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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Hughes hospitalised as Storm title hopes take a hit
The NRL premiership race has been blown wide open, after Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes was taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder in their 34-30 win over the Sydney Roosters. Premiership favourites headed into the round, Melbourne are now facing the prospect of losing the reigning Dally M Medallist for their title charge. With Hughes off the field and Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen both missing, Harry Grant stood up for the Storm as they won one of the games of the season on Thursday night. The hooker scored once and then set up two second-half tries, taking charge of Melbourne's attack at Allianz Stadium. But it also appears likely to be extremely costly, with Hughes leaving the field early in the second half after attempting a tackle on James Tedesco with an outstretched arm and hitting the ground hard after. Melbourne medical staff then struggled to put the joint back in, prompting the 30-year-old to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. "He'll probably have to go under to get it back in," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said. "I don't think it's overly good news. "I think the longer they're out, it's a bigger problem ... it stretches the ligaments and muscles around the joint." Melbourne have Tyran Wishart as one option at No.7 after he filled in for Munster at five-eighth on Thursday night, with Jonah Pezet the alternative. The Storm entered Thursday in third place with two wins over fifth-placed Brisbane, but have a brutal run home in their bid to finish in the top four. After Parramatta next week, the Storm have Brisbane, Penrith, Canterbury and then the Roosters and Broncos again in the run to the finals. "Obviously no one wants to lose their halfback. He is a massive part of our footy team without a doubt," Bellamy said. "It'll take a bit. We probably won't recover completely, he was the Dally M player last year. However long he is out for, we're going to miss him." Thursday night was also costly for the Roosters' finals chances, after playing the majority of the game without halfback Sandon Smith following a first-half head clash. Trent Robinson's men will finish the round in 10th, but could be as many as four points outside the top eight with a crucial clash against Manly next week. In a frantic match of attacking highs, the lead changed hands five times. Sam Walker kicked for four of the Roosters' tries and helped lay on another when Tedesco batted on a pass from the halfback. Daniel Tupou scored for two of those four-pointers, including one from a pinpoint perfect Walker cross-field kick where he outleapt opposite winger Kane Bradley. But ultimately it was an error from Tupou that cruelled the Tricolours, with the winger bombing a try over the line with them up 30-28. Walker also had a costly grubberkick go dead when the Roosters lead 24-22. After both Walker and Tupou's errors, the Storm went downfield and scored shortly after. "We had our opportunities, it came down to moments," Robinson said. "It's tough when you lose a half and your system relies on two halves, which is natural. "We adapted well in yardage and midfield, and we didn't adapt that well in good ball." Grant, meanwhile, nailed the key moments. He scored once himself when he went over in the first half, splitting Smith and Salesi Foketi as the two clashed heads. Then with Hughes off the field at 24-16 down, the No.9 provided the two biggest plays of the second half, first putting King through a hole to score his second. And with the game on the line and Melbourne down 30-28, Grant made use of a quick play-the-ball, scurried centrefield and sent Stefano Utoikamanu over. The NRL premiership race has been blown wide open, after Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes was taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder in their 34-30 win over the Sydney Roosters. Premiership favourites headed into the round, Melbourne are now facing the prospect of losing the reigning Dally M Medallist for their title charge. With Hughes off the field and Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen both missing, Harry Grant stood up for the Storm as they won one of the games of the season on Thursday night. The hooker scored once and then set up two second-half tries, taking charge of Melbourne's attack at Allianz Stadium. But it also appears likely to be extremely costly, with Hughes leaving the field early in the second half after attempting a tackle on James Tedesco with an outstretched arm and hitting the ground hard after. Melbourne medical staff then struggled to put the joint back in, prompting the 30-year-old to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. "He'll probably have to go under to get it back in," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said. "I don't think it's overly good news. "I think the longer they're out, it's a bigger problem ... it stretches the ligaments and muscles around the joint." Melbourne have Tyran Wishart as one option at No.7 after he filled in for Munster at five-eighth on Thursday night, with Jonah Pezet the alternative. The Storm entered Thursday in third place with two wins over fifth-placed Brisbane, but have a brutal run