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Ashes hopefuls humbled in England Lions’ heavy defeat

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Tim Ward of Tasmania bats during the Marsh Sheffield Shield 2023-24 cricket match between Victoria and Tasmania at CitiPower Centre in Melbourne, Wednesday, November 8, 2023. (AAP Image/Morgan Hancock)

An England A side full of Ashes aspirants has suffered a seven-wicket loss in Brisbane, where opener Tim Ward humbled the touring attack.

Ward, whose status as a player of interest among national selectors was rubber stamped with Wednesday’s Australia A call-up, finished 115 not out as the hosts hauled in a target of 261 at Ian Healy Oval.

Former Test batter Handscomb, who was overlooked for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, scored 57 on day three of the four-day contest to help lift the Cricket Australia XI to victory.

Ward has been signed by Hobart Hurricanes as an injury replacement player, having struck a century for Tasmania in the state’s final game before the mid-season Sheffield Shield break.

Ward completed his century with three sixes and six fours, retiring on 115 when rain interrupted play with the home side requiring a further seven runs.

Offspinner Shoaib Bashir, who has played 15 Tests for England, logged match figures of 1-91 from 21 overs.

John Turner, a 23-year-old paceman who has represented England in one-day and T20 cricket, also failed to shift momentum during Ward’s knock.

England are using the tour as a chance to give young and inexperienced players some exposure in Australian conditions ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes.

Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of iconic allrounder Andrew, scored 19 and four in his first match of the tour.

The England Lions have another match against a CA XI in Brisbane before facing an Australia A squad, featuring the likes of Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe and Brendan Doggett, in Sydney.

AAP © 2025

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Benji rebuke helps Tiger Fainu go from fat to fit

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Latu Fainu of the Tigers before the NRL Round 9 match between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers at Accor Stadium in Sydney

A no-holds-barred spray from the usually laidback Benji Marshall has been the wake-up call Latu Fainu needed to perhaps fulfil the potential that once led to him being labelled the NRL’s hottest property. 

In a bid to raise standards after a third-straight wooden spoon, Marshall made a pact with his players that they would return to pre-season training in good nick.

But Fainu, who was once touted as Daly Cherry-Evans long-term successor at Manly, was one of several players who rocked up to Concord in November either out of shape or unfit. 

It meant Fainu had to front the Tigers’ board as well as getting a rev-up from Marshall. 

“That was a wake-up call, that I needed to wake up to myself (to prove) I want to play footy,” Fainu told AAP.

“It was a big wake-up call to show that I need to get my body right. 

“Benji gave it to me straight. 

“In our end of the year meetings, Benji had told me where he wanted to be and I didn’t show up to it.

“I didn’t like seeing Benji get mad. He told me I could do better and I 100 per cent know I can. 

“With Benji, it’s like being with your older brother – you can talk to him and he will give it to you straight.” 

Fainu is all too aware that his indulgent off-season – he is quick to point out he is back to his playing weight of 88kg – could limit his involvement to start the season.

The 19-year-old spent most of his debut season in the halves but will now be expected to take a backseat to fellow teenager Lachlan Galvin as he looks set to partner Jarome Luai. 

“I really want to play with ‘Romey’ (Luai) and that takes time for me to work hard and whenever Benji thinks I’m ready, I’ll be ready,” Fainu said. 

“He (Luai) will bring a winning culture to this team and a competitive side to this team where he wants to win in every training session – and that makes us better.

“Me and Lachie have been working really hard and it’ll be fair from Benji if he does pick me or Lachie. 

“I’ll play whatever position he wants me to play.” 

Written By: George Clarke @ AAP 2025

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Broncos brace for ‘tough stuff’ at Maguire boot camp

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New Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire looks on during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session at Gilbert Park in Brisbane

Michael Maguire will learn plenty about his Brisbane Broncos crop on a three-day, police-style boot camp that has players bracing for “tough stuff”.

