Latest news with #Rebels
Geek Tyrant
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
ANDOR Fans Say the Show Reframes a Major Cassian and Jyn Moment in ROGUE ONE — GeekTyrant
'Andor has truly increased the depth and meaning of anything it touches.' That's how Star Wars fans are describing the emotional ripple effect Andor has had across the galaxy, especially when it comes to one key moment in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story . Rewatching the film after Andor Season 2 has been a revelation for many, casting old scenes in a new, much heavier light. Specifically, fans are pointing to the moment when Jyn Erso confronts Cassian Andor aboard the stolen Imperial ship after escaping Eadu. It's the heat of the moment, her father Galen has just died in her arms, and she's furious to learn Cassian was sent to assassinate him. But now, through the lens of Andor, this clash hits differently. One fan posted on Reddit: 'Rewatching Rogue One for the first time since finishing Andor S2. The scene where they escape Eadu in the stolen Imperial ship and Jyn confronts Cassian about her father's death reads so differently to me with the context of the show. Before I thought Cassian was in the wrong, and his indignation at Jyn's accusations further proved that. 'But now it feels like Jyn is naive, and Cassian has just gone through the most intense few days of his years as a rebel, and he's had it. Both of them partially right and both of them a bit wrong. But Cassian in particular has sacrificed too much at this point to be lectured, not when the stakes are this big and so close. Anyway, I love that it feels like Andor has truly increased the depth and meaning of anything it touches.' That shift in perspective seems to be widely shared. Another fan chimed in: 'I had a similar reaction rewatching Rogue One after Andor. His speech helped me see how our experiences shape the way we feel moments. 'That's what made Cassian so mysterious at first watch I'm thinking —what had he lost, what weight was he carrying? At first, it seemed like Jyn had the darkest past, but Andor shows that the Empire takes from everyone.' That's been one of the coolest things about Andor , its ability to shade in the corners of the rebellion and give emotional weight to the political. The same Reddit thread also points out how both Jyn and Cassian share similar trajectories, despite coming from different worlds. 'Jyn basically goes through a condensed character arc that's the same as Cassian—aka wanting to avoid the rebellion before realizing they have no choice but to fight.' Another agreed: 'This right here is one of my favorite parts of RO and Andor. That Jyn and Cassian have been through a similar journey. It makes RO even better for me.' Andor hasn't just deepened Cassian's story, it's retroactively elevated Rogue One. The choices, the trauma, the urgency, all of it carries a sharper edge now that fans know what came before. All episodes of Andor Season 2 are now streaming on Disney+. So if you haven't already… it might be time for a Rogue One rewatch. Just don't be surprised if it hits you a little harder this time.
The Age
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
From Dengue fever to Lions bolter? The burning questions around the Wallabies squad
One big unit who has caught the eye in the second-half of the year is the Brumbies' Tuaina Taii Tualima, a giant back-rower who came from the Rebels. Tualima only played half the year after catching dengue fever in the Brumbies' trip to Fiji early in the season, but was a trusted starter for Stephen Larkham in the run home and finals. Tualima is a strong ball carrier and good lineout target, but back row is arguably the most competitive bracket of all. You'd probably have to class James O'Connor as a bolter if he was picked as a utility/playmaker option, having last played for the Wallabies in 2022. Will Taniela Tupou make it? Yes, is the short answer. Tupou has not had a great year but props with his build and experience – 145kg and 59 Test caps – don't grow on trees, so it's hard to see him missing out on one of the probable 6-7 prop spots in the initial squad. Loading The Wallabies' depth up front is not strong enough to ignore Tupou. Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper and Angus Bell are certainties, and Tom Robertson should also return. Then you have Tom Lambert, Zane Nonnggor and Isaac Kailea. And Tupou, whose main issues seem to be more mental than physical and thus alluringly resolvable for Schmidt and Mike Cron. A powerhouse stint from Tupou off the bench, in a series where scrum dominance will be golden, would be the ideal scenario. Will there be high-profile omissions? Rob Leota's injuries last year, and into this season, are likely to see him miss out in the highly competitive back row, and five-eighth Tane Edmed – who played for the Wallabies in the last Test of 2024 – could be a victim of modest game time for the Waratahs this year. There'll be no shortage of strong – but unlucky – candidates. Darcy Swain and Josh Canham will