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'I get tingles': NSW halves on cusp of cementing legacy

'I get tingles': NSW halves on cusp of cementing legacy

It's enough to send tingles up Jarome Luai's spine.
Some nine months on from his "last ride" with Nathan Cleary at Penrith, Luai and his old partner in crime join forces for a chance to cement their State of Origin legacy.
Wednesday's decider is uncharted waters for the NSW halves, who won four premierships alongside each other at Penrith but have never featured together in a victorious game-three decider.
Luai says in some respects Sydney's first Origin decider since 2019 is bigger than a grand final.
"The rivalry I think is a lot stronger than two teams in the NRL," said five-eighth Luai.
"You're playing for a lot more people and for their pride, for their upbringing, for their childhood. It's pretty massive.
"We've just got to do our job, put that scale aside and be present in the moment."
Cleary and Luai had less than a week to reignite their chemistry in the lead-up to the tight Origin II loss, with the five-eighth only coming in late to replace the injured Mitch Moses.
But with a full training camp under their belt, the duo's long-standing connection will go a long way to deciding Wednesday's hotly-anticipated match at Accor Stadium.
"I get tingles (thinking) about it, being back with a lot of guys that I've had a lot of success with," Luai said.
"But I think it's all about putting that away now and focusing on what we can do next."
It's a frightening prospect for Queensland that the always confident Luai is expecting the halves' self-belief will rise following a full camp spent together.
"Everyone would say the more prep you have, the more reps you get in the bank, the more confidence you have from your training. Basically it's just more confidence in the bank" he said.
Cleary will enter rarefied air running onto Accor Stadium, passing Mitchell Pearce and Andrew Johns to become NSW's most-capped halfback.
The Panthers co-captain would almost certainly have reached the 17-game milestone sooner had injury not precluded him from selection in five of the six Origin games played in 2023 and 2024.
"It's a big achievement obviously," said Panthers coach and father Ivan Cleary. "But he'd be more interested in just playing well. Let's hope he does."
NSW great Brett Kimmorley said for Cleary and Luai's four-time NRL premiership-winning combination to flourish, their teammates needed to lift for Origin III.
The Blues were left to rue conceding eight unanswered penalties falling behind 26-6 at half-time of the two-point loss in Origin II.
"For the halves to be able to control the game and build some pressure, it certainly comes from a high completion rate and a low penalty count against you," former Blues half and DrinkWise ambassador Kimmorley told AAP.
"I would expect game three will be a lot better, a lot more desperation, they'll be looking forward to having a bigger game."
It's enough to send tingles up Jarome Luai's spine.
Some nine months on from his "last ride" with Nathan Cleary at Penrith, Luai and his old partner in crime join forces for a chance to cement their State of Origin legacy.
Wednesday's decider is uncharted waters for the NSW halves, who won four premierships alongside each other at Penrith but have never featured together in a victorious game-three decider.
Luai says in some respects Sydney's first Origin decider since 2019 is bigger than a grand final.
"The rivalry I think is a lot stronger than two teams in the NRL," said five-eighth Luai.
"You're playing for a lot more people and for their pride, for their upbringing, for their childhood. It's pretty massive.
"We've just got to do our job, put that scale aside and be present in the moment."
Cleary and Luai had less than a week to reignite their chemistry in the lead-up to the tight Origin II loss, with the five-eighth only coming in late to replace the injured Mitch Moses.
But with a full training camp under their belt, the duo's long-standing connection will go a long way to deciding Wednesday's hotly-anticipated match at Accor Stadium.
"I get tingles (thinking) about it, being back with a lot of guys that I've had a lot of success with," Luai said.
"But I think it's all about putting that away now and focusing on what we can do next."
It's a frightening prospect for Queensland that the always confident Luai is expecting the halves' self-belief will rise following a full camp spent together.
