Bulldogs’ Viliame Kikau and captain Stephen Crichton are calling for the team to fix its “too comfortable” mindset as they head into the final stretch of the season.
The Bulldogs have had an up-and-down month, alternating between strong wins over Manly and the Warriors and disappointing losses to the Tigers and Roosters.
This inconsistency, according to Kikau, comes from a lack of effort.
“Just some of the areas that we pride ourselves on, all the effort areas, that came up a few times,” Kikau said after reviewing the loss to the Roosters.
“That’s been addressed and hopefully it doesn’t happen again.”
Crichton agreed that the problem is mental, not physical.
“It’s kind of tapping into that mindset, where your mindset was in those two good games and where that mindset was in the two bad games,” he said.
The Bulldogs’ season will be defined by the next seven weeks, not the past seven months, Crichton warned.
“We were playing really good footy at the start of the year but no one remembers what happens at the start of the year. It’s where we are right now and the opportunity right in front of us is very special.”
The team’s senior players are taking charge to ensure there is no complacency when they face the Storm.
“As leaders of the group, we try and address it straight away so we don’t get that in the team,” Kikau said.
The winning team will earn a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
The 14-player squad is captained by Brenda Tau and coached by Mahuru Dai.
According to Cricket PNG Chairman Michael Harrison, the team is well-prepared and carries “the hopes of the nation.”
“Our preparation has been good. We have been training for nine weeks… I am sure the PNG Lewas are ready to play for the tournament, and we are all looking forward which I am very confident that this team will deliver a strong performance in Fiji,” Coach Dai commented on the team’s preparations.
The Lewas will face teams from Fiji, Cook Islands, Indonesia, Samoa, Japan, Vanuatu, and the Philippines.
The team will first travel to Brisbane on August 31 for a week of practice matches before heading to Fiji on September 7.
Their campaign begins on September 9 at Albert Park, Suva.
In a powerful display of cultural and family pride, Brisbane Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas has revealed the deeply personal reason behind his decision to represent Samoa on the international stage.
The 25-year-old, a four-time representative for the Australian Kangaroos, spoke at Suncorp Stadium about the moment that cemented his choice: the anthems played before a clash with Samoa during the 2023 Pacific Championships.
“There was a moment when I played for Australia when we versed Samoa, the anthems were playing and my mind started racing back to lots of memories with my mum and her making us sing the national anthem of Samoa a lot in the back of the car,” Haas said, a red Samoan ula resting on his shoulders.
“From that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum’s side, the Taufua side, and make them proud and my grandparents as well.”
The journey to don the blue of Samoa is a full-circle moment for Haas, who was inspired by his uncle, Mark Taufua, a former Samoan Test player and now a staff member with the team.
“He played for Toa Samoa as well. I remember watching him do the Siva Tau (war dance) and I always wanted to do it,” Haas said.
“We used to always do it in front of the TV. So I get my moment now to play for Samoa, something I always wanted to do. I’m just privileged and blessed.”
Haas, who also has Filipino and Swiss heritage, said his mother, Joan Taufua, gave him her full blessing for the switch.
“It was more my mum and having her blessing. I spoke to her on the phone and she was all for it,” he said.
“To have my mother’s blessing means the world. I just want to make her proud and do our Taufua name proud.”
His decision has been met with respect, even from his former Australian coach. Haas said he spoke with Kevin Walters, who “took the news ‘well’ and understood his reasoning.”
With other top players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow reportedly considering a similar move, Haas offered a simple message to them: “Follow their heart.”
“Hopefully we get a few more boys over,” he said.
Haas is set to make his debut for Toa Samoa in the Pacific Cup against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium on October 26. He acknowledged the trailblazing efforts of Jason Taumalolo, who switched from New Zealand to Tonga in 2017 and changed the international landscape.
“He is someone that inspired me to make this move as well,” Haas said.
“I feel like versing Tonga here is just fitting. It is going to be massive. I can’t wait.”
The Pacific Cup is just the beginning. The ultimate goal for Haas and the Samoan squad is the Rugby League World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea in 2026.
“I feel like we can win it with the team we have got now,” Haas stated confidently.
“We have great players and it is our goal to win the World Cup.”
The Papua New Guinea Barramundis have recorded the first win of their tour, defeating Guernsey by six wickets in a Men’s T20I warm-up match.