likely duel for a lock spot, and a Test hooker will also end up as surplus to needs, with Matt Faessler, Billy Pollard, Dave Porecki, Lachlan Lonergan and Brandon Paenga-Amosa all in the frame. Marika Koroibete is also a chance of being overlooked, given the strength and depth in the outside backs. Brumbies speedster Corey Toole is also another right on the cusp. Will there be Giteau Law picks? It's a sign of the increasing quality in Australia's Super Rugby ranks that there has been far less discussion about the numbers of overseas-based players needed to take on the Lions. In the win over England last year, for example, there weren't any on the field. The numbers won't be big. Will Skelton is a certainty, and he is already back in the country. Samu Kerevi is also a strong chance after an impressive season for Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan, and has been training at Ballymore this week. Koroibete was once the first picked, but he was off the pace last year and has been hampered by injury this season in Japan. Who will be the playmakers? Pending fitness after a head knock in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final, Noah Lolesio has done enough to hold down his starting spot, even though he's leaving Australian rugby next season and may subsequently be overlooked for the Rugby Championship. The two deputies will be between Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh, Edmed and James O'Connor – probably in that order. Michael Hooper is a big fan of Bernard Foley, too, and said on the Inside Line show he'd have the former NSW and Wallabies star – who is still going strong in Japan – in the squad. Will there be a new captain? We won't find out in the squad naming, and Schmidt won't show his hand until naming the side for the Fiji Test. There has been speculation around a change of captain, but if Harry Wilson is fit, he should retain the armnband under an overall theme of consistency from Schmidt. Allan Alaalatoa would be the next pick. Both are hugely admired as leaders in the Wallabies system. Where will Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii play? Centre. Though Suaalii played at No.15 for the Waratahs, and did it well, there is no need for him in that role for the Wallabies, with Tom Wright in superb form. There is a need in the centres, however; the area where Australia's depth is arguably at its shallowest. Suaalii and Len Ikitau would be odds-on to re-unite, with Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook and Samu Kerevi in the mix after that.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
From Dengue fever to Lions bolter? The burning questions around the Wallabies squad
One big unit who has caught the eye in the second-half of the year is the Brumbies' Tuaina Taii Tualima, a giant back-rower who came from the Rebels. Tualima only played half the year after catching dengue fever in the Brumbies' trip to Fiji early in the season, but was a trusted starter for Stephen Larkham in the run home and finals. Tualima is a strong ball carrier and good lineout target, but back row is arguably the most competitive bracket of all. You'd probably have to class James O'Connor as a bolter if he was picked as a utility/playmaker option, having last played for the Wallabies in 2022. Will Taniela Tupou make it? Yes, is the short answer. Tupou has not had a great year but props with his build and experience – 145kg and 59 Test caps – don't grow on trees, so it's hard to see him missing out on one of the probable 6-7 prop spots in the initial squad. Loading The Wallabies' depth up front is not strong enough to ignore Tupou. Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper and Angus Bell are certainties, and Tom Robertson should also return. Then you have Tom Lambert, Zane Nonnggor and Isaac Kailea. And Tupou, whose main issues seem to be more mental than physical and thus alluringly resolvable for Schmidt and Mike Cron. A powerhouse stint from Tupou off the bench, in a series where scrum dominance will be golden, would be the ideal scenario. Will there be high-profile omissions? Rob Leota's injuries last year, and into this season, are likely to see him miss out in the highly competitive back row, and five-eighth Tane Edmed – who played for the Wallabies in the last Test of 2024 – could be a victim of modest game time for the Waratahs this year. There'll be no shortage of strong – but unlucky – candidates. Darcy Swain and Josh Canham will likely duel for a lock spot, and a Test hooker will also end up as surplus to needs, with Matt Faessler, Billy Pollard, Dave Porecki, Lachlan Lonergan and Brandon Paenga-Amosa all in the frame. Marika Koroibete is also a chance of being overlooked, given the strength and depth in the outside backs. Brumbies speedster Corey Toole is also another right on the cusp. Will there be Giteau Law picks? It's a sign of the increasing quality in Australia's Super Rugby ranks that there has been far less discussion about the numbers of overseas-based players needed to take on the Lions. In the win over