The Broncos were leaving for a preseason camp west of Brisbane on Monday that shapes as a defining exercise under the club’s new NRL coach.

The South Sydney premiership-winning mentor left his post as NSW Blues coach to take up the role from Kevin Walters.

Brisbane were beaten in the 2023 grand final but otherwise missed finals in three of the last four seasons under Walters.

Ezra Mam’s nine-game suspension after he was charged over an off-season head-on traffic collision has ensured the heat is on the under-fire club.

“No idea what’s going to come for us,” veteran prop Corey Jensen said of the camp on Monday.

“It’ll be a good chance to bond together as a group and no doubt there’ll be a bit of tough stuff going on.”

It’s understood the camp is designed for police to test their leadership qualities, mental strength and ability to operate under duress.

“I think there’s a few boys that are a bit nervous; a few of the young guys that haven’t probably experienced this kind of thing,” Jensen said.

“A few of the boys have been trying to get around and find out what’s going to come, but no one really gives you too much. 

“So you’ve just got to expect the unexpected and go out there and give it your best, do it together.

“It’s another chance for us to be leaders among the group too and help those younger blokes out.”

Maguire’s arrival has naturally created competition for spots, with Pat Carrigan’s potential move from lock to accommodate Kobe Hetherington threatening Jensen’s starting berth.

“It’s awesome; competition within the group just brings out the best in everyone,” front-rower Jensen said.

“I want that the starting spot just as much as anyone else out there.

“Competition just makes you want to train harder and work harder for each other. 

“That’s what we’re doing this preseason, so I’ll continue to do that.”

Written by: Murray Wenzel © AAP 2025

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Gutherson, Cook co-captains for Dragons’ post-Hunt era

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Damien Cook returns to the Illawarra Dragons as they begin pre-season training at WIN Stadium in Wollongong

Damien Cook says captaining St George Illawarra alongside Clint Gutherson is the “highest honour of his career” as the star recruits prepare to lead the Dragons into the post-Ben Hunt era.

The joint venture’s inaugural captains Paul McGregor and Mark Coyne were on hand as Cook and Gutherson were officially appointed to the captaincy in Wollongong on Monday.

The pair had been called into coach Shane Flanagan’s office earlier in the pre-season to learn they would be replacing talismanic half Hunt, who earned a release to join Brisbane for 2025.

Blake Lawrie and Jack de Belin had filled in as skipper during Hunt’s State of Origin duties in recent season but Flanagan said he had always been confident in hooker Cook and fullback Gutherson as the men to spearhead a new era.

“In the back of my mind, I always knew those two were going to be the leaders of the club,” he said. 

“It’s such a big job, being captain of a club. Obviously there’s the gameday pressures that you have to handle and media and so on. I just think moving forward it’s a big role and those two will share the role.”

The appointment made an impression on Cook, who earned his NRL debut for the Dragons in 2013 before becoming a first-grade mainstay in nine seasons at South Sydney.

Cook made the 2021 grand final with the Rabbitohs, beat Cameron Smith to win Dally M hooker of the year in 2018 and was NSW’s starting number nine in three State of Origin series wins.

But the Dragons junior ranked the captaincy as “by far” the pinnacle of his career.

“Just growing up in the area and then debuting here in 2013,” he said.

“I’ve been away for a bit but to come back and lead the side alongside Gutho, it was a real special moment when the coach told me and definitely the highest honour of my career.”

Cook captained the Prime Minister’s XIII in last year’s 42-20 win over their Papua New Guinea counterparts, and deputised as South Sydney co-captain for one game of the 2023 season.

But the Dragons role marks his first stint as a full-time captain.

Then 23, Gutherson was first appointed to Parramatta’s co-captaincy in 2018 and had been either sole skipper or co-captain every season since earning a release ahead of 2025.

He and Cook will be tasked with steering the Dragons to their first finals berth since 2018, with halfback Lachlan Ilias and back Val Holmes brought in to assist with that task.

