Overlooked lock given another chance to push Test case
After turning out in the AUNZ invitational side last Saturday, the Queensland lock said he was waiting by the phone if required by Test coach Joe Schmidt.
Coach Toutai Kefu included four players from that disappointing 48-0 loss in Adelaide, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Pete Samu and Kalani Thomas also backing up.
Dumped Wallabies lock Darcy Swain, who is of Samoan heritage, will also get another chance after being left out of the squad for the first Test this Saturday in Brisbane.
Fijian Drua forwards Mesake Doge and Mesake Vocevoce have been called into the squad as the first current Fijian internationals to face the Lions since the famous 1977 win.
Former Australia Under-20 props Lington Ieli and Marley Pearce will get another shot at the tourists, while Brumbies No.8 Tuaina Taii Tualima joined previously named back-rowers Rob Leota, Seru Uru and Charlie Gamble.
Halfbacks Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa and Harrison Goddard have been included, with Kurtley Beale and Jack Debreczeni set to share the flyhalf duties
Star centres Lalakai Foketi and David Feliuai are among the backs named, alongside Brumbies flyer Andy Muirhead.
In total, the group is made up of 20 players of Pasifika heritage and seven of First Nations heritage.
"There is a nice blend of youth and experience within the group, with countries and territories represented across the Pacific and Indigenous Australia," Kefu said.
"The players are aware at how big an opportunity this is to perform for their communities and grow the game of rugby.
"We have seen how strong the Lions are in recent weeks. The coaching staff and all the players will be working as hard as possible to prepare for this match and try to pull off something special in Melbourne."
FIRST NATIONS AND PASIFIKA XV SQUAD:
Forwards: George Blake (Cook Islands), Mesake Doge (Fiji), Feao Fotuaika (Tonga), Lington Ieli (Fiji), Marley Pearce (Maori and First Nations), Richie Asiata (Samoa), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Samoa and Maori), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Samoa), Darcy Swain (Samoa), Mesake Vocevoce (Fiji), Seru Uru (Fiji), Charlie Gamble (Tonga), Rob Leota (Samoa), Pete Samu (Samoa), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Samoa)
Backs: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Fiji), Harrison Goddard (First Nations), Kalani Thomas (Maori), Kurtley Beale (First Nations), Jack Debreczeni (Cook Islands), David Feliuai (Samoa), Lalakai Foketi (Tongan and Maori), Isaac Henry (First Nations), Jarrah McLeod (First Nations), Andy Muirhead (First Nations), Kye Oates (First Nations), Triston Reilly (First Nations)
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Overlooked lock given another chance to push Test case
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will have another chance to push his case for Wallabies selection, with the lock included in the First Nations and Pasifika squad to face the touring Lions in Melbourne. After turning out in the AUNZ invitational side last Saturday, the Queensland lock said he was waiting by the phone if required by Test coach Joe Schmidt. Coach Toutai Kefu included four players from that disappointing 48-0 loss in Adelaide, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Pete Samu and Kalani Thomas also backing up. Dumped Wallabies lock Darcy Swain, who is of Samoan heritage, will also get another chance after being left out of the squad for the first Test this Saturday in Brisbane. Fijian Drua forwards Mesake Doge and Mesake Vocevoce have been called into the squad as the first current Fijian internationals to face the Lions since the famous 1977 win. Former Australia Under-20 props Lington Ieli and Marley Pearce will get another shot at the tourists, while Brumbies No.8 Tuaina Taii Tualima joined previously named back-rowers Rob Leota, Seru Uru and Charlie Gamble. Halfbacks Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa and Harrison Goddard have been included, with Kurtley Beale and Jack Debreczeni set to share the flyhalf duties Star centres Lalakai Foketi and David Feliuai are among the backs named, alongside Brumbies flyer Andy Muirhead. In total, the group is made up of 20 players of Pasifika heritage and seven of First Nations heritage. "There is a nice blend of youth and experience within the group, with countries and territories represented across the Pacific and Indigenous Australia," Kefu said. "The players are aware at how big an opportunity this is to perform for their communities and grow the game of rugby. "We have seen how strong the Lions are in recent weeks. The coaching staff and all the players will be working as hard as possible to prepare for this match and try to pull off something special in Melbourne." Meanwhile, the Lions have added Scotland's Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham as injury cover for Tuesday night's match at Marvel Stadium. The three have been pulled from Scotland's squad in New Zealand ahead of their Test against Samoa in Auckland. Winger Graham arrived Monday after he drew two