England last year, for example, there weren't any on the field. The numbers won't be big. Will Skelton is a certainty, and he is already back in the country. Samu Kerevi is also a strong chance after an impressive season for Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan, and has been training at Ballymore this week. Koroibete was once the first picked, but he was off the pace last year and has been hampered by injury this season in Japan. Who will be the playmakers? Pending fitness after a head knock in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final, Noah Lolesio has done enough to hold down his starting spot, even though he's leaving Australian rugby next season and may subsequently be overlooked for the Rugby Championship. The two deputies will be between Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh, Edmed and James O'Connor – probably in that order. Michael Hooper is a big fan of Bernard Foley, too, and said on the Inside Line show he'd have the former NSW and Wallabies star – who is still going strong in Japan – in the squad. Will there be a new captain? We won't find out in the squad naming, and Schmidt won't show his hand until naming the side for the Fiji Test. There has been speculation around a change of captain, but if Harry Wilson is fit, he should retain the armnband under an overall theme of consistency from Schmidt. Allan Alaalatoa would be the next pick. Both are hugely admired as leaders in the Wallabies system. Where will Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii play? Centre. Though Suaalii played at No.15 for the Waratahs, and did it well, there is no need for him in that role for the Wallabies, with Tom Wright in superb form. There is a need in the centres, however; the area where Australia's depth is arguably at its shallowest. Suaalii and Len Ikitau would be odds-on to re-unite, with Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook and Samu Kerevi in the mix after that.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
John Cleary hails Cork's resilience in eking out narrow win against Roscommon
Cork manager John Cleary was pleased by the manner in which his side held on to defeat Roscommon and in doing so book a place in the All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-finals. The Rebels knew they had to claim a victory at Laois Hire O'Moore Park to stay in the race for Sam Maguire and that's what they achieved after a 0-19 to 0-17 victory. Five unanswered points before the break alongside their ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over in the third quarter, stretching their advantage to six points at one stage, gave John Cleary's side a buffer that the Rossies couldn't overcome. Roscommon came with a late rally but, just like the Meath game, their efficiency in front of goal let them down as they spurned a host of presentable chances. Daniel O'Mahony's late block on a Diarmuid Murtagh two-point effort at the death was pivotal. Cork will now go into Monday's draw, knowing that they will be on their travels next week as they aim to keep their season going. Relief was in the air afterwards, with Cleary telling RTÉ Sport: "It was fairly heart-stopping at the end. It came down to the last play and we made a great block down. They were going for the two-pointer." "They showed great bottle" - Cork delivered against Roscommon today to keep their summer alive #RTEgaa — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 14, 2025 In assessing the overall contest, the Rebels boss felt he side deserved it, stating that they were due a win in such circumstances. "In the first half I thought we should have been out of sight but we missed our scores," he said. "We had a great first 20 minutes of the second half and then we were hanging on, a few mistakes. It was that kind of game, the ball was slippery, the ball was wet. We got over the line. We needed that win, we were due that win. We have another day out." The spirit shown by his charges also pleased the manager, when adding: "We asked them not to die and that's what we wanted to do, we didn't die. "This team was due a win like that because for too often, coming down the line, we have left games behind us. Going back to Louth last year (preliminary quarter-final), it was a close game. We're happy out, we'll see what the draw brings on Monday." Special praise from Cleary for midfielder Com O'Callaghan and attacker Mark Cronin also featured prominently in his post-match debrief. "Colm was a colossus. He gives 110% all the time and he'll never be found wanting when the pressure is on. A great lad, made of the right stuff. "Things did not go right for Mark the last day. He showed what he can day. He's a very good player." Cleary's counterpart Davy Burke was offering no excuse following the Rossies' exit. "We've come out of the group with one point. It's not enough to progress. We got promoted this year and I think that was glossed over by the media. We blooded a huge amount of players but overall it;s disappointing to exit the championship at this stage of the season."