St George Illawarra came within a sliver of finishing in the top eight last season, only to suffer a shock loss to struggling Parramatta that ultimately cruelled their chances.

Flanagan had higher hopes for a finals berth in 2025.

“We’ll be better than last year, that’s all I can guarantee,” he said.

“If we’re better than last year, we’ll give ourselves a chance.”

Monday marked Ilias’ first full-contact training session since he suffered a horror leg injury playing reserve grade for Souths last April.

“We’ve got probably a good month with him now to build some combinations (before pre-season trials),” Flanagan said.

Written By: Jasper Bruce © AAP 2025

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PNG rugby player terminated after being charged with rape

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PNG Rugby Player, Keven Appo charged with Rape

Papua New Guinean International Rugby Player, Keven Appo, has had his contract terminated from the English Rugby League Club, the Bradford Bulls effective immediately.

The 25-year-old who last played as the second-row and lock for the Bulls was charged by the West Yorkshire Police with multiple sexual offences including rape yesterday.

In a statement the club said: “Following today’s West Yorkshire Police statement, the Bradford Bulls have cancelled Keven Appo’s playing contract.

“Given the circumstances, the club is duty bound to make no further comment at this stage.

“The search for a suitable, quality replacement is underway.”

In a separate statement, the West Yorkshire Police revealed that the PNG International has been released on bail and is due to appear at the Bradford Magistrates Court on Monday, 6th January 2025.

The charges related to an investigation by Calderdale District Adult Protection Team following a report made in April 2024.

Appo made his international debut for Papua New Guinea in the 24-18 loss to Tonga in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, joined the Bradford Bulls in 2023, before signing a new two-year deal in August last year.

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Over 30 referees to officiate KCK Rigo Rice Cup

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More than thirty (30) professional referees have pledged their support for the Rigo Rice Cup Rugby Competition.

The referees had a brief session with the tournament CEO, Mcsteve Polly, and deliberated significant points, guidelines and inhouse discussions leading up to the tournament.

These referees were formally signed up by the KCK Rigo Rice Cup host organizing committees, and are ready to officiate matches in the four different pools throughout Port Moresby.

Rigo Rice Cup CEO, Mcsteve Polly, during the meeting discussed the importance of fair play and integrity when officiating matches, especially in major competitions that involve more than 10 teams participating.

A female touch-rugby judge was also present among the referees.

She voiced her concerns about the need for more women in the field, expressing her hope to see more women touch-rugby judges working alongside male counterparts which was taken note of by the RRC Team.

Meanwhile, the KCK Rigo Rice Cup will be launched on Saturday the 09th of November, where the total number of participating teams will be announced together with their names.

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Billy Aki to Supervise Rigo Rice Cup in Moresby North-West

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Billy Aki

NCD Suburban Sports Foundation Chairman and President for Moresby North West Rugby League Mr Billy Aki has been appointed as the tournament coordinator for the Rigo Rice Cup.

The tournament will take place on November 9th 2024 in Port Moresby North West.

This appointment was formalised by the KCK Rigo Rice Cup CEO Mcsteve Polly on Friday (03/11/24) in Port Moresby, following a formal meeting with Mr. Aki and the Rigo Rice Cup Team.

“Billy Aki has immense experience from various top tier rugby league competitions in the country like the NCD Governor’s Cup, and we are glad that he will be sharing it to our younger generation of rugby league players in his pool of coordination throughout the tournament,” said Polly.

Following this appointment, Billy Aki expressed his full support to the tournament and permitted the KCK Rigo Rice Cup to be played at the Kone Tigers Oval for Port Moresby North West pool.

This Rugby League Tournament aims to be the biggest grassroots tournament in Papua New Guinea with over K300,000 cash prizes to be won in its first edition this year.
 
Rigo Rice Cup is proudly sponsored by naming rights/platinum sponsors Rigo Rice Limited and Kendekali Lawyers.