yellow cards and left Scotland a man down for the last part of their 29-14 loss to Fiji in Suva. Glasgow Warriors loosehead prop Sutherland, who played in two Tests on the previous Lions tour in South Africa, will join the camp in Melbourne later in the week along with Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman. FIRST NATIONS AND PASIFIKA XV SQUAD: Forwards: George Blake (Cook Islands), Mesake Doge (Fiji), Feao Fotuaika (Tonga), Lington Ieli (Fiji), Marley Pearce (Maori and First Nations), Richie Asiata (Samoa), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Samoa and Maori), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Samoa), Darcy Swain (Samoa), Mesake Vocevoce (Fiji), Seru Uru (Fiji), Charlie Gamble (Tonga), Rob Leota (Samoa), Pete Samu (Samoa), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Samoa) Backs: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Fiji), Harrison Goddard (First Nations), Kalani Thomas (Maori), Kurtley Beale (First Nations), Jack Debreczeni (Cook Islands), David Feliuai (Samoa), Lalakai Foketi (Tongan and Maori), Isaac Henry (First Nations), Jarrah McLeod (First Nations), Andy Muirhead (First Nations), Kye Oates (First Nations), Triston Reilly (First Nations) Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will have another chance to push his case for Wallabies selection, with the lock included in the First Nations and Pasifika squad to face the touring Lions in Melbourne. After turning out in the AUNZ invitational side last Saturday, the Queensland lock said he was waiting by the phone if required by Test coach Joe Schmidt. Coach Toutai Kefu included four players from that disappointing 48-0 loss in Adelaide, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Pete Samu and Kalani Thomas also backing up. Dumped Wallabies lock Darcy Swain, who is of Samoan heritage, will also get another chance after being left out of the squad for the first Test this Saturday in Brisbane. Fijian Drua forwards Mesake Doge and Mesake Vocevoce have been called into the squad as the first current Fijian internationals to face the Lions since the famous 1977 win. Former Australia Under-20 props Lington Ieli and Marley Pearce will get another shot at the tourists, while Brumbies No.8 Tuaina Taii Tualima joined previously named back-rowers Rob Leota, Seru Uru and Charlie Gamble. Halfbacks Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa and Harrison Goddard have been included, with Kurtley Beale and Jack Debreczeni set to share the flyhalf duties Star centres Lalakai Foketi and David Feliuai are among the backs named, alongside Brumbies flyer Andy Muirhead. In total, the group is made up of 20 players of Pasifika heritage and seven of First Nations heritage. "There is a nice blend of youth and experience within the group, with countries and territories represented across the Pacific and Indigenous Australia," Kefu said. "The players are aware at how big an opportunity this is to perform for their communities and grow the game of rugby. "We have seen how strong the Lions are in recent weeks. The coaching staff and all the players will be working as hard as possible to prepare for this match and try to pull off something special in Melbourne." Meanwhile, the Lions have added Scotland's Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham as injury cover for Tuesday night's match at Marvel Stadium. The three have been pulled from Scotland's squad in New Zealand ahead of their Test against Samoa in Auckland. Winger Graham arrived Monday after he drew two yellow cards and left Scotland a man down for the last part of their 29-14 loss to Fiji in Suva. Glasgow Warriors loosehead prop Sutherland, who played in two Tests on the previous Lions tour in South Africa, will join the camp in Melbourne later in the week along with Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman. FIRST NATIONS AND PASIFIKA XV SQUAD: Forwards: George Blake (Cook Islands), Mesake Doge (Fiji), Feao Fotuaika (Tonga), Lington Ieli (Fiji), Marley Pearce (Maori and First Nations), Richie Asiata (Samoa), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Samoa and Maori), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Samoa), Darcy Swain (Samoa), Mesake Vocevoce (Fiji), Seru Uru (Fiji), Charlie Gamble (Tonga), Rob Leota (Samoa), Pete Samu (Samoa), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Samoa) Backs: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Fiji), Harrison Goddard (First Nations), Kalani Thomas (Maori), Kurtley Beale (First Nations), Jack Debreczeni (Cook Islands), David Feliuai (Samoa), Lalakai Foketi (Tongan and Maori), Isaac Henry (First Nations), Jarrah McLeod (First Nations), Andy Muirhead (First Nations), Kye Oates (First Nations), Triston Reilly (First Nations) Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will have another chance to push his case for Wallabies selection, with the lock included in the First Nations and Pasifika squad to face the touring Lions in Melbourne. After turning out in the AUNZ invitational side last Saturday, the Queensland lock said he was waiting by the phone if required by Test coach Joe Schmidt. Coach Toutai