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Boys who love a scrap': Concern over the rise of backyard fight clubs
'The authority will be taking compliance action against the organisers and all registered combatants that participated in the contest. The authority will continue to remain vigilant in its efforts to regulate the NSW combat sports industry to minimise harm to combatants and ensure the integrity of combat sport contests.' A person who holds a combat sports contest without a permit in NSW can be fined up to $40,000 or jailed for a year, or both. As well as concerns about safety, unlicensed fighting has also been linked to illegal gambling. Boxing Australia, the national federation for amateur boxing, said it did not support any form of unsanctioned combat sport. 'BA prioritises the safety of athletes and the integrity of our events and processes above all else. It is of obvious concern to see unregulated fights being conducted without the correct medical and technical supervision that underpins all of our supported tournaments,' Boxing Australia chief executive Dinah Glykidis said. 'We would strongly encourage anyone who wants to participate in boxing to contact any of the accredited gyms and coaches we have all over Australia, not put their health at risk for the entertainment of others on social media.' Valeri previously made headlines for starting a relationship with female prison guard Melissa Goodwin at Silverwater Correctional Complex during a two-month stay at its maximum-security remand and reception facility. An alleged former Rebels bikie associate, he told ex-bank robber Russell Manser's podcast in 2023 that he'd turned his back on a life of crime and wanted to be a role model for youth. Combatants wore mixed martial arts gloves in the Hood Contender, which was launched on June 7 and inspired by a backyard fight league in New Zealand, run by Kiwi UFC competitor Dan Hooker, that has become an online sensation. Professional fighters were not permitted to enter and organisers said there were other fight days planned. Mundine's proposed World Bare Knuckle Fighting series has warned that there could be further instances of off-the-books fights if a regulated form of hand-on-hand combat was not approved. 'It's forcing it underground, and it's only a matter of time until someone gets seriously injured,' said Oliver Joseski, one of Mundine's business partners. 'You only have to look at TikTok, Instagram … they're advertising it everywhere.' The separate Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, in which McGregor is a part owner, has drawn large crowds in the United States, Britain and Spain since its founding in 2018, but this month it had an application for a first Australian show in Perth rejected by Western Australia's Combat Sports Commission. Mundine's group has lobbied the Minns government and other states to give the green light to bare knuckle boxing, making a detailed submission in March to the Combat Sports Authority of NSW. It included concussion, medical and safety protocols, the establishment of a sanctioning body and constitution and an endorsement from retired Sydney GP Lou Lewis, a renowned ringside doctor. Lewis said that despite the bloodiness and brutal perception of bare knuckle boxing, it carried less risk of brain trauma than regular boxing with gloves because bouts were shorter and there were fewer sustained blows to the head. 'With any combat sport there is going to be an element of danger,' Mundine said. 'We've done all our research and studies on both arts, and it's come up even safer.' Loading The NSW government has a $16 million deal with the UFC for three events, the second of which took place in February, and Premier Chris Minns has embraced the global cage fighting powerhouse despite the controversy it attracts, saying not all Sydneysiders were interested in the arts scene and many liked mixed martial arts. The Combat Sports Authority of NSW said it was weighing up the merits of bare-knuckle boxing. 'The authority is considering the application [from Mundine's World Bare Knuckle Fighting] which includes obtaining advice from the authority's medical advisory committee in respect to health and safety of combatants,' a spokesperson said.