The victory at the College Field was spearheaded by a blistering 85 from opener Sese Bau, who was named player of the match for his dominant performance.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, PNG’s disciplined bowling attack effectively restricted Guernsey to 165 for 6 from their 20 overs. The Barramundis’ bowlers maintained composure under pressure, with Alei Nao delivering a standout performance, claiming 2 for 21 from his four overs, including the crucial wickets of Lucas Barker and Josh Butler.
Important breakthroughs were also made by Kabua Vagi Morea (1 for 30) and John Kariko (1 for 33), while key run-outs from Sese Bau and Hiri Vare further stalled Guernsey’s innings.
Chasing a competitive total of 165, the Barramundis reached 168 for 4 in 19.2 overs, securing the victory with four balls to spare. PNG’s reply began steadily before Sese Bau launched a dominant innings, smashing 13 fours and two sixes in his 52-ball knock. He kept the scoreboard ticking and ensured the required run rate remained manageable. Bau shared a 99-run stand with Boio Ray, who contributed a fluent 46 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and two maximums.
Captain Assadollah Vala guided the chase home with an unbeaten 14 from 12 balls, supported by Hila George Vaieke Vare’s quickfire 9*. For Guernsey, Charlie Forshaw was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 29 from his four overs.
“Guernsey came hard at us, especially with the bat, but the PNG Barramundis stayed disciplined and trusted our batting,” said Barramundis Coach John Ovia.
The victory levels the team’s confidence and showcases their ability to adapt to foreign conditions and execute under pressure.
The Barramundis will look to carry this winning momentum into their next warm-up fixtures—two 50-over games against Guernsey on Saturday and Sunday; before heading to Jersey to begin the second round of the ICC Challenge League A. In the upcoming series, the Barras will face Denmark, Kuwait, Kenya, Jersey, and Qatar.
South Sydney Rabbitohs legend, Alex Johnston is now free to begin early negotiations to become the first player for Papua New Guinea’s new NRL franchise.
Johnston, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Rabbitohs, has a special clause in his deal that allows him to start talks with the new team before the usual cut-off date. This gives the PNG franchise a major advantage in securing a high-profile player with deep ties to the country.
Johnston’s grandmother was born in Papua New Guinea, and he is a proud representative of the Kumuls, having played 10 Tests for the national team. His connection to the country is well known, and he has often spoken about his love for PNG and its passionate fans.
South Sydney CEO, Blake Solly confirmed the special arrangement stating “Alex said with his connection to PNG it would be cool to be player number one.”
“He has been a captain of the national team, played 10 Tests and is revered in PNG. He will always have a home here at Souths, but if Alex and his family do decide they want to be part of the PNG team on its entry to the NRL competition; we respect and support that decision,” Solly added.
During a recent visit to PNG, Johnston expressed his strong interest in joining the new team.
Beyond playing for the new franchise, Johnston is also motivated to represent the Kumuls in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea. He hopes to help the team go further in the tournament than ever before.
“My motivation has always been to win competitions. Now it’s also to create a legacy and play for my family and make them proud,” Johnston said.
“I want to encourage those young kids playing rugby league to dream big.”
Currently, Johnston is closing in on the all-time NRL try-scoring record. With 207 tries in 239 games, he is just six tries shy of Ken Irvine’s record of 212. He will have a chance to add to his tally this weekend when the Rabbitohs take on the Gold Coast Titans.
In a big blow for the Brisbane Broncos and their hopes of a top-four finish, the Melbourne Storm have taken over the number one spot on the NRL ladder.
The Storm’s 22-2 victory over the Broncos at AAMI Park on Thursday night was a strong display, but the real story was the shocking injury toll suffered by Brisbane.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire was left stunned after both his star halves, Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, were knocked out of the game in the same play just 21 minutes in.
To make matters worse for the Brisbane faithful, winger Selwyn Cobbo also went off with a hamstring problem late in the match. All three players are now waiting for scan results that will determine the severity of their injuries, putting a massive hole in the Broncos’ side.
The injuries happened in a bizarre sequence as Reynolds and Mam chased down Storm winger, Xavier Coates after he intercepted a pass. While Cobbo made a brilliant try-saving tackle on Coates, the play proved costly for the Broncos. Mam suffered his injury in the tackle, while the experienced Reynolds pulled up clutching his leg moments later.
To their credit, the Broncos, with hooker, Ben Hunt and center, Kotoni Staggs filling in as a makeshift halves pairing, fought hard and kept the game close for a while.
But the Storm, a very strong team, were too good.
Tries from Tyran Wishart and Ryan Papenhuyzen gave Melbourne a 12-2 lead at half-time, and they finished the job in the second half with two more tries, including a penalty try.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy was very happy with his team’s performance, especially their strong defence, which kept the Broncos from scoring a single try.