Kefu included four players from that disappointing 48-0 loss in Adelaide, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Pete Samu and Kalani Thomas also backing up. Dumped Wallabies lock Darcy Swain, who is of Samoan heritage, will also get another chance after being left out of the squad for the first Test this Saturday in Brisbane. Fijian Drua forwards Mesake Doge and Mesake Vocevoce have been called into the squad as the first current Fijian internationals to face the Lions since the famous 1977 win. Former Australia Under-20 props Lington Ieli and Marley Pearce will get another shot at the tourists, while Brumbies No.8 Tuaina Taii Tualima joined previously named back-rowers Rob Leota, Seru Uru and Charlie Gamble. Halfbacks Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa and Harrison Goddard have been included, with Kurtley Beale and Jack Debreczeni set to share the flyhalf duties Star centres Lalakai Foketi and David Feliuai are among the backs named, alongside Brumbies flyer Andy Muirhead. In total, the group is made up of 20 players of Pasifika heritage and seven of First Nations heritage. "There is a nice blend of youth and experience within the group, with countries and territories represented across the Pacific and Indigenous Australia," Kefu said. "The players are aware at how big an opportunity this is to perform for their communities and grow the game of rugby. "We have seen how strong the Lions are in recent weeks. The coaching staff and all the players will be working as hard as possible to prepare for this match and try to pull off something special in Melbourne." Meanwhile, the Lions have added Scotland's Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham as injury cover for Tuesday night's match at Marvel Stadium. The three have been pulled from Scotland's squad in New Zealand ahead of their Test against Samoa in Auckland. Winger Graham arrived Monday after he drew two yellow cards and left Scotland a man down for the last part of their 29-14 loss to Fiji in Suva. Glasgow Warriors loosehead prop Sutherland, who played in two Tests on the previous Lions tour in South Africa, will join the camp in Melbourne later in the week along with Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman. FIRST NATIONS AND PASIFIKA XV SQUAD: Forwards: George Blake (Cook Islands), Mesake Doge (Fiji), Feao Fotuaika (Tonga), Lington Ieli (Fiji), Marley Pearce (Maori and First Nations), Richie Asiata (Samoa), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Samoa and Maori), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Samoa), Darcy Swain (Samoa), Mesake Vocevoce (Fiji), Seru Uru (Fiji), Charlie Gamble (Tonga), Rob Leota (Samoa), Pete Samu (Samoa), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Samoa) Backs: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Fiji), Harrison Goddard (First Nations), Kalani Thomas (Maori), Kurtley Beale (First Nations), Jack Debreczeni (Cook Islands), David Feliuai (Samoa), Lalakai Foketi (Tongan and Maori), Isaac Henry (First Nations), Jarrah McLeod (First Nations), Andy Muirhead (First Nations), Kye Oates (First Nations), Triston Reilly (First Nations)
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Saints star weighs up police involvement over racism
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is weighing up whether to take the AFL's latest racist abuse to Victoria Police. The St Kilda young gun and Port Adelaide's Jase Burgoyne called out racist abuse from faceless trolls online after their Sunday games, sharing details of messages they received via social media that night. Last week, a Melbourne man was arrested and charged after alleged racist comments on social media directed towards NBL star Montrezl Harrell. Saints chief executive Carl Dilena told a Monday media conference that lodging a police complaint may be an option for Wanganeen-Milera. "It could be, and that's with Nas at the moment to decide. It's his decision as to whether he wants to take it further," Dilena said. "It could be a potential outcome. The police have a lot more power to investigate and access information." The Saints and Port Adelaide have strongly condemned the messages, confirming on Monday they were working with the AFL Integrity Unit to identify those responsible. Wanganeen-Milera received messages from an anonymous account after the Saints' narrow five-point loss to Sydney. The messages appeared to be related to betting on Wanganeen-Milera's disposal tally. The 22-year-old playmaker had 24 disposals under close attention from Swans tagger James Jordon. In response to the abuse, Wanganeen-Milera posted: "Over a game of football! Hero mate." He received support from Saints teammate Liam Stocker, who reposted Wanganeen-Milera's story with the message: "Get a grip. Pissant. Put your name on it you donkey." "As a club we do not accept racist behaviour of any kind," Dilena said. "These comments are abhorrent and have no place in our game or our community. "Beyond Nasiah's talent on the field, he is a proud Kokatha and Narangga man who deserves to work and live free from this type of abuse. "St Kilda Football Club stands firmly with Nasiah, his