Latest news with #ex-NRL
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
From $155m drug sting to bush footy: Ex-NRL revealed as signing after released from jail
One of the most well-known surnames in rugby league is now part of the Peter McDonald Premiership. The Nyngan Tigers have confirmed ex-NRL player Jamil Hopoate has signed on for the rest of the 2025 season. The signing is a hugely controversial one, given Hopoate was only released from jail last October after serving more than two years in jail for a commercial drug supply charge. The Tigers are aware some will criticise the signing, but the club has been impressed by the 30-year-old in a number of conversations. The signing and move to Nyngan also had to be cleared by NSW Police, given Hopoate remains on parole. Nyngan co-captain-coach James Tuitahi has known Hopoate since the pair were both teenagers, and they also spent time together in the lower grades at Parramatta and Manly. "He's been in the media for the wrong reasons, but he's doing well now," Tuitahi said. "Everyone has a past, but it seems like he's really making a positive change. "There had to be meetings beforehand, and like any signing, it's about the bigger picture, and it's not just about footy. It's about the character of the people we're going to sign, which is a big thing for us. "He's trying to turn his life around, he's got two kids, and hopefully he'll learn a bit from these fellas out here." Hopoate is the son of rugby league bad boy John Hopoate, while his brothers William and Albert have also played in the NRL. Jamil played 12 games for the Brisbane Broncos before being released at the end of the 2020 season and his professional career was littered with controversies. Police said Hopoate was a person of "reasonable significance" in a plot to import more than half a tonne of cocaine. He was accused of being part of a trio, who were charged over a massive 514 kilogram haul of cocaine, which was hidden in a consignment of toolboxes sent to Sydney. The drugs had an estimated street value of almost $155 million. He was most recently arrested at gunpoint in 2021 after a police operation that involved swapping the 8kg of cocaine Hopoate was transporting with a fake substance. The NSW district court heard Hopoate was paid $10,000 to be a courier. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to seven offences, including two counts of common assault - domestic violence. He was eventually jailed for three months after breaching the terms of his intensive corrections order. That came after he was previously sent to prison for at least one year for an unprovoked attack outside a Manly pub in 2014. Those charges and other negative headlines resulted in him being sacked at Parramatta and Manly before playing an NRL match at either club. Hopoate hasn't played rugby league since being released from jail, but it's hoped the move to Nyngan can benefit both player and club. The backrower will remain living in Sydney and travel to play for the Tigers each week. Tuitahi and the club are hopeful time in the country and getting back to footy will help the 30-year-old as he continues to work to make amends. For the Tigers, Hopoate provides a much-needed shot of experience and boosts the club's depleted depth. The Tuitahi and Jacob Neill-led side has struggled with injuries in 2025 and currently sits one point outside the top eight after eight rounds. Nyngan has struggled to field the same halves combination in two successive weeks so far this season, while talented young backrower Cale Dunn will likely miss the rest of the campaign due to a knee injury. "He brings a bit more experience, and it will just give confidence to the other boys," Tuitahi said. "We definitely have the team (to play finals), it's just the injuries that have knocked us around. "We're lucky we've had the numbers, but we haven't had the experience, so it's a massive boost to have Jamil on board." Tuitahi said the club would be open to extending Hopoate's deal beyond this season should he impress on and off the field. Hopoate will make his debut for Nyngan on Sunday, June 22, when the Tigers head to Forbes to take on the competition leaders. One of the most well-known surnames in rugby league is now part of the Peter McDonald Premiership. The Nyngan Tigers have confirmed ex-NRL player Jamil Hopoate has signed on for the rest of the 2025 season. The signing is a hugely controversial one, given Hopoate was only released from jail last October after serving more than two years in jail for a commercial drug supply charge. The Tigers are aware some will criticise the signing, but the club has been impressed by the 30-year-old in a number of conversations. The signing and move to Nyngan also had to be cleared by NSW Police, given Hopoate remains on parole. Nyngan co-captain-coach James Tuitahi