"Everyone would say the more prep you have, the more reps you get in the bank, the more confidence you have from your training. Basically it's just more confidence in the bank" he said.
Cleary will enter rarefied air running onto Accor Stadium, passing Mitchell Pearce and Andrew Johns to become NSW's most-capped halfback.
The Panthers co-captain would almost certainly have reached the 17-game milestone sooner had injury not precluded him from selection in five of the six Origin games played in 2023 and 2024.
"It's a big achievement obviously," said Panthers coach and father Ivan Cleary. "But he'd be more interested in just playing well. Let's hope he does."
NSW great Brett Kimmorley said for Cleary and Luai's four-time NRL premiership-winning combination to flourish, their teammates needed to lift for Origin III.
The Blues were left to rue conceding eight unanswered penalties falling behind 26-6 at half-time of the two-point loss in Origin II.
"For the halves to be able to control the game and build some pressure, it certainly comes from a high completion rate and a low penalty count against you," former Blues half and DrinkWise ambassador Kimmorley told AAP.
"I would expect game three will be a lot better, a lot more desperation, they'll be looking forward to having a bigger game."
It's enough to send tingles up Jarome Luai's spine.
Some nine months on from his "last ride" with Nathan Cleary at Penrith, Luai and his old partner in crime join forces for a chance to cement their State of Origin legacy.
Wednesday's decider is uncharted waters for the NSW halves, who won four premierships alongside each other at Penrith but have never featured together in a victorious game-three decider.
Luai says in some respects Sydney's first Origin decider since 2019 is bigger than a grand final.
"The rivalry I think is a lot stronger than two teams in the NRL," said five-eighth Luai.
"You're playing for a lot more people and for their pride, for their upbringing, for their childhood. It's pretty massive.
"We've just got to do our job, put that scale aside and be present in the moment."
Cleary and Luai had less than a week to reignite their chemistry in the lead-up to the tight Origin II loss, with the five-eighth only coming in late to replace the injured Mitch Moses.
But with a full training camp under their belt, the duo's long-standing connection will go a long way to deciding Wednesday's hotly-anticipated match at Accor Stadium.
"I get tingles (thinking) about it, being back with a lot of guys that I've had a lot of success with," Luai said.
"But I think it's all about putting that away now and focusing on what we can do next."
It's a frightening prospect for Queensland that the always confident Luai is expecting the halves' self-belief will rise following a full camp spent together.
"Everyone would say the more prep you have, the more reps you get in the bank, the more confidence you have from your training. Basically it's just more confidence in the bank" he said.
Cleary will enter rarefied air running onto Accor Stadium, passing Mitchell Pearce and Andrew Johns to become NSW's most-capped halfback.
The Panthers co-captain would almost certainly have reached the 17-game milestone sooner had injury not precluded him from selection in five of the six Origin games played in 2023 and 2024.
"It's a big achievement obviously," said Panthers coach and father Ivan Cleary. "But he'd be more interested in just playing well. Let's hope he does."
NSW great Brett Kimmorley said for Cleary and Luai's four-time NRL premiership-winning combination to flourish, their teammates needed to lift for Origin III.
The Blues were left to rue conceding eight unanswered penalties falling behind 26-6 at half-time of the two-point loss in Origin II.
"For the halves to be able to control the game and build some pressure, it certainly comes from a high completion rate and a low penalty count against you," former Blues half and DrinkWise ambassador Kimmorley told AAP.
"I would expect game three will be a lot better, a lot more desperation, they'll be looking forward to having a bigger game."
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Scone preview: Two promising fillies lead local trainer Rod Northam's charge towards career milestones
Scone preview: Two promising fillies lead local trainer Rod Northam's charge towards career milestones

