 to unfold the way the first one did, This game has to be an absolute spectacle to win over the West Australian public.' Knights legend Matty Johns echoed a similar sentiment, stating any player collecting a payday should be required to front the media whether it be requested by the club or a media outlet. 'If you're getting paid that money, I think it's your responsibility to talk and it's your responsibility to build the game up,' Johns said. Former Broncos and Warriors player Denan Kemp agreed, saying the NRL is missing out big time without Mitchell and Leniu promoting the game. 'The NRL need to cultivate an environment in which the players feel safe to say whatever they want (to an extent),' Kemp said. Originally published as Latrell Mitchell at centre of troubling new trend as State of Origin hype derailed by own stars
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Not allowed': NSW caught in rule breach drama over State of Origin selection
NRL fans are calling for change to the farcical rules around the 18th man in State of Origin, after it was revealed on Thursday night that Tom Trbojevic knocked back the chance to be NSW's emergency player in Game 1 so he could play for Manly. And it raises questions about whether the rules were breached by allowing him to do so. Bulldogs fans are fuming that Matt Burton is once again 18th man for the Blues in Game 2, given it means he can't play club footy this weekend. Because the 18th man has become such a vital player on game-day and could be called into action if a player is ruled out through an act of foul play, they need to be training with their respective Origin teams all week. The other members of the extended squads are released back to their clubs for the weekend's games, but the 18th man has to stay in camp and remain fully-fit to play. It means Burton will miss a fifth game for the Bulldogs while serving a role for NSW that means he's every chance to sit on the sideline all game. The situation was made even worse for Burton and Bulldogs fans on Thursday when Jarome Luai was parachuted into the starting team to replace the injured Mitchell Moses at five-eighth, despite not being named in the initial squad. Burton was named 18th man earlier this week, and many feel he's been hard done by to not be replacing Moses. Nathan Hindmarsh said on Triple M radio on Thursday: "I've got to feel a little bit disappointed for Burton. He's been carried as 18th man before, just give him a run. I think his combination with Nathan Cleary would have worked alright." RELATED: Laurie Daley's concerning admission about NSW player under cloud Selwyn Cobbo tipped for sad Broncos exit after 'secret meeting' If Burton and the Bulldogs weren't already annoyed enough, a new revelation about Trbojevic will add to the frustration. Michael Chammas of revealed on Thursday night that Turbo was picked as 18th man for Origin 1, but withdrew so he could play for Manly that weekend. It remains to be seen whether the Bulldogs knew that was an option for Burton as well. Trbojevic has been plagued by injury over the last few years and reportedly felt obliged to knock back a spot in the Blues' squad so he could be available for the Sea Eagles against Parramatta. But it seemingly breaks NRL rules around representative games, with players not allowed to withdraw from rep footy unless they're injured or have a compelling reason. The rule reared its head last year when Kalyn Ponga was forced to backflip and make himself available for Kangaroos selection, even though he eventually wasn't picked anyway. "The 18th man shouldn't be selected until the Sunday night before an Origin," Chammas wrote. "Allow the states to pick extended squads as they do now, but send players 18, 19 and 20 back to their clubs. And at the end of the round, having determined everyone's fitness, then decide who [the 18th man] should be." NRL fans made the same argument on social media on Thursday, particularly after Burton was overlooked in favour of Luai to replace Moses. Many described it as a "joke" that Burton can't play for the Bulldogs this weekend, and the revelation about Trbojevic only adds to the controversy. Many pointed out that the 18th man should simply be picked from a team on the bye to avoid any drama, as was the case with Campbell Graham in Game 1 (after Turbo withdrew). So let me get this straight:👉 Burton, 18th man, and is unavailable for Bulldogs.👉Moses gets ruled outObvious thing to do? Request an exemption from the NRL and leave Burton 18th man 💀These rules, and Laurie Daley, are a joke 🤡 DISRESPECTED #stateoforigin — Larry Taylor (@thelarrytaylor) June 12, 2025 Geez Burton must feel awesome. — T Hampshire (@trenthampshire) June 12, 2025 Absolute joke release Burton now!!! 18th man WTAF!!! — Craig Brian Peter Coyle (@cbpcoyle) June 12, 2025 Let them pick THREE after the round and they can use any of the three depending on who is injured. All sides - club and state - get a better a deal. — cowsandguns (@sc_cowsandguns) June 12, 2025 Understand with 19th and 20th But 18th should be fresh. As we've seen with Moses going down. But controversly they have not used the 18th — Rob Cotterill (@robbiecotterill) June 12, 2025 Burton is too valuable at 18th Man. It just makes sense to bring in Luai in this situation. I mean, he's only won 4 Premierships with the 1,7&13 — Mike Scolz (@skulzy87) June 12, 2025