has known Hopoate since the pair were both teenagers, and they also spent time together in the lower grades at Parramatta and Manly. "He's been in the media for the wrong reasons, but he's doing well now," Tuitahi said. "Everyone has a past, but it seems like he's really making a positive change. "There had to be meetings beforehand, and like any signing, it's about the bigger picture, and it's not just about footy. It's about the character of the people we're going to sign, which is a big thing for us. "He's trying to turn his life around, he's got two kids, and hopefully he'll learn a bit from these fellas out here." Hopoate is the son of rugby league bad boy John Hopoate, while his brothers William and Albert have also played in the NRL. Jamil played 12 games for the Brisbane Broncos before being released at the end of the 2020 season and his professional career was littered with controversies. Police said Hopoate was a person of "reasonable significance" in a plot to import more than half a tonne of cocaine. He was accused of being part of a trio, who were charged over a massive 514 kilogram haul of cocaine, which was hidden in a consignment of toolboxes sent to Sydney. The drugs had an estimated street value of almost $155 million. He was most recently arrested at gunpoint in 2021 after a police operation that involved swapping the 8kg of cocaine Hopoate was transporting with a fake substance. The NSW district court heard Hopoate was paid $10,000 to be a courier. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to seven offences, including two counts of common assault - domestic violence. He was eventually jailed for three months after breaching the terms of his intensive corrections order. That came after he was previously sent to prison for at least one year for an unprovoked attack outside a Manly pub in 2014. Those charges and other negative headlines resulted in him being sacked at Parramatta and Manly before playing an NRL match at either club. Hopoate hasn't played rugby league since being released from jail, but it's hoped the move to Nyngan can benefit both player and club. The backrower will remain living in Sydney and travel to play for the Tigers each week. Tuitahi and the club are hopeful time in the country and getting back to footy will help the 30-year-old as he continues to work to make amends. For the Tigers, Hopoate provides a much-needed shot of experience and boosts the club's depleted depth. The Tuitahi and Jacob Neill-led side has struggled with injuries in 2025 and currently sits one point outside the top eight after eight rounds. Nyngan has struggled to field the same halves combination in two successive weeks so far this season, while talented young backrower Cale Dunn will likely miss the rest of the campaign due to a knee injury. "He brings a bit more experience, and it will just give confidence to the other boys," Tuitahi said. "We definitely have the team (to play finals), it's just the injuries that have knocked us around. "We're lucky we've had the numbers, but we haven't had the experience, so it's a massive boost to have Jamil on board." Tuitahi said the club would be open to extending Hopoate's deal beyond this season should he impress on and off the field. Hopoate will make his debut for Nyngan on Sunday, June 22, when the Tigers head to Forbes to take on the competition leaders. One of the most well-known surnames in rugby league is now part of the Peter McDonald Premiership. The Nyngan Tigers have confirmed ex-NRL player Jamil Hopoate has signed on for the rest of the 2025 season. The signing is a hugely controversial one, given Hopoate was only released from jail last October after serving more than two years in jail for a commercial drug supply charge. The Tigers are aware some will criticise the signing, but the club has been impressed by the 30-year-old in a number of conversations. The signing and move to Nyngan also had to be cleared by NSW Police, given Hopoate remains on parole. Nyngan co-captain-coach James Tuitahi has known Hopoate since the pair were both teenagers, and they also spent time together in the lower grades at Parramatta and Manly. "He's been in the media for the wrong reasons, but he's doing well now," Tuitahi said. "Everyone has a past, but it seems like he's really making a positive change. "There had to be meetings beforehand, and like any signing, it's about the bigger picture, and it's not just about footy. It's about the character of the people we're going to sign, which is a big thing for us. "He's trying to turn his life around, he's got two kids, and hopefully he'll learn a bit from these fellas out here." Hopoate is the son of rugby league bad boy John Hopoate, while his brothers William and Albert have also played in the NRL. Jamil played 12 games for the Brisbane Broncos before being released at the end of the 2020 season and his professional career was littered with controversies. Police said Hopoate was a person of "reasonable significance" in a plot to import more than half a tonne of cocaine. He was accused of being part of a trio, who were charged over a massive 514 kilogram haul of cocaine, which was hidden in a consignment of toolboxes sent to Sydney. The drugs had an estimated street value of almost $155 million. He was most recently arrested at gunpoint in 2021 after a police operation that involved swapping the 8kg of cocaine Hopoate was transporting with a fake substance. The NSW district court heard Hopoate was paid $10,000 to be a courier. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to seven offences, including two counts of common assault - domestic violence. He was eventually jailed for three months after breaching the terms of his intensive corrections order. That came after he was previously sent to prison for at least one year for an unprovoked attack outside a Manly pub in 2014. Those charges and other negative headlines resulted in him being sacked at Parramatta and Manly before playing an NRL match at either club. Hopoate hasn't played rugby league since being released from jail, but it's hoped the move to Nyngan can benefit both player and club. The backrower will remain living in Sydney and travel to play for the Tigers each week. Tuitahi and the club are hopeful time in the country and getting back to footy will help the 30-year-old as he continues to work to make amends. For the Tigers, Hopoate provides a much-needed shot of experience and boosts the club's depleted depth. The Tuitahi and Jacob Neill-led side has struggled with injuries in 2025 and currently sits one point outside the top eight after eight rounds. Nyngan has struggled to field the same halves combination in two successive weeks so far this season, while talented young backrower Cale Dunn will likely miss the rest of the campaign due to a knee injury. "He brings a bit more experience, and it will just give confidence to the other boys," Tuitahi said. "We definitely have the team (to play finals), it's just the injuries that have knocked us around. "We're lucky we've had the numbers, but we haven't had the experience, so it's a massive boost to have Jamil on board." Tuitahi said the club would be open to extending Hopoate's deal beyond this season should he impress on and off the field. Hopoate will make his debut for Nyngan on Sunday, June 22, when the Tigers head to Forbes to take on the competition leaders.
The Advertiser
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Origin star stops 'creepy' NRL teammate groping woman
A former NRL player acquitted of rape has admitted groping a woman on a night out with Brisbane players, prompting teammate Patrick Carrigan to intervene. Teui "TC" Robati, 23, has been sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting the woman at a bar in a "creepy" incident witnessed by former Broncos skipper Carrigan. The ex-NRL backrower made the admission minutes after being found not guilty of two counts of raping a different woman in another incident days earlier. Robati on Wednesday pleaded guilty to indecently groping a 21-year-old woman's breast at a Brisbane bar on the night of December 21, 2022. His then-teammate - Queensland State of Origin forward Carrigan - saw Robati assault the woman and stepped in to stop him, Brisbane District Court was told. Judge William Everson told Robati his offending was "brazen and quite frankly creepy", leaving the victim feeling completely violated. "Your conduct demonstrates a very disrespectful attitude toward women," Judge Everson said. Robati had earlier been on trial charged with rape over the separate incident. Robati on Monday pleaded not guilty to raping a woman twice in the disabled toilet of a pub in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley on December 11, 2022. Defence barrister David Funch had told the jury it was accepted Robati had sexual contact with the woman after exposing himself but he thought he had consent. "It's poor behaviour but poor behaviour does not make you a rapist," Mr Funch said. The jury had deliberated for nine hours since Tuesday following a trial lasting one-and-a-half days. Robati made his NRL debut in 2021 after shining for Brisbane affiliate club Wynnum-Manly in the Queensland Cup. He played 10 NRL games in 2021 and backed it up with a further seven in 2022 after making that year's Maori All Stars team. The New Zealand-born forward had signed an extension until the end of 2024 but was axed by the Broncos in February 2023, before the NRL season started. Mr Funch had earlier told Judge Everson Robati had "lost everything" and was working in road construction and food packaging. "He remains hopeful of resuming his professional career and he has