This result continues a bad run for the Broncos at AAMI Park, where they have not won for nine years.
The Storm have now won 17 of their last 18 games against the Brisbane side.
For the many NRL fans across Papua New Guinea, this is a worrying sign for the Broncos, a team with a huge following in the country.
The loss of key players like Reynolds, Mam, and Cobbo could be a big problem for their premiership ambitions as the finals get closer. Everyone will be hoping for good news from the scans.
The Dolphins have had plenty of “finest hours” this year, but their 43-24 win over North Queensland was one of the best, despite nervous moments in the second half.
With 10 of their top 30 out injured, the Dolphins were brave and brilliant at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night to destroy the Cowboys and all but finish their top-eight hopes.
The Dolphins roared back into the NRL top eight with a brilliant attacking display inspired by new No.6 Jake Averillo and rampant fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Back-rower Connelly Lemuelu had one of his best games as a Dolphin behind a rampant Averillo who continues to shine no matter what position he plays.
“I love what he brings to the team,” Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said.
“He’s just a real footy player. Wherever we put him he gets the job done. He’s played four positions the last five weeks and handled every one of them really well.”
Dolphins back-rower Oryn Keeley, who was sensational, was put on report for a dangerous tackle on Jaxson Paulo, and the Cowboys lost star winger Murray Taulagi to a left hamstring injury while scoring his second try.
The Dolphins led 24-6 at halftime after the Cowboys had 29 tackles inside the opposition quarter compared to two for the Dolphins.
The hosts, in front of 23,172 fans, went out to a 34-6 lead in the 47th minute with tries to Harrison Graham and Jamayne Isaako and appeared set for 50 points.
The Cowboys had other ideas. Taulagi went over out wide, No.6 Jaxon Purdue drew fullback Scott Drinkwater, and half Tom Dearden finished a long-range attacking play to score a third try in eight minutes.
Averillo put the result to bed with a 76th-minute try.
The first half showcased the Dolphins at their best. Keeley crashed over after a stellar pass from skipper and halfback Isaiya Katoa inside five minutes.
The Cowboys hit back minutes later, with Taulagi scoring his 60th career try out wide with a brilliant cutout pass by Drinkwater.
The hosts were under assault early but hung on with true grit, before a 95m burst by Averillo after a Cowboys error gave the Dolphins a 12-6 lead.
Averillo was at it again in combination with star centre Herbie Farnworth to send Tabuai-Fidow flying in for another long-range try.
Tabuai-Fidow dropped his next chance cold from a Farnworth pass, but Averillo was on fire with another super pass. Lemuelu streaked away and Tabuai-Fidow did the rest.
The second half was see-sawing, but the Dolphins never looked like losing to a Cowboys side who must now win all their remaining games to make the top eight.
“It was very disappointing conceding the points we did in that first 40,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.
“It put us under far too much pressure and it was too much to chase down. We showed a heap of fight to get us back in the game but there were a couple of costly moments with 12 or 13 minutes to go.”
The Dolphins once again showed how resilient they are, no matter who is playing. Prop Peter Hola made his club debut while rookies Aublix Tawha (prop) and Tevita Naufahu (wing) were also strong.
“I just love the way they keep turning up for each other,” Woolf said.
Brisbane pulled off an incredible comeback, overturning a 16-point deficit to defeat a wasteful Cronulla 34-28. Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was the spark that ignited their resurgence.
It looked like the Broncos were down and out when Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey darted over from dummy half in the 56th minute, putting Cronulla up 28-12 in front of 39,042 fans at Suncorp Stadium. But the home side had other plans, scoring four tries in just 18 minutes, with Walsh setting up two, to snatch fifth position on the ladder from the Sharks.
“I guess we expect Reece to come up with those things. He just keeps competing,” Broncos coach Michael Maguire said.
“The captain (Adam Reynolds) spoke to them at halftime and sharpened them up a bit.
“It was pleasing that with their backs against the wall … to fight the way they did and get the win at the end.
The match was not without its dramatic moments. Sharks forward Teig Wilton was taken to hospital in the first half after suffering blurred vision from an eye injury. Then, just before halftime, Sharks winger Sione Katoa had what was described as a “brain explosion,” getting sin-binned for a ridiculous touch on Ezra Mam while he was on the ground in the ruck.
Despite the Sharks being a man down, the Broncos couldn’t capitalise immediately. Brailey scored from close range, and the result seemed secured for Cronulla. However, the Sharks then completely fell apart.