family and all First Nations people, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone." Dilena later added Wanganeen-Milera was in "good shape" after being upset on Sunday night, and praised him for calling out the abuse. Burgoyne also shared an image of messages he received, which also targeted his family, after Port's 26-point win over West Coast. The 21-year-old posted the screenshot with a clown emoji seemingly directed at the troll. "Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated," Port Adelaide said in a statement. "We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears." Port Adelaide also called on governments to demand accountability from social media organisations. "Platforms need to take accountability and action against these abusers," the club said. The AFL and AFL Players Association have repeatedly condemned online racial abuse of players in recent years. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon acknowledged the courage of Wanganeen-Milera and Burgoyne in calling out the "unacceptable" racist comments, and offered the league's support to the pair. "To hide behind a fake account is cowardly and I want the people that have created these online accounts and racially abused our players to know that our game does not want you," Dillon said. "Real fans don't racially abuse players. "We have been clear that there is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our sport and in society. "Racism is never acceptable and these incidents demonstrate there is so much more work to be done." 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is weighing up whether to take the AFL's latest racist abuse to Victoria Police. The St Kilda young gun and Port Adelaide's Jase Burgoyne called out racist abuse from faceless trolls online after their Sunday games, sharing details of messages they received via social media that night. Last week, a Melbourne man was arrested and charged after alleged racist comments on social media directed towards NBL star Montrezl Harrell. Saints chief executive Carl Dilena told a Monday media conference that lodging a police complaint may be an option for Wanganeen-Milera. "It could be, and that's with Nas at the moment to decide. It's his decision as to whether he wants to take it further," Dilena said. "It could be a potential outcome. The police have a lot more power to investigate and access information." The Saints and Port Adelaide have strongly condemned the messages, confirming on Monday they were working with the AFL Integrity Unit to identify those responsible. Wanganeen-Milera received messages from an anonymous account after the Saints' narrow five-point loss to Sydney. The messages appeared to be related to betting on Wanganeen-Milera's disposal tally. The 22-year-old playmaker had 24 disposals under close attention from Swans tagger James Jordon. In response to the abuse, Wanganeen-Milera posted: "Over a game of football! Hero mate." He received support from Saints teammate Liam Stocker, who reposted Wanganeen-Milera's story with the message: "Get a grip. Pissant. Put your name on it you donkey." "As a club we do not accept racist behaviour of any kind," Dilena said. "These comments are abhorrent and have no place in our game or our community. "Beyond Nasiah's talent on the field, he is a proud Kokatha and Narangga man who deserves to work and live free from this type of abuse. "St Kilda Football Club stands firmly with Nasiah, his family and all First Nations people, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone." Dilena later added Wanganeen-Milera was in "good shape" after being upset on Sunday night, and praised him for calling out the abuse. Burgoyne also shared an image of messages he received, which also targeted his family, after Port's 26-point win over West Coast. The 21-year-old posted the screenshot with a clown emoji seemingly directed at the troll. "Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated," Port Adelaide said in a statement. "We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears." Port Adelaide also called on governments to demand accountability from social media organisations. "Platforms need to take accountability and action against these abusers," the club said. The AFL and AFL Players Association have repeatedly condemned online racial abuse of players in recent years. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon acknowledged the courage of Wanganeen-Milera and Burgoyne in calling out the "unacceptable" racist comments, and offered the league's support to the pair. "To hide behind a fake account is cowardly and I want the people that have created these online accounts and racially abused our players to know that our game does not want you," Dillon said. "Real fans don't racially abuse players. "We have been clear that there is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our sport and in society. "Racism is never acceptable and these incidents demonstrate there is so much more work to be done." 