The Competition is set to kick off on November 09th right after registration closes, and the games will be held in five different venues throughout Port Moresby City.
 
➢ Moresby North West: Ipi Park, Hohola
➢ Moresby North East: Bomana Police College Field
➢ Moresby South: Bava Park
➢ Motu Koita: Kone Field

The tournament encourages teams to field youth players between the ages of 16 and 23, as this will increase their chances of being scouted for opportunities abroad.

To ensure a platform for emerging talents to shine, each team may include a maximum of three Digicel Cup players (former or current).

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Spin Doctors top 2024 Media Pool Competition

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Spin Doctors are the champions of the 2024 Media Pool Competition after a nail biting challenge yesterday afternoon at the Lamana Gold Club.

The arena was surrounded by eager fans and supporters witnessing the display of skillful precision and coordination of 47-year-old Kupe Yore and 24-year-old Jackson Ng.

A fourth time champion, Yore proudly represented Spin Doctors while Team Captain, Ng stepped up for Tropical Storms for their first grand final experience.

Ng displayed outstanding skills giving Yore a run for the money.

In the end, Yore proved that experience supersedes, skillfully placing the last of four balls and sinking the black ball.

Spin Doctors player, Kupe Yore playing pool at 2024 Media Pool Competition.
Spin Doctors player, Kupe Yore.
Topical Storms team captain, Jackson Ng playing pool at 2024 Media Pool Competition.
Tropical Storms team captain, Jackson Ng.

A proud team Manager for Spin Doctors, Dr Sam Yockopua said after losing three consecutive grand finals since 2021, this win was very fulfilling.

He congratulated Tropical Storms for making it into their first grand final and putting up a tough challenge.

“It was a very tough game. I want to congratulate Tropical Storms, they’ve been a very consistent team.

“Them being the minor premiers, we were very nervous but we were lucky to win,” Yokopua said.

Yore who had lead the team to victory in four grand finals in 2013, 2014, 2018 and 2021 said this victory was bittersweet after losing at the 2022 and 2023 grand finals.

“From starting with marble snooker in Mt Hagen town at a young age to playing at this level and winning is a dream come true,” Yore said.

Despite the loss, Ng said he was very proud of his team and happy that among the 23 teams that took part, they made it into the grand final.

“Our first time to go into the grand final as well so I would like to congratulate ourselves even though we did not win.

“We did well in the minor premiership and I really appreciate them.”

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Santos renews sponsorship for Orchids

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Santos renews sponsorship for Orchids

Fossil fuel giant, Santos, has renewed its naming rights sponsorship for the Papua New Guinea women’s national rugby league team, the Orchids.

Despite the recent slump in form by the National women’s team, Santos sees the potential to invest in the pathways and programs to improve the standard and empowerment of women in rugby league.

The three-year multimillion kina investment by Santos will cover the junior school rugby league development programs, technical coaching and support staff, travel and accommodation and international fixtures for the orchids such as the current Pacific Championships leading up to the World Cup in 2026.

Santos Country Chairman, Leon Buskens said Santos continues to support the empowerment of women in Papua New Guinea in line with its values in building a better future.

“At Santos our purpose is about creating a better world for everyone by delivering positive outcomes in the areas where we operate, and the Orchids provide a great platform for our young women and girls to realize their full potential,” Buskens said.

Santos renews sponsorship for PNG Orchids.
L-R: PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina, Orchids Chairlady Ms Celestine Ove and Leon Buskens, Santos Country Chairman.

Santos is also the naming rights sponsor of the first ever women’s national rugby league competition, which is part of the partway to strengthen the national women’s team.

Chairlady of the Santos PNG Orchids, Celestine Ove said Santos believes in the pathways that are being set up by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football league, and despite a slump in performance, they see improvement soon.

“The sponsorship is purpose driven. It is a powerful platform to empower our women and girls to give them an equal opportunity to participate. Rugby league is said to be the national sport and it’s for both men and women.