Ezra Mam of the Broncos scores a try during the NRL Round 16 match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)
Broncos winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was ruled to have knocked on, and Walsh made the Sharks pay with a pinpoint pass to centre Gehamat Shibasaki. Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall then kicked out on the full, allowing Broncos winger Josiah Karapani to storm in, even as Sharks half Nicho Hynes fell over claiming an obstruction.
Skipper Adam Reynolds then weaved through traffic and delivered a basketball-style pass for Karapani to complete his second try in as many weeks. Reynolds nailed the conversion from the sideline, giving Brisbane a 30-28 lead. The comeback was sealed when Walsh carved through Hynes to set up Shibasaki for his second try of the night.
“Our discipline to stick to our plan and defence has been poor for weeks. Even when we were leading, you could see signs we were hanging on,” Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon said.
“I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. We need to do something about it. We’ve got to address our discipline.”
The first half was a bizarre affair, with the Sharks leading 22-12 at the break. Brisbane’s kicking game and line speed were poor, with fullback Walsh even giving up two seven-tackle sets. The Sharks, in contrast, attacked with freedom, with halves Trindall and Hynes playing key roles.
Trindall set up centre Siosifa Talakai for a try and then put Wilton through a gaping hole, with fullback William Kennedy finishing it off for a 10-0 lead.
The Sharks had opened the scoring through Talakai after Broncos winger Jesse Arthars spilt a bomb. Kennedy scored his second with a classic try after Hynes sent second-rower Briton Nikora on his way.
Trindall then put Hynes through for a stroll to make it 22-6, after Broncos hooker Cory Paix darted over from dummy-half for a soft try. Mam’s try just before halftime kept the home side in the contest, setting the stage for their incredible second-half turnaround.
Queensland have stopped New South Wales from pulling off the greatest comeback in State of Origin history, keeping the series alive with a thrilling 26-24 win in Perth.
After three weeks of turmoil that included the axing of captain Daly Cherry-Evans, the Maroons produced a Queensland performance for the ages to win 26-24.
It didn’t come easy after the Maroons led 26-6 at half-time and then let in four second-half tries to allow the Blues to get within two points with six minutes left.
But just as NSW threatened to pull off the first 20-point comeback in Origin history, Payne Haas dropped a ball on attack late and the Maroons held on.
Goalkicking proved the difference with NSW scoring more tries but Zac Lomax converting just two of five.
The result sets up a series decider in Sydney on July 9, with NSW suddenly searching for answers after being well below their best at Optus Stadium.
NSW coach Laurie Daley refused to blame his team’s wayward goalkicking for the loss.
“Yeah, you want to kick goals, but there were a lot more things that we needed to do that I was disappointed in,” Daley said.
“Goal kicking is way down the list. It’s more about our execution, intent. There were a lot of things we didn’t do well in the first half.
“We showed what we were capable of doing in the second half, but you can’t play a (first) half of football like that against quality opposition and expect to be close.”
On a frantic night that boiled over on several occasions, Jarome Luai was placed on report after rubbing his hand over Reuben Cotter’s face.
Luai appeared to make contact with Cotter’s eye before Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga then made a raking gesture with his hand to officials.
Luai was later hit with a grade-two contrary conduct charge for unnecessary contact with the face and will cop a fine of $3900 with an early guilty plea.
That alone summed up the night for the Blues, who at one stage trailed the penalty count 9-0 and had a crucial Nathan Cleary try overturned by an obstruction.
Even so, this was a good night for the Maroons on a day that began with coach Billy Slater apologising for press conference comments that referenced the late Paul Green.
Man-of-the-match Cameron Munster was superb in his first game as Queensland captain, while his halves partner Tom Dearden also impressed after taking Cherry-Evans’s jersey.
“I’m just proud of our boys to turn up for Billy,” Munster said.
Cameron Munster addresses his Maroons team after their win in State of Origin II. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
“Because there’s been a lot of speculation in the media and we needed to turn up for our coach tonight, and we did.”
Slater was proud of his team’s efforts.
“It’s a heart stopper,” he said.
“Boy, it took a whole heap of courage and character and effort, a bit of spirit.
“That’s the pride I feel for our footy team, and I’m sure five-and-a-half million Queenslanders feel that pride right now as well.”
NSW looked as if they were going to continue their form from the series-opening 18-6 win at Suncorp Stadium early, crossing first through Brian To’o.
But what followed was an example of the Queensland spirit that Origin has largely been built on.
The Maroons attack came to life, with Robert Toia sending Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow over for one and the winger jumping over Brian To’o for another.