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Scone preview: Two promising fillies lead local trainer Rod Northam's charge towards career milestones

Scone trainer Rodney Northam can edge himself closer to two professional milestones with a potential swag of winners at his home town card. Northam 's career tally of wins currently stands at 690; of which 193 have come at Scone. Northam is represented by seven runners on the program including in the opener where he restarts the respective second campaigns of the stylish and promising three-year-old fillies, Nova Centauri and Smart Buy. 'There are two nice fillies,' Northam said. 'I quite like them. 'Smart Buy was very green and very immature at her first preparation but she's had a good spell and she has come back bigger and stronger. 'She ran second in a couple of those $50,000 races. I was very pleased with her.' Mount Bona strides away for a convincing win! ðŸ'° The @Paulmessara and @LGavranich stable score a double! ✌ï¸� â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 21, 2025 The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! Rubick filly Nova Centauri was duly spelled after her impressive debut at Mudgee in February when coming from last on the turn to clock in second in the 1000m maiden. 'The home track will suit her a lot better,' Northam said. 'She's got a nice bit of ability as well so there is really not a lot between them. 'I wanted to split them up. I had Nova Centauri in the 1100m but they scrapped the race.' Northam's $37,500 Inglis Classic purchase Move She Can can take her earnings beyond $60,000 should she take out another race at her preferred track. 'Her run was pretty good last time and I expect her race well but it looks a strong race though,' said Northam. Ballinderry Sal, Northam's April 19 TAB Highway winner, will resume in the Scone RSL Benchmark 66 Handicap (1400m). And while her current personal best was lodged at Royal Randwick, her three other wins are all at Scone. 'I had her nominated in Newcastle, Sydney and here and I just thought when she drew well here, it would be the best option to run her at home,' Northam explained. 'She's got a got a good record at Scone so it looks quite a nice race for her to kick off in. 'Obviously she has got a bit of weight but Leeshelle (Small) will help with that. Ballinderry Sal makes it two wins in a row in the TAB Highway for @rodnortham and @djgibbons22! 🙌 @aus_turf_club â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 19, 2025 'I expect her to race well. She's a nice little freshen-up but I am confident she is fit enough for the 1400m.' Northam can lay claim to presenting one of the most fascinating horses racing at the track via the strikingly handsome Sipping Shamus. 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Scone, Moruya best bets, inside mail for Friday, July 11, 2025
Scone, Moruya best bets, inside mail for Friday, July 11, 2025

News.com.au

timean hour ago

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Scone, Moruya best bets, inside mail for Friday, July 11, 2025