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is weighing up whether to take the AFL's latest racist abuse to Victoria Police. The St Kilda young gun and Port Adelaide's Jase Burgoyne called out racist abuse from faceless trolls online after their Sunday games, sharing details of messages they received via social media that night. Last week, a Melbourne man was arrested and charged after alleged racist comments on social media directed towards NBL star Montrezl Harrell. Saints chief executive Carl Dilena told a Monday media conference that lodging a police complaint may be an option for Wanganeen-Milera. "It could be, and that's with Nas at the moment to decide. It's his decision as to whether he wants to take it further," Dilena said. "It could be a potential outcome. The police have a lot more power to investigate and access information." The Saints and Port Adelaide have strongly condemned the messages, confirming on Monday they were working with the AFL Integrity Unit to identify those responsible. Wanganeen-Milera received messages from an anonymous account after the Saints' narrow five-point loss to Sydney. The messages appeared to be related to betting on Wanganeen-Milera's disposal tally. The 22-year-old playmaker had 24 disposals under close attention from Swans tagger James Jordon. In response to the abuse, Wanganeen-Milera posted: "Over a game of football! Hero mate." He received support from Saints teammate Liam Stocker, who reposted Wanganeen-Milera's story with the message: "Get a grip. Pissant. Put your name on it you donkey." "As a club we do not accept racist behaviour of any kind," Dilena said. "These comments are abhorrent and have no place in our game or our community. "Beyond Nasiah's talent on the field, he is a proud Kokatha and Narangga man who deserves to work and live free from this type of abuse. "St Kilda Football Club stands firmly with Nasiah, his family and all First Nations people, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone." Dilena later added Wanganeen-Milera was in "good shape" after being upset on Sunday night, and praised him for calling out the abuse. Burgoyne also shared an image of messages he received, which also targeted his family, after Port's 26-point win over West Coast. The 21-year-old posted the screenshot with a clown emoji seemingly directed at the troll. "Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated," Port Adelaide said in a statement. "We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears." Port Adelaide also called on governments to demand accountability from social media organisations. "Platforms need to take accountability and action against these abusers," the club said. The AFL and AFL Players Association have repeatedly condemned online racial abuse of players in recent years. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon acknowledged the courage of Wanganeen-Milera and Burgoyne in calling out the "unacceptable" racist comments, and offered the league's support to the pair. "To hide behind a fake account is cowardly and I want the people that have created these online accounts and racially abused our players to know that our game does not want you," Dillon said. "Real fans don't racially abuse players. "We have been clear that there is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our sport and in society. "Racism is never acceptable and these incidents demonstrate there is so much more work to be done." 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14
Sydney Morning Herald
4 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I've got a long time here': Dolphins star shuts down future code jump
As the British and Irish Lions begin their first Test preparations in Brisbane, Dolphins star Herbie Farnworth insists he has no temptation to complete a code jump to rugby union, as he reaffirmed his commitment to his club's quest for a maiden NRL premiership. The 25-year-old was floated as a potential sensation of the 15-man game last year by former England and Great Britain international Martin Offiah – whose career included stints in union with the Bedford Blues and London Wasps. Farnworth is signed with the Dolphins until the end of 2026, the year before the Rugby World Cup takes place in Australia. A defection from the Englishman would set up an enthralling battle with NRL wunderkind-turned-Wallabies phenom Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. But ahead of Thursday night's clash with the Cowboys, before the Lions face the Wallabies on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium, Farnworth denied there had ever been any interest, nor approach, to make the change, as he pledged his allegiance to his current outfit. Loading 'Nothing really, like I've said before I'm still very happy at the Dolphins. I've still got this year and next year left, so I've got a long, long time here,' Farnworth said. 'I think we're going in a really positive way. We've got some great young players, so nothing has changed in that aspect. 'I try and keep in touch with them [the Lions] via socials, and obviously, I wish them the best of luck. I might even go to the game this weekend. 'But any Pommies in Brissie come down to the Dolphins game and see a fellow Pommy like myself, and hopefully help us get the two points.'