Munster scored once when Harry Grant got out of dummy-half, while Kurt Mann offloaded for a Kurt Capewell four-pointer before the break.
Capewell’s try looked likely to be a heartbreaker for the Blues, after Cleary had been denied for the obstruction moments earlier.
But any thought Queensland had of cruising to victory was quickly killed off in the second half.
Winger Brian To’o led a spectacular Blues fightback with this early second-half try. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)
To’o had his second shortly after the break when NSW stripped Queensland for numbers, before Stephen Crichton went through three defenders to make it a 12-point game.
The comeback was then well and truly alive when Cleary and Luai combined to help Latrell Mitchell send To’o over for his third.
And when Mitchell pulled off a one-on-one strip on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Angus Crichton ran onto a Luai grubberkick, NSW looked set to storm home.
But in the end Queensland stood tall at the death, sealing a famous backs-to-the-wall win to keep hope of winning back the Origin shield.
The other concern for NSW is Cleary’s groin, with the superstar Penrith halfback unable to kick for much of the match after reporting tightness in the build up.
Nathan Cleary has warned that NSW’s squad has the feel of Penrith’s best days again, with he and Jarome Luai slipping straight back into their old combination.
Cleary has a chance to win his fourth State of Origin series as NSW halfback on Wednesday, with the Blues heavy favourites to taste victory at Optus Stadium.
It will come on an historic night for the Panthers star, who will join Andrew Johns and Mitchell Pearce for the most games in the NSW No.7 jersey, with 16.
Cleary and Luai have been teaming up since the age 15, winning 107 of the 134 games they have played together at all levels before the latter’s move to Wests Tigers this year.
Luai’s call up to the NSW’s 18-man squad for the injured Mitch Moses now means there are nine members of Penrith’s NRL premiership dynasty in the Blues’ group, with Matt Burton 18th man.
Nathan Cleary addresses the media ahead of Origin II in Perth. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP VIDEO)
“It is a bit of that feel of that 2021 grand-final team,” Cleary said on Tuesday.
“(Jarome and I) understand each other’s games pretty well. So in that regard, it was a pretty seamless transition with him coming back in.
“He was a part of the series last year too. He has those combinations already with the guys around him.
“Our combination doesn’t change. It’s probably more him coming back into the side with those other guys. And I thought he’s done that really well.”
Jarome Luai will be back together with his old Penrith ‘other half’ Nathan Cleary in Origin II. (AAP Image/James Worsfold)
Cleary will be one of the most scrutinised players on the field in Perth on Wednesday night.
Despite the four premierships rings at Penrith, there is still a slight stigma attached to the halfback in that he is yet to own an Origin series.
Cleary has often been among the Blues’ best in big wins, but critics point to the fact he is yet to have a standout moment at the clutch in close games.
However, that is largely due to the fact that when NSW have won in the past seven years, Cleary has starred and the Blues have won comfortably.
Nathan Cleary (right) speaks with coach Laurie Daley during a NSW Blues State of Origin Captian’s Run at Optus Stadium, in Perth, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
As he prepares to equal the mark made by Johns and Pearce, Cleary said he was far removed the man who debuted under coach Brad Fittler in 2018.
“(Origin) comes with more expectations now, with the standing in the game and the amount of games I’ve played,” Cleary said.
“But I’m in a position to play my best footy, I had a very simplified role (back then) and contributed where I could.
“It’s the same now, I want to do my role and my best for the team, but it’s having a greater influence on what we’re able to do.”
The 27-year-old is now comfortable with shouldering the pressure associated with having become one of the faces of the game in recent years.
Cleary has long labelled the 2019 season as one of the most important of his career, narrowing his focus and making him mature after a poor year for Penrith.
He believes this season has also made him a better footballer, with the Panthers trying to climb from the bottom of the ladder after round 12 and back into finals contention.
Queensland coach Billy Slater addresses Aaron Woods’s ‘grub’ remarks at a Perth press conference. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP VIDEO)
Now into his 10th NRL season, Cleary said his relationship with the sport had also changed since his Penrith debut in 2016 and his NSW start two years later.
“I’m still passionate about it, I still love watching it. But I would say in terms of professionalism, that’s changed,” Cleary said.
“This is a duty to my teammates, to my club when I’m playing for my club, and for my state when I’m playing for my state.
“I just went out there and played when I was younger. Now it’s much more regimented with what I need to do to play my best.
“I think I’m definitely more consistent because of that, rather than when I was an 18-year-old.”
