NRL Round 10 live SuperCoach scores, analysis, updates
Rising Parramatta fullback Isaiah Iongi grew up right outside of Redcliffe but it wasn't until a chance meeting with Penrith he found his path to the NRL.
A proud Queenslander who grew up on the outskirts of Brisbane, the 21-year-old slipped through the cracks of the system despite playing his entire junior rugby league career with Aspley Devils at Harry Kirby Park, just 30 minutes from Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe.
All the star teenagers signed deals with Brisbane or Gold Coast, and more recently the Dolphins, but nothing ever came his way.
It wasn't until he's finished school at the famous Wavell State High, and began playing in the Queensland Cup as an 18-year-old, that the Panthers came knocking.
'I was playing footy in Brisbane for Norths Devils, I was 18, fresh out of school. And then Penrith picked me up from there,' he says ahead of Thursday's clash with the Dolphins at CommBank Stadium.
'It was an SG Ball contract. It was pretty scary at first because it was just me who moved over, and it was a big decision, but it had to be made. It ended up being the right call.'
Desperate for any opportunity to play NRL, he moved to Penrith in 2022 with former pathways player Jack Garrod, and then his mum Andrea soon followed as support.
She still works at the Panthers Leagues Club in reception, and he still lives with her in Penrith while commuting the 40 minutes each way to the Eels' training base in Kellyville.
'I just wanted to play footy anywhere, that's one of the reasons I moved, it was an opportunity for me,' he says.
'No club ever approached me, so Penrith was my first club, the first system I was in.
'I tried to make the best of it, it all worked out.'
It's the same reason he left Penrith for Parramatta under new head coach Jason Ryles, who hand-picked him to replace former skipper Clint Gutherson this season.
Blocked for a shot at the No.1 jersey by NSW and Australia fullback Dylan Edwards, Iongi approached Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and explained his situation.
He was released from the final year of his deal with Penrith to take up a three-year offer with the Eels.
'I had a talk with Ivan one-on-one, I told him what my situation was and what I wanted to do with my career, he was supportive of me and that made it a whole lot easier for me,' he says.
'He was so good about it and wanted what was best for me.
'It happened so fast, I spoke with my manager about moving out of Penrith for the opportunity for me to play first grade, and luckily enough Parra came along.
'Rylesy called and told me he wanted to build something here and wanted me to a part of it. I was shocked.
'He's been the best, he's been a good coach and a mentor or me, helping me with my game and doing what he does best which is coaching.
'He allows us to play to our strengths.
'I'm loving all of it.'
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The Age
6 hours ago
- The Age
Pride restored: The Wallabies' magnificent win proves they're back
The fact that this proved to be, without doubt, the driest and calmest 40 minutes of the entire night, made the decision appear absurd. Yes, storms with lightning can be serious, but surely this showpiece match being beamed around the world would only be stopped for that long when lightning had already taken out the three adjoining suburbs and was heading our way? The NRL match between the Roosters and the Manly Sea-Eagles over Brookvale way didn't blink, despite being under the same weather pattern, so why was this match? And it wasn't just that stoppage that caused frustration. Time and again in the second half there were so many injury stoppages and referee consultations with assistant referees and the bunker that – again – it was nothing less than absurd. Sure, the officials have to make the right decision, we get that. But that need has to be balanced against the need to keep the match moving. We'll live with the odd mistake — see the final decision of the second Test (don't get the fans started) — but rugby at this level cannot continue to have so many stoppages. And another frustration, seeing as you ask – beyond the wonder of the superb tries by Dylan Pietch, Max Jorgensen and Tate McDermott – were the tries gone begging that were left out there. A cricket score to the goodies was possible, but just didn't happen. Just after the resumption of play, after superb lead-up work by Nic White and Tom Hooper – who had a great game – Will Skelton slipped a singularly slick pass to the hugely talented but slightly erratic prop Taniela Tupou who hit the accelerator in a manner entirely unbecoming for a man who would give you little change from 140 kgs. He was through the defence and going faster still! Oh how we roared in Row P on the southern end of the ground as Tupou roared towards us like 'Pavarotti on a skateboard', to borrow Denis Commeti's felicitous phrase. The line was wide open and a try for the ages was just 15 metres away. Quite what happened next was not clear – a pass gone awry, or a simple drop? But the ball slipped through his fingers and went to ground. Bugger! Twenty minutes later, just after Len Ikitau nearly burrowed through the Lions' forward pack to go over, the ball came out to our superb fullback Tom Wright on the fly, who just spilled the pill with the line again wide-open and Jorgensen all but unmarked on the wing. Just a couple of minutes later again, it was Jorgensen himself who raged towards the stripe with his fellow winger Dylan Pietsch just outside him. Jorgensen took the tackle and released the ball superbly, only for Pietsch to just bobble it. Against such quibbles however, the Wallabies really were magnificent for their richly deserved 22-12 win and the lessons out of this match surely obvious to all. First and foremost