been in discussion with one other NRL team located in Sydney," Mr Funch said. "He has been informed by his manager that once these charges are finalised then he can resume his hopes of a professional career." Mr Funch asked Judge Everson not to record a conviction against Robati owing to his disadvantaged background while growing up in New Zealand. "He was a young man thrust into the limelight, all of a sudden enjoying fame and fortune, lined with the attention of others combined with alcohol," he said. "In the surreal position with fame at such a young age he was not equipped to handle himself appropriately." In sentencing, Judge Everson said he needed to send a message society condemned those who assaulted women. "That you felt entitled to sexually assault a woman is most concerning," he said. Judge Everson said he was reluctant to affect Robati's rehabilitation and did not record a conviction for his "reprehensible behaviour". "You are still a young man, you are hoping to rehabilitate yourself and resurrect your football career," he said. Robati walked from court after being sentenced to a two-year probation order. His legal representative outside court said Robati thanked the jury for its rape trial verdict and he was ready to move on with his life. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 A former NRL player acquitted of rape has admitted groping a woman on a night out with Brisbane players, prompting teammate Patrick Carrigan to intervene. Teui "TC" Robati, 23, has been sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting the woman at a bar in a "creepy" incident witnessed by former Broncos skipper Carrigan. The ex-NRL backrower made the admission minutes after being found not guilty of two counts of raping a different woman in another incident days earlier. Robati on Wednesday pleaded guilty to indecently groping a 21-year-old woman's breast at a Brisbane bar on the night of December 21, 2022. His then-teammate - Queensland State of Origin forward Carrigan - saw Robati assault the woman and stepped in to stop him, Brisbane District Court was told. Judge William Everson told Robati his offending was "brazen and quite frankly creepy", leaving the victim feeling completely violated. "Your conduct demonstrates a very disrespectful attitude toward women," Judge Everson said. Robati had earlier been on trial charged with rape over the separate incident. Robati on Monday pleaded not guilty to raping a woman twice in the disabled toilet of a pub in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley on December 11, 2022. Defence barrister David Funch had told the jury it was accepted Robati had sexual contact with the woman after exposing himself but he thought he had consent. "It's poor behaviour but poor behaviour does not make you a rapist," Mr Funch said. The jury had deliberated for nine hours since Tuesday following a trial lasting one-and-a-half days. Robati made his NRL debut in 2021 after shining for Brisbane affiliate club Wynnum-Manly in the Queensland Cup. He played 10 NRL games in 2021 and backed it up with a further seven in 2022 after making that year's Maori All Stars team. The New Zealand-born forward had signed an extension until the end of 2024 but was axed by the Broncos in February 2023, before the NRL season started. Mr Funch had earlier told Judge Everson Robati had "lost everything" and was working in road construction and food packaging. "He remains hopeful of resuming his professional career and he has been in discussion with one other NRL team located in Sydney," Mr Funch said. "He has been informed by his manager that once these charges are finalised then he can resume his hopes of a professional career." Mr Funch asked Judge Everson not to record a conviction against Robati owing to his disadvantaged background while growing up in New Zealand. "He was a young man thrust into the limelight, all of a sudden enjoying fame and fortune, lined with the attention of others combined with alcohol," he said. "In the surreal position with fame at such a young age he was not equipped to handle himself appropriately." In sentencing, Judge Everson said he needed to send a message society condemned those who assaulted women. "That you felt entitled to sexually assault a woman is most concerning," he said. Judge Everson said he was reluctant to affect Robati's rehabilitation and did not record a conviction for his "reprehensible behaviour". "You are still a young man, you are hoping to rehabilitate yourself and resurrect your football career," he said. Robati walked from court after being sentenced to a two-year probation order. His legal representative outside court said Robati thanked the jury for its rape trial verdict and he was ready to move on with his life. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 A former NRL player acquitted of rape has admitted groping a woman on a night out with Brisbane players, prompting teammate Patrick Carrigan to intervene. Teui "TC" Robati, 23, has been sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting the woman at a bar in a "creepy" incident witnessed by former Broncos skipper Carrigan. The ex-NRL backrower made the admission minutes after being found not guilty of two counts of raping a different woman in another incident days earlier. Robati on Wednesday pleaded guilty to indecently groping a 21-year-old woman's breast at a Brisbane bar on the night of December 21, 2022. His then-teammate - Queensland State of Origin forward Carrigan - saw Robati assault the woman and stepped in to stop him, Brisbane District Court was told. Judge William Everson told Robati his offending was "brazen and quite frankly creepy", leaving the victim feeling completely violated. "Your conduct demonstrates a very disrespectful attitude toward women," Judge Everson said. Robati had earlier been on trial charged with rape over the separate incident. Robati on Monday pleaded not guilty to raping a woman twice in the disabled toilet of a pub in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley on December 11, 2022. Defence barrister David Funch had told the jury it was accepted Robati had sexual contact with the woman after exposing himself but he thought he had consent. "It's poor behaviour but poor behaviour does not make you a rapist," Mr Funch said. The jury had deliberated for nine hours since Tuesday following a trial lasting one-and-a-half days. Robati made his NRL debut in 2021 after shining for Brisbane affiliate club Wynnum-Manly in the Queensland Cup. He played 10 NRL games in 2021 and backed it up with a further seven in 2022 after making that year's Maori All Stars team. The New Zealand-born forward had signed an extension until the end of 2024 but was axed by the Broncos in February 2023, before the NRL season started. Mr Funch had earlier told Judge Everson Robati had "lost everything" and was working in road construction and food packaging. "He remains hopeful of resuming his professional career and he has been in discussion with one other NRL team located in Sydney," Mr Funch said. "He has been informed by his manager that once these charges are finalised then he can resume his hopes of a professional career." Mr Funch asked Judge Everson not to record a conviction against Robati owing to his disadvantaged background while growing up in New Zealand. "He was a young man thrust into the limelight, all of a sudden enjoying fame and fortune, lined with the attention of others combined with alcohol," he said. "In the surreal position with fame at such a young age he was not equipped to handle himself appropriately." In sentencing, Judge Everson said he needed to send a message society condemned those who assaulted women. "That you felt entitled to sexually assault a woman is most concerning," he said. Judge Everson said he was reluctant to affect Robati's rehabilitation and did not record a conviction for his "reprehensible behaviour". "You are still a young man, you are hoping to rehabilitate yourself and resurrect your football career," he said. Robati walked from court after being sentenced to a two-year probation order. His legal representative outside court said Robati thanked the jury for its rape trial verdict and he was ready to move on with his life. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 A former NRL player acquitted of rape has admitted groping a woman on a night out with Brisbane players, prompting teammate Patrick Carrigan to intervene. Teui "TC" Robati, 23, has been sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting the woman at a bar in a "creepy" incident witnessed by former Broncos skipper Carrigan. The ex-NRL backrower made the admission minutes after being found not guilty of two counts of raping a different woman in another incident days earlier. Robati on Wednesday pleaded guilty to indecently groping a 21-year-old woman's breast at a Brisbane bar on the night of December 21, 2022. His then-teammate - Queensland State of Origin forward Carrigan - saw Robati assault the woman and stepped in to stop him, Brisbane District Court was told. Judge William Everson told Robati his offending was "brazen and quite frankly creepy", leaving the victim feeling completely violated. "Your conduct demonstrates a very disrespectful attitude toward women," Judge Everson said. Robati had earlier been on trial charged with rape over the separate incident. Robati on Monday pleaded not guilty to raping a woman twice in the disabled toilet of a pub in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley on December 11, 2022. Defence barrister David Funch had told the jury it was accepted Robati had sexual contact with the woman after exposing himself