“I know the performance wasn’t desirable but from the start of the Orchids in 2017 to now, having the Santos Cup, we are working on strengthening the pathways for our women and girls.

“With the emergence of the junior Orchids who performed well against the Australian school girls, we are excited that in a few years time we look to see the Women’s competition,” Ove said.

The PNG Womens team (Orchids) was established in 2017 as the first ever women’s national team for Papua New Guinea.
In 2019 they beat the England Women’s side and in 2022 they made it to the Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.

Chief Executive Officer of Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League, Stanley Hondina said there is a clear pathway set to grow the game and standard of women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea.

He added that rugby league experts involved in establishing the developmental pathways are important.

He said the Australians are playing at a different level and we must get the best options to help improve the standard of the women’s game in Papua New Guinea.

He added that the focus is on improving the domestic competition so the women can be competitive during international matches.

“The quality of Santos Cup is equivalent to the BMD Cup in Brisbane. Everything that we do in the Santos Cup is of that standard, instead of sending five girls to play in Australia, we build our players on the domestic front so bring in the subject matter experts and build our systems, build the processes for us so that our players can come through.

“In the next five years we want our competitions to compete with the Queensland Cup,” Hondina said.

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Christchurch team could be as big as Warriors: Isaako

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Jamayne Isaako of the Kiwis scores a try in the tackle of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow of Australia during the Men's Pacific Championships match between New Zealand Kiwis and Australian Kangaroos at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, Sunday, October 27, 2024. (AAP Image/John Davidson, via Photosport)

Jamayne Isaako believes an NRL team in Christchurch could grow to the same levels of popularity as the booming Warriors in Auckland.

The NRL last week rejected three separate bids from New Zealand’s South Island among eight that were unsuccessful in the latest round of expansion applications.

But to players from the area, the Pacific Championships clash between New Zealand and Australia on Sunday was the latest reminder of the game’s potential in Christchurch.

While Christchurch has long been synonymous with Super Rugby powerhouse the Crusaders, some 17,005 fans packed into Apollo Projects Stadium for the Kangaroos’ first visit since 1989.

The last three NRL games played at the ground have also pulled crowds above 17,000, while construction on a 30,000-seat stadium in the Christchurch CBD is set to be completed in 2026 as another boon for sport in the area.

Teams from Perth and PNG remain the favourites to enter the NRL as the 18th and 19th teams in coming years.

But in his role heading up Christchurch’s leading bid the South Island Kea, ex-NRL chief executive David Moffett told Nine Newspapers this week he was committed to revisiting the push for inclusion in the NRL.

Players hailing from the area were hopeful Christchurch would be considered in plans to expand to 20 teams in the next decade.

“I definitely think that they’re ready for a team to be blooded here in Christchurch or in the South Island, wherever it is, that they look to bring another team in,” Dolphins winger Isaako said after playing in New Zealand’s 22-10 defeat by Australia.

“It was good to see the passion of the Cantabrians when it comes to rugby league.”

For further evidence of rugby league’s growth potential in New Zealand, Isaako pointed to the Warriors’ spike in popularity since their homecoming after COVID-19 restrictions eased.

The Auckland side became a national phenomenon en route to a preliminary final in 2023 and sold out every home game this season for the first time in any of their 30 years in the league.

“You see the fanbase that turn out for the Warriors. We could certainly have that here in the South Island if there was a team brought here,” said Isaako.

“Rugby league certainly is a game that’s growing here in New Zealand. If we could bring another team to New Zealand, it’d only add to that.”

Local product Jordan Riki knows first-hand of rugby league’s growth in Christchurch. The Brisbane second-rower’s mother Janelle sits on the board of the Canterbury Rugby League.

“I talk to her pretty much nearly every day and she’s been telling me about some cool plans that have been coming through for Canterbury Rugby League and South Island rugby league,” he said.

“It’s awesome to see that it’s growing down here.”

Written by: Jasper Bruce © AAP 2024

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