home in their bid to finish in the top four. After Parramatta next week, the Storm have Brisbane, Penrith, Canterbury and then the Roosters and Broncos again in the run to the finals. "Obviously no one wants to lose their halfback. He is a massive part of our footy team without a doubt," Bellamy said. "It'll take a bit. We probably won't recover completely, he was the Dally M player last year. However long he is out for, we're going to miss him." Thursday night was also costly for the Roosters' finals chances, after playing the majority of the game without halfback Sandon Smith following a first-half head clash. Trent Robinson's men will finish the round in 10th, but could be as many as four points outside the top eight with a crucial clash against Manly next week. In a frantic match of attacking highs, the lead changed hands five times. Sam Walker kicked for four of the Roosters' tries and helped lay on another when Tedesco batted on a pass from the halfback. Daniel Tupou scored for two of those four-pointers, including one from a pinpoint perfect Walker cross-field kick where he outleapt opposite winger Kane Bradley. But ultimately it was an error from Tupou that cruelled the Tricolours, with the winger bombing a try over the line with them up 30-28. Walker also had a costly grubberkick go dead when the Roosters lead 24-22. After both Walker and Tupou's errors, the Storm went downfield and scored shortly after. "We had our opportunities, it came down to moments," Robinson said. "It's tough when you lose a half and your system relies on two halves, which is natural. "We adapted well in yardage and midfield, and we didn't adapt that well in good ball." Grant, meanwhile, nailed the key moments. He scored once himself when he went over in the first half, splitting Smith and Salesi Foketi as the two clashed heads. Then with Hughes off the field at 24-16 down, the No.9 provided the two biggest plays of the second half, first putting King through a hole to score his second. And with the game on the line and Melbourne down 30-28, Grant made use of a quick play-the-ball, scurried centrefield and sent Stefano Utoikamanu over. The NRL premiership race has been blown wide open, after Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes was taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder in their 34-30 win over the Sydney Roosters. Premiership favourites headed into the round, Melbourne are now facing the prospect of losing the reigning Dally M Medallist for their title charge. With Hughes off the field and Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen both missing, Harry Grant stood up for the Storm as they won one of the games of the season on Thursday night. The hooker scored once and then set up two second-half tries, taking charge of Melbourne's attack at Allianz Stadium. But it also appears likely to be extremely costly, with Hughes leaving the field early in the second half after attempting a tackle on James Tedesco with an outstretched arm and hitting the ground hard after. Melbourne medical staff then struggled to put the joint back in, prompting the 30-year-old to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. "He'll probably have to go under to get it back in," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said. "I don't think it's overly good news. "I think the longer they're out, it's a bigger problem ... it stretches the ligaments and muscles around the joint." Melbourne have Tyran Wishart as one option at No.7 after he filled in for Munster at five-eighth on Thursday night, with Jonah Pezet the alternative. The Storm entered Thursday in third place with two wins over fifth-placed Brisbane, but have a brutal run home in their bid to finish in the top four. After Parramatta next week, the Storm have Brisbane, Penrith, Canterbury and then the Roosters and Broncos again in the run to the finals. "Obviously no one wants to lose their halfback. He is a massive part of our footy team without a doubt," Bellamy said. "It'll take a bit. We probably won't recover completely, he was the Dally M player last year. However long he is out for, we're going to miss him." Thursday night was also costly for the Roosters' finals chances, after playing the majority of the game without halfback Sandon Smith following a first-half head clash. Trent Robinson's men will finish the round in 10th, but could be as many as four points outside the top eight with a crucial clash against Manly next week. In a frantic match of attacking highs, the lead changed hands five times. Sam Walker kicked for four of the Roosters' tries and helped lay on another when Tedesco batted on a pass from the halfback. Daniel Tupou scored for two of those four-pointers, including one from a pinpoint perfect Walker cross-field kick where he outleapt opposite winger Kane Bradley. But ultimately it was an error from Tupou that cruelled the Tricolours, with the winger bombing a try over the line with them up 30-28. Walker also had a costly grubberkick go dead when the Roosters lead 24-22. After both Walker and Tupou's errors, the Storm went downfield and scored shortly after. "We had our opportunities, it came down to moments," Robinson said. "It's tough when you lose a half and your system relies on two halves, which is natural. "We adapted well in yardage and midfield, and we didn't adapt that well in good ball." Grant, meanwhile, nailed the key moments. He scored once himself when he went over in the first half, splitting Smith and Salesi Foketi as the two clashed heads. Then with Hughes off the field at 24-16 down, the No.9 provided the two biggest plays of the second half, first putting King through a hole to score his second. And with the game on the line and Melbourne down 30-28, Grant made use of a quick play-the-ball, scurried centrefield and sent Stefano Utoikamanu over.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