but he thought he had consent. "It's poor behaviour but poor behaviour does not make you a rapist," Mr Funch said. The jury had deliberated for nine hours since Tuesday following a trial lasting one-and-a-half days. Robati made his NRL debut in 2021 after shining for Brisbane affiliate club Wynnum-Manly in the Queensland Cup. He played 10 NRL games in 2021 and backed it up with a further seven in 2022 after making that year's Maori All Stars team. The New Zealand-born forward had signed an extension until the end of 2024 but was axed by the Broncos in February 2023, before the NRL season started. Mr Funch had earlier told Judge Everson Robati had "lost everything" and was working in road construction and food packaging. "He remains hopeful of resuming his professional career and he has been in discussion with one other NRL team located in Sydney," Mr Funch said. "He has been informed by his manager that once these charges are finalised then he can resume his hopes of a professional career." Mr Funch asked Judge Everson not to record a conviction against Robati owing to his disadvantaged background while growing up in New Zealand. "He was a young man thrust into the limelight, all of a sudden enjoying fame and fortune, lined with the attention of others combined with alcohol," he said. "In the surreal position with fame at such a young age he was not equipped to handle himself appropriately." In sentencing, Judge Everson said he needed to send a message society condemned those who assaulted women. "That you felt entitled to sexually assault a woman is most concerning," he said. Judge Everson said he was reluctant to affect Robati's rehabilitation and did not record a conviction for his "reprehensible behaviour". "You are still a young man, you are hoping to rehabilitate yourself and resurrect your football career," he said. Robati walked from court after being sentenced to a two-year probation order. His legal representative outside court said Robati thanked the jury for its rape trial verdict and he was ready to move on with his life. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
The Age
11-06-2025
- The Age
Broncos star stops NRL teammate amid ‘creepy' sexual assault
A former Brisbane Bronco acquitted of rape has admitted groping a woman on a night out with Brisbane players, prompting teammate Patrick Carrigan to intervene. Teui 'TC' Robati, 23, has been sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting the woman at a bar in a 'creepy' incident witnessed by former Broncos skipper Carrigan. The ex-NRL backrower made the admission minutes after being found not guilty of two counts of raping a different woman in another incident days earlier. Robati on Wednesday pleaded guilty to indecently groping a 21-year-old woman's breast at a Brisbane bar on the night of December 21, 2022. His then-teammate, Queensland State of Origin forward Carrigan, saw Robati assault the woman and stepped in to stop him, Brisbane District Court was told. Judge William Everson told Robati his offending was 'brazen and, quite frankly, creepy', leaving the victim feeling completely violated. 'Your conduct demonstrates a very disrespectful attitude towards women,' Everson said. Robati had earlier been on trial charged with rape over a separate incident. Robati on Monday pleaded not guilty to raping a woman twice in the disabled toilet of a pub in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley on December 11, 2022.
Sydney Morning Herald
11-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Broncos star stops NRL teammate amid ‘creepy' sexual assault
A former Brisbane Bronco acquitted of rape has admitted groping a woman on a night out with Brisbane players, prompting teammate Patrick Carrigan to intervene. Teui 'TC' Robati, 23, has been sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting the woman at a bar in a 'creepy' incident witnessed by former Broncos skipper Carrigan. The ex-NRL backrower made the admission minutes after being found not guilty of two counts of raping a different woman in another incident days earlier. Robati on Wednesday pleaded guilty to indecently groping a 21-year-old woman's breast at a Brisbane bar on the night of December 21, 2022. His then-teammate, Queensland State of Origin forward Carrigan, saw Robati assault the woman and stepped in to stop him, Brisbane District Court was told. Judge William Everson told Robati his offending was 'brazen and, quite frankly, creepy', leaving the victim feeling completely violated. 'Your conduct demonstrates a very disrespectful attitude towards women,' Everson said. Robati had earlier been on trial charged with rape over a separate incident. Robati on Monday pleaded not guilty to raping a woman twice in the disabled toilet of a pub in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley on December 11, 2022.