Form analyst Shayne O'Cass provides his best bets and analysis of the quaddie legs at Scone and Moruya on Friday. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. BEST BET Race 5 No. 9: GRAINNE A Les Bridge-trained filly who is zeroing in on her first win. NEXT BEST Race 1 No. 6: NOVA CENTAURI Tipped out after an eye-catcher on debut. Trained here. VALUE Race 7 No. 1: PANTA RHEI Lightly-raced type with Sir Remlap form at Scone. QUADDIE Race 4: 2, 8, 9 Race 5: 6, 9 Race 6: 2, 3, 4 Race 7: 1, 4, 7 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Inaugural Country Championships Final winner MITCHELL BELL has a great book at Scone. MORUYA BEST BET Race 8 No. 7: TIMELESS GRACE Won in amazing style at her debut at Wagga back in March. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 7: BARDETTE Barely a foot wrong in her four starts. Has a booming finish. VALUE Race 5 No. 7: SUTTON VELLA Drawn barrier 1 for Jeff Penza. Has the talent too. INSIDE MAIL - SCONE RACE 4: Coolmore Mdn Hcp 1200m CRIMSON WINGS (9) was purchased by the late, great Sam Kavanagh at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in 2024 for $75,000. Trained by Richard and Will Freedman, her trials are indicative of a horse that won't be a maiden for long. SIPPING SHAMUS (2) has the advantage of debuting at his home track. Well-bred, good looking horse, in a top barn. Same goes for BIRD WHISTLE (8) who won a trial here on June 25. Bet: Crimson Wings to win or if scratched Sipping Shamus to win â– â– â– â– â– RACE 5: Kia Ora Mdn Plate 1600m GRAINNE (9) is trained by the Hall of Famer Les Bridge and is bred on a very similar (but reverse) cross that resulted in Ka Ying Rising. Grainne has raced three times and improved in and after each of them suffice to say that this is the easiest race she has run in. Make a lot of appeal. THE BIG BLUE (6) is another High Street resident heading up to Scone. Scratched from Gosford; tipping Scone suits him so much better. Bet: Grainne to win, exacta 9 to beat 6, Daily Double 1st Leg 9, 2nd Leg 1 â– â– â– â– â– RACE 6: The Gables (Bm58) 1700m ZELESTIAL (4) is a Kia Ora owned Zoustar mare born in England but brought down here to race and then go to stud. Lyle Chandler has placed her so that she has won two of her three runs and was honourable in defeat at the other. Has accepted for Monday at Quirindi. If she is out, all roads lead to OFF THE SCALE (3) who has done, by far, more good than bad in her 10 starts. Absolutely trotted in at Port Macquarie last start. GRANDINI (2) is on a hat-trick. â– â– â– â– â– PANTA RHEI (1) is quite a promising and talented three-year-old filly trained here at Scone by Justin Drake who bred her. The daughter of Astern and relative of Diego Garcia has raced four times for a win, a second, a third and a fourth so she's done nothing wrong really. What is also notable about her is that she has been in very strong races; her second here was behind Sir Remlap no less. CRESTA RUN (4), beat her home here when they met on June 23. Bet: Panta Rhei to win, quinella 1, 4 INSIDE MAIL - MORUYA SUTTON VELLA (7) is a member of racing royalty owing to the fact that her sixth dam is Kingston Rose, the mother of Rose Of Kingston (dam of Kingston Rule) and Spirit Of Kingston. This Gratz Vella-trained daughter of Shaft has a tidy resume of three wins and three placings from 10 runs. Highway placed over this trip. SNAPPY JIM (6) is trained here but sadly has the visitors draw. GORUSH LIGHTNING (4) has won six times here at home. Bet: Sutton Vella to win â– â– â– â– â– BARDETTE (7) has been competitive so far in all four starts from 1000m up to 1425m. She has a bit of stamina through her damline so she'll run a mile, easily, one day. She was huge from 13th of 14 at the turn here last start; suspect she may be handier from barrier 4 perhaps. LONDON STAR (11) is invariably thereabouts. Suitable assignment again for her here. KOOL KADE (15) is a massive longshot, maybe for good reason, but he could be a sharp improver. Bet: Bardette to win, exacta 7 to beat 11, Daily Double 1st Leg 7, 2nd Leg 7 â– â– â– â– â– VERMICELLA (11) is down to contest Saturday's TAB Highway which says a bit about her form. Her absence would make it easier for the local FIELD MARSHAL (5) to post his first win for Michael Gatty who has gifted the horse the most perfect build-up to 1425m here at the new hometrack. VICTORY AT OMAHA (6) races well at the venue. Ditto that for ALMOST PERSUADED (4) who loves the trip like no other. Market watch advised given he is first-up, Drawn out too. Bet: Vermicella to win, if scratched, Field Marshal each-way â– â– â– â– â– TIMELESS GRACE (7) deadset looked like Black Caviar in a trial here on March 2. She went to Wagga 11 days for her debut and she looked (at the 200m) like she was going to work home into third or whatever but then she switched on the afterburners and boom, right over the top of them. Can't wait to see what she does here. Pedigree buffs take note; her fourth dam is Bold Promise. ALOTTOSAY (3) ended his first preparation with a well-earned win. Hasn't drawn particularly well however. Bet: Timeless Grace to win SCONE BEST BET Race 5 No. 9: Grainne Les Bridge trained filly who is zeroing in on her first win. NEXT BEST Race 1 No. 6: Nova Centauri Tipped out after an eye-catcher on debut. Trained here. VALUE Race 7 No. 1: Panta Rhei Lightly-raced type with Sir Remlap form at Scone. QUADDIE Race 4: 2,8,9 Race 5: 6,9 Race 6: 2,3,4 Race 7: 1,4,7 LAY Race 3 No. 2: Solitario Has some competition among his seven rivals (check scratchings) JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Inaugural Country Champs Final winner Mitchell Bell has a great book at Scone. MORUYA BEST BET Race 8 No. 7: Timeless Grace Won in amazing style at her debut at Wagga back in March. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 7: Bardette Barely a foot wrong in her four starts. Has a booming finish. VALUE

Racing Confidential: The leading contenders to replace Peter McGauran as ATC chairman
Racing Confidential: The leading contenders to replace Peter McGauran as ATC chairman

News.com.au

time2 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Racing Confidential: The leading contenders to replace Peter McGauran as ATC chairman

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