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Daley's admission about Jake Trbojevic and Terrell May after Mitch Barnett blow
NSW coach Laurie Daley is considering former captain Jake Trbojevic and Tigers prop Terrell May as possible replacements for the injured Mitch Barnett having been forced to make a change for State of Origin 2. Fans were left devastated for Barnett after the NSW enforcer went down grasping at his leg on the weekend in the Warriors' win against the Rabbitohs. The Warriors forward was one of the best players for NSW with his aggression helping his team win field territory against Queensland in Origin 1. But after being ruled out for the rest of the season, Daley has been forced to look elsewhere to fill the position. Bulldogs prop Max King will likely shift to the starting side alongside Game 1 player-of-the-match Payne Haas, which leaves a front-row position available on the bench. Stefano Utoikamanu was a surprise selection in the NSW squad for Game 1, with many stunned Daley didn't go with May. Utoikamanu was on standby for Haas due to a quad injury, but Haas was later ruled fit to play. Speaking on Tuesday, Daley suggested Utoikamanu could slot right onto the bench having already been around camp for the series opener. However he didn't rule out bringing former captain Trbojevic back into the fold as NSW look to seal the series in Perth. Trbojevic captained NSW to the series win last year, but played very few minutes across the three games. The forward was on the cusp of being dropped for Game 1, but he suffered a concussion playing for club team Manly and it ended his chances of playing at Suncorp. Daley suggested on Tuesday that the experience of the former NSW captain could be handy for Game 2 in Perth. He also said May and Souths prop Keaon Koloamatangi will come into calculations amid some brilliant form at NRL level. 'You've got Terrell May there who has been playing some really good football this year for the Tigers,' Daley said on SEN Radio. 'We had Stefano (Utoikamanu) in camp… Stefano was going to come in if Payne (Haas) didn't come up so he's obviously one of the front runners. 'Keaon Koloamatangi's been excellent the last few weeks. He's another one we're looking at. Jake (Trbojevic) hasn't played football, but we're hoping he may be able to get some football this weekend and if he does, then I'm sure that a guy of his experience and leadership will come up in conversations as well.' Trbojevic's inclusion would raise some eyebrows with a number of front-rowers certainly exceeding his efforts in 2025. Across the last few weeks, Koloamatangi has arguably been the standout forward of the competition. Koloamatangi was moved to prop in recent weeks and has thrown up some barnstorming efforts having run for more than 200 metres in his last three games. On average he has made more than 40 tackles per game and scored against the Warriors on the weekend. Few could argue Koloamatangi deserves a call-up, but May has also been strong to start the season. But Daley is looking for that aggression that Barnett brought, which doesn't translate to stats. 'I think some of the work that Mitch (Barnett) did… when you go back and review the tape, some of the things you miss on game night,' Daley said. 'When you go back and analyze it, you just look at what he provided for the team. He was great and that to me is where it starts upfront, isn't it?" RELATED: Laurie Daley urged to backflip after NSW forward ruled out of Origin NRL fans left saddened over news about Tim Sheens and Robbie Farah Speaking after the announcement of his NSW Game 1 squad, Daley defended his decision to omit May. 'I think it was more about the fact that other players have been playing particularly well. Max King, what he's been able to do has been excellent," the coach said. "Terrell's playing some really good football and like all the others he's just got to keep banging down the door and his opportunity will come at some stage, But we just thought at this stage in Game 1 that's the team we wanted to go with. Max Deserves his chance. Stefano has really improved out of sight the past couple of weeks.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Trainer at centre of State of Origin incident unmasked as former NSW player's brother
The NSW trainer who copped a stern warning from referee Ashley Klein in State of Origin 1 on Wednesday night has been revealed as Robbie Farah's brother. Eddie Farah was running the water for the Blues at Suncorp Stadium, and found himself at the centre of controversy late in the second half. Klein could be heard telling the trainer: "Do that again and you won't come back on." Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans was also none-too pleased with Farah's actions. The trainer's actions weren't picked up clearly on TV cameras, but it's believed he picked up the ball and handed it to Mitchell Moses before a Queensland scrum 10 metres out. Moses then threw the ball away, before Farah is believed to have booted it over the dead-ball line. Cherry-Evans was seen pointing towards the trainer before Klein beckoned him over and issued him with a warning. "Trainer, if you do that again you will not come back on the field," the referee stated. Cameron Smith said on Channel 9: "A little bit of gamesmanship happening there." There was also a suggestion Farah might have sprayed water on the ball, but that was merely speculation. Farah was seen being spoken to by an NRL official on the sideline after running off the field. RELATED: Daly Cherry-Evans responds amid call to axe Queensland captain 'Absolute joke': Fans fume over post-match moment after Origin 1 The delay in proceedings might have worked a treat for the Blues, with Valentine Holmes being bundled over the sideline on the first play after the scrum. However Jeremiah Nanai forced an error from Latrell Mitchell on the very next play, and Xavier Coates scored in the corner. Farah was the head physiotherapist at South Sydney from 2006 to 2023, before taking on the same role for the Blues in 2024. His brother Robbie played 303 NRL games (277 for the Wests Tigers) and 16 State of Origin games for the Blues. The incident on Wednesday night came amid increased scrutiny around the actions of trainers, with Shane Elford of the Panthers and Mitchell Dunn of the Cowboys hit with one-game bans recently for spraying water on the ball. The two NRL clubs were also fined $10,000 each after the actions of the trainers was captured on camera during a game in Round 10. The NRL sent a stern reminder to all clubs about the expected behaviour of trainers after Elford and Dunn were caught trying to give their teams an unfair advantage and make the ball slippery for their opponents. 'The NRL has issued North Queensland Cowboys and Penrith Panthers with breach notices relating to the actions of club trainers in round 10,' a statement from the NRL read. 'The breach notices propose a fine for each club of $10,000 and a two-match suspension for each trainer involved (one match suspended). The NRL has also reminded all clubs about the limitations of the roles of trainers on match days. Any action, other than those permitted under the NRL rules, may be considered a breach liable to sanctions.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nathan Cleary reveals 'unfortunate' news about Mary Fowler as girlfriend jumps ship
Nathan Cleary has revealed girlfriend Mary Fowler has jumped ship and will be supporting NSW in State of Origin - despite being born in Queensland. But the Blues halfback also revealed 'unfortunate' news that she won't be in attendance for Game 1 in Brisbane. Fowler is a proud Queenslander and was born in Cairns, but she's switched her State of Origin allegiances to support her boyfriend. Cleary will return to the Origin arena to lead NSW against Queensland, after missing the entire 2024 series due to injury. Currently in England rehabbing her knee after an ACL injury, Fowler phoned Cleary on Sunday night to congratulate him on his selection. And she had one very important request - that he send her a NSW jersey. 'I'm gonna have to (send her a jersey), I reckon. She's already put in the request, so I think I'm gonna have to,' Cleary told on Monday. "She reckons she is going for the Blues, so I think I have swung her." Fowler's defection is easy to understand considering she already plays for the Blues herself - English club Manchester City. And while the Matildas star has been in Australia in recent weeks catching up with Cleary and her family, she's likely to be abroad when Origin 1 kicks off on May 28. RELATED: Laurie Daley under fire over second brutal act towards Terrell May Billy Slater's dagger for Michael Maguire with eye-opening move Had she not been injured she would have been free to attend, but City's medical team are keen to have her back in the UK for her rehab. 'I don't think so,' Cleary said when asked if Fowler would be at any of the Origin games this year. 'It's pretty unfortunate because she was meant to be back last week, so she would have been able to come to the game. But, yeah, she's sort of attacking her rehab at the moment and hopefully she can get back at some stage, but nothing is confirmed yet.' Cleary will team up with Mitchell Moses in the halves for NSW, after Moses and Jarome Luai led the Blues to a series triumph last year. Moses came in for the second and third games, combining lethally with Luai as NSW came back to win 2-1. But Cleary's availability means there's no room for Luai this year, who hasn't been in great form for Wests Tigers. Moses will play his sixth game of Origin footy on Wednesday week - but his first in a series opener. "I haven't played in a Game 1 before, so I'm excited for that and go up there and hopefully do a job on them," he told reporters on Monday. "It's a good moment [the 2024 series win] - I don't think it's a defining moment. "It was a good moment to have and to win the series up there, but that series is gone and done and moving on from there and we'll look to do a job this year. It gives you a bit of confidence I guess, but it's a new series and new team." On playing with Cleary he said: "Any time you can play with a player of his calibre, it's massive and I'm really excited about that. I'm excited to even learn off a player like Nathan. "He's a quality player and I'm excited for the challenge. He competes on every play, he's the ultimate competitor and he's shown that pretty much his whole career. It's exciting to play with a player like that, who doesn't leave anything to chance out on the field."