The Advertiser
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Steelers storm their way into Japan Rugby semi-finals
The Kobe Steelers, coached by former Wallabies mentor Dave Rennie, are through to the semi-finals in Japan Rugby League One after upsetting Aussie Sam Greene's in-form Shizuoka Blue Revs. On a damp Saturday afternoon in Osaka, former Chiefs flyhalf Bryn Gatland starred for Kobe, creating two of his side's four tries in the 35-20 quarter-final victory. This included the game's defining score in the 73rd minute when a perfectly placed cross-kick found winger Inoke Burua, who steamrolled over luckless Shizuoka fullback Futo Yamaguchi, who is 26kg lighter than the Kobe man, to push the Steelers ahead 29-20. Two late penalty goals from the Kobe flyhalf completed the victory, allowing the New Zealander to finish the afternoon with 13 points. Former Dolphins centre Valynce Te Whare had earlier scored the opening try for the Blue Revs off a cleverly worked midfield move, but the ex-NRL cult figure's eighth try of the season was followed nine minutes later by his concession of a penalty try. The 24-year-old also received a yellow card from the high-tackle incident after mistiming an attempt to prevent Kobe winger Kazuma Ueda from scoring in the corner. Kobe face defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo in Saturday's opening semi-final. Rennie is one of two ex-Australian coaches who will feature in the second round of the playoffs, with the Robbie Deans-coached Saitama Wild Knights to meet Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay on Sunday, after the latter beat Tokyo Sungoliath 20-15 in a nervous finish. Former All Black skipper Sam Cane and Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe both scored tries for Sungoliath on Sunday, but they were unable to overcome a high error rate alongside the concession of a 14-9 penalty count. The accuracy of Foley off the goalkicking tee also proved pivotal, with the Wallaby successful with all three of his attempts, while Kolbe missed three out of five for Sungoliath. The Kobe Steelers, coached by former Wallabies mentor Dave Rennie, are through to the semi-finals in Japan Rugby League One after upsetting Aussie Sam Greene's in-form Shizuoka Blue Revs. On a damp Saturday afternoon in Osaka, former Chiefs flyhalf Bryn Gatland starred for Kobe, creating two of his side's four tries in the 35-20 quarter-final victory. This included the game's defining score in the 73rd minute when a perfectly placed cross-kick found winger Inoke Burua, who steamrolled over luckless Shizuoka fullback Futo Yamaguchi, who is 26kg lighter than the Kobe man, to push the Steelers ahead 29-20. Two late penalty goals from the Kobe flyhalf completed the victory, allowing the New Zealander to finish the afternoon with 13 points. Former Dolphins centre Valynce Te Whare had earlier scored the opening try for the Blue Revs off a cleverly worked midfield move, but the ex-NRL cult figure's eighth try of the season was followed nine minutes later by his concession of a penalty try. The 24-year-old also received a yellow card from the high-tackle incident after mistiming an attempt to prevent Kobe winger Kazuma Ueda from scoring in the corner. Kobe face defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo in Saturday's opening semi-final. Rennie is one of two ex-Australian coaches who will feature in the second round of the playoffs, with the Robbie Deans-coached Saitama Wild Knights to meet Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay on Sunday, after the latter beat Tokyo Sungoliath 20-15 in a nervous finish. Former All Black skipper Sam Cane and Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe both scored tries for Sungoliath on Sunday, but they were unable to overcome a high error rate alongside the concession of a 14-9 penalty count. The accuracy of Foley off the goalkicking tee also proved pivotal, with the Wallaby successful with all three of his attempts, while Kolbe missed three out of five for Sungoliath. The Kobe Steelers, coached by former Wallabies mentor Dave Rennie, are through to the semi-finals in Japan Rugby League One after upsetting Aussie Sam Greene's in-form Shizuoka Blue Revs. On a damp Saturday afternoon in Osaka, former Chiefs flyhalf Bryn Gatland starred for Kobe, creating two of his side's four tries in the 35-20 quarter-final victory. This included the game's defining score in the 73rd minute when a perfectly placed cross-kick found winger Inoke Burua, who steamrolled over luckless Shizuoka fullback Futo Yamaguchi, who is 26kg lighter than the Kobe man, to push the Steelers ahead 29-20. Two late penalty goals from the Kobe flyhalf completed the victory, allowing the New Zealander to finish the afternoon with 13 points. Former Dolphins centre Valynce Te Whare had earlier scored the opening try for the Blue Revs off a cleverly worked midfield move, but the ex-NRL cult figure's eighth try of the season was followed nine minutes later by his concession of a penalty try. The 24-year-old also received a yellow card from the high-tackle incident after mistiming an attempt to prevent Kobe winger Kazuma Ueda from scoring in the corner. Kobe face defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo in Saturday's opening semi-final. Rennie is one of two ex-Australian coaches who will feature in the second round of the playoffs, with the Robbie Deans-coached Saitama Wild Knights to meet Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay on Sunday, after the latter beat Tokyo Sungoliath 20-15 in a nervous finish. Former All Black skipper Sam Cane and Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe both scored tries for Sungoliath on Sunday, but they were unable to overcome a high error rate alongside the concession of a 14-9 penalty count. The accuracy of Foley off the goalkicking tee also proved pivotal, with the Wallaby successful with all three of his attempts, while Kolbe missed three out of five for Sungoliath.