Blues star Curnow responds to AFL trade rumours
Carlton star Charlie Curnow has declared he isn't going anywhere, emphatically shutting down AFL trade speculation. Curnow has this week been linked to Gold Coast, Sydney and Geelong as the Blues limp towards the end of a horror season. But the 28-year-old on Thursday night denied reports he had sought a move away from Ikon Park. "I obviously want to be here," Curnow told reporters after the Blues' 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) defeat to Hawthorn. "I don't really want to make this about me right now, but I'm playing at Carlton next year. There you go. Done." A two-time Coleman Medal winner, Curnow has another four years left to run on his lucrative deal with Carlton. Blues coach Michael Voss said the spearhead's future had not been a talking point internally this week, while Curnow rubbished reports he had told the club he is keen to explore his options. "No, nothing has happened," Curnow said. "I'm just putting all of my time into playing footy at this club for the next year and the future years." Carlton will miss the finals for the first time since 2022, sitting 12th with a 7-12 record. The slide down the ladder has cast doubt over Voss' future as coach, and comes in a year when long-suffering Blues fans had dared to dream of the club ending a 30-year premiership drought. Curnow said he appreciated the frustration Carlton supporters are feeling, but urged them to stay the course. "It's a hard one to cop for them, I know," Curnow said. "Just grow with us, have fun with us. We're trying hard out there. "We do really want to have a crack for them. Just stick with us and something good will happen." Curnow has kicked 32 goals in 18 games this year, failing to reclaim his best form after undergoing knee and ankle surgeries during the pre-season. "That probably lingered around at the start of the season for me," he said. "I tried to find my feet, but I feel like as a team we haven't really found our feet also. That's been obvious." Curnow had a brief moment of enjoyment after the Hawthorn loss, when retiring stalwart Sam Docherty and 200-game defender Jacob Weitering were chaired off the MCG. Carlton captain Patrick Cripps joined Hawks assistant coach and former Blues teammate Kade Simpson in hoisting Docherty onto their shoulders. "It's nice to be able to enjoy something like tonight," Curnow said. "It was a pretty awesome moment with Kade Simpson coming off at the boundary. It was pretty good to watch."
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Hawks on Blues cruise to deny Docherty fairytale finish
Hawthorn's self-proclaimed "villains" have spoiled Sam Docherty's farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye. Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week. But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor's remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory. A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn's grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record. "They were playing for a bit ... so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early," Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. "They wouldn't go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do. "We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that." An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury. Hawthorn's self-proclaimed "villains" have spoiled Sam Docherty's farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye. Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week. But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor's remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory. A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn's grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record. "They were playing for a bit ... so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early," Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. "They wouldn't go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do. "We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that." An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury. Hawthorn's self-proclaimed "villains" have spoiled Sam Docherty's farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye. Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week. But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor's remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory. A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn's grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record. "They were playing for a bit ... so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early," Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. "They wouldn't go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do. "We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that." An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury.