it was concrete confirmation of what your ever less humble correspondent wrote last week: two years out from a home World Cup, this side has the makings of magnificence in it. Ways must be found to keep them together. The heart of the pack must be Will Skelton. He is way too important to Australian rugby to be plying his wares in club rugby for La Rochelle in the French Championnat. Instead of having him as a fly-in fly-out Wallaby lock for three or four Tests a year, get him back here for the full season. It is not just his heft in the pack and his ability to make metres with five men on his back. It is his presence, his terrifying insouciance no matter what the opposition are throwing at him – his ability to lift the team around him. We now understand what we didn't when Eddie Jones unexpectedly named him Wallabies captain for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. How different that campaign, too, might have been had Skelton not been injured early to miss all but the first and last matches. But Skelton is the man. We all saw it tonight. With him, Nick Frost was a revelation in the lineouts, constantly securing the ball for us, and pinching theirs. Taniela Tupou, as mentioned, is like no prop we've ever seen before and like Hooper and Skelton is about to head off to European club rugby. Kiss' challenge will be to bring these crucial bits of the jigsaw puzzle back to Oz and turn them into the World Cup winning team they really could be, while Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight – and maybe even James Slipper for another year? – keep the home fires burning. Meantime it must be time to move Tate McDermott from the reserves bench to make him starting half-back every time. Yes, Nic White had a great game, and the standing ovation he received when he went off with twenty minutes to go was both for his Wallaby career now concluded, and how well he had played on the night. But McDermott is obviously the future, and it may as well start now. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii gets better with every match and – good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise – should be a mainstay of the Wallaby backline for years to come. Max Jorgensen on the wing was dangerous every time he touched the ball as was Dylan Pietsch. Tom Lynagh went off with concussion 33 minutes in, but there is now no more doubt about either his courage or his skill. This match proves it. The Wallabies are back. We just need to back them, keep them together and watch them continue to grow. For now, be proud. Tonight, they killed it. A word for the Lions, though? Yes. Congratulations. Led by your magnificent captain Maro Itoje, you were worthy winners and by and large played a great kind of rugby. Bravo. Your supporters were great, and displayed the spirit that makes rugby such a wonderful international game.
Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Pride restored: The Wallabies' magnificent win proves they're back
The fact that this proved to be, without doubt, the driest and calmest 40 minutes of the entire night, made the decision appear absurd. Yes, storms with lightning can be serious, but surely this showpiece match being beamed around the world would only be stopped for that long when lightning had already taken out the three adjoining suburbs and was heading our way? The NRL match between the Roosters and the Manly Sea-Eagles over Brookvale way didn't blink, despite being under the same weather pattern, so why was this match? And it wasn't just that stoppage that caused frustration. Time and again in the second half there were so many injury stoppages and referee consultations with assistant referees and the bunker that – again – it was nothing less than absurd. Sure, the officials have to make the right decision, we get that. But that need has to be balanced against the need to keep the match moving. We'll live with the odd mistake — see the final decision of the second Test (don't get the fans started) — but rugby at this level cannot continue to have so many stoppages. And another frustration, seeing as you ask – beyond the wonder of the superb tries by Dylan Pietch, Max Jorgensen and Tate McDermott – were the tries gone begging that were left out there. A cricket score to the goodies was possible, but just didn't happen. Just after the resumption of play, after superb lead-up work by Nic White and Tom Hooper – who had a great game – Will Skelton slipped a singularly slick pass to the hugely talented but slightly erratic prop Taniela Tupou who hit the accelerator in a manner entirely unbecoming for a man who would give you little change from 140 kgs. He was through the defence and going faster still! Oh how we roared in Row P on the southern end of the ground as Tupou roared towards us like 'Pavarotti on a skateboard', to borrow Denis Commeti's felicitous phrase. The line was wide open and a try for the ages was just 15 metres away. Quite what happened next was not clear – a pass gone awry, or a simple drop? But the ball slipped through his fingers and went to ground. Bugger! Twenty minutes later, just after Len Ikitau nearly burrowed through the Lions' forward pack to go over, the ball came out to our superb fullback Tom Wright on the fly, who just spilled the pill with the line again wide-open and Jorgensen all but unmarked on the wing. Just a couple of minutes later again, it was Jorgensen himself who raged towards the stripe with his fellow winger Dylan Pietsch just outside him. Jorgensen took the tackle and released the ball superbly, only for Pietsch to just bobble it. Against such quibbles however, the Wallabies really were magnificent for their richly deserved 22-12 win and the lessons out of this match surely obvious to all. First and foremost it was concrete confirmation of what your ever less humble correspondent wrote last week: two years out from a home World Cup, this side has the makings of magnificence in it. Ways must be found to keep them together. The heart of the pack must be Will Skelton. He is way too important to Australian rugby to be plying his wares in club rugby for La Rochelle in the French Championnat. Instead of having him as a fly-in fly-out Wallaby lock for three or four Tests a year, get him back here for the full season. It is not just his heft in the pack and his ability to make metres with five men on his back. It is his presence, his terrifying insouciance no matter what the opposition are throwing at him – his ability to lift the team around him. We now understand what we didn't when Eddie Jones unexpectedly named him Wallabies captain for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. How different that campaign, too, might have been had Skelton not been injured early to miss all but the first and last matches. But Skelton is the man. We all saw it tonight. With him, Nick Frost was a revelation in the lineouts, constantly securing the ball for us, and pinching theirs. Taniela Tupou, as mentioned, is like no prop we've ever seen before and like Hooper and Skelton is about to head off to European club rugby. Kiss' challenge will be to bring these crucial bits of the jigsaw puzzle back to Oz and turn them into the World Cup winning team they really could be, while Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight – and maybe even James Slipper for another year? – keep the home fires burning. Meantime it must be time to move Tate McDermott from the reserves bench to make him starting half-back every time. Yes, Nic White had a great game, and the standing ovation he received when he went off with twenty minutes to go was both for his Wallaby career now concluded, and how well he had played on the night. But McDermott is obviously the future, and it may as well start now. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii gets better with every match and – good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise – should be a mainstay of the Wallaby backline for years to come. Max Jorgensen on the wing was dangerous every time he touched the ball as was Dylan Pietsch. Tom Lynagh went off with concussion 33 minutes in, but there is now no more doubt about either his courage or his skill. This match proves it. The Wallabies are back. We just need to back them, keep them together and watch them continue to grow. For now, be proud. Tonight, they killed it. A word for the Lions, though? Yes. Congratulations. Led by your magnificent captain Maro Itoje, you were worthy winners and by and large played a great kind of rugby. Bravo. Your supporters were great, and displayed the spirit that makes rugby such a wonderful international game.
Courier-Mail
8 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
NRL storm erupts as Panthers trainer caught in ‘disgraceful' act
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Panthers trainer Corey Bocking has been slammed for a 'disgraceful' act in Penrith's golden point win over the Titans on Saturday afternoon. Bocking went to extreme measures to put off Titans goalkicker Jayden Campbell as he lined up for a crucial kick with just 5 minutes to go, with the Gold Coast leading 26-24. His effort to extend the lead to four was halted by Bocking, who ran directly in front of his conversion attempt, which left commentators and fans stunned. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. 'Oh, the trainer has just run straight in front of Jayden Campbell,' Michael Ennis said. While Andrew Voss added, 'That is disgraceful, that is absolutely disgraceful'. 'You can't make that mistake, unbelievable. Come on. Have you ever seen that? Have you ever seen that?' Voss said. 'I think he gets a second shot … that is high controversy, I don't know what action you take. That's just beyond the pale … boy, oh boy. What a moment.' Crucially, in the context of the final scoreline, Campbell missed the conversion attempt, throwing the tee in disgust. Panthers trainer Corey Bocking has been slammed for his 'disgraceful' act in Penrith's win. Image: Kayo The trainer apologised, but was seen with a cheeky smirk as he ran away. After Campbell missed the conversion, Ennis delivered a line that will stick with Titans fans. 'It brings a Nathan Cleary two-point field goal right into play,' he said. And he was right, as just moments later Penrith star Nathan Cleary was able to land a huge two-point field goal to level the scoreline 26-26 and send the match to golden point. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY From there, a Blaize Talagi try broke the hearts of the Titans in overtime. 'They are going to win it, they have done it … Titans players strewn everywhere. Their hearts crushed,' Voss said. 'Not a field goal, not a penalty goal, but an amazing 60 metre try to win the game.' The Panthers won a Saturday afternoon epic but not without controversy. (Photo by) In the end, Bocking's actions proved crucial, and it left fans calling for Penrith to be sanctioned. 'If the NRL cares about the integrity of the game, they'll dock the Panthers two points for the actions of their trainer. It's just blatant cheating, poor sportsmanship and downright disgraceful,' one fan wrote on X. 'Blatant cheating. That's not on, and the NRL must draw a line in the sand now,' another added. 'The Titans have been absolutely duded … The Panthers' trainers are continuously bringing the game into disrepute,' a third wrote. It's not the first time a Panthers trainer has come under fire this year, with the NRL issuing a breach notice to one staff member earlier this season for squirting water on a ball before a kick-off. – with Fox Sports Originally published as NRL storm erupts as Panthers trainer caught in 'disgraceful' act
