Mark Hughes: I'm constantly reminded how tough this disease is
The Beanies for Brain Cancer Round has become part of the NRL furniture with players, fans and commentators donning the beanies to raise money each year. The man behind it - former Knight Mark Hughes (32.37) - chatted to Andrew Moore and the team about how it continues to exceed his expectations. And while he's in good health he explained that his work with the Charity never lets him forget how hard it is to deal with the disease. Plus Michael Carayannis is along with all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (44:33).
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News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Matahga storms home for come-from-behind victory in Oaklands Plate at Morphettville Parks
Phillip Stokes has unearthed another exciting youngster after Matahga produced a huge come-from-behind win to nail Saturday's Listed David Peacock Oaklands Plate at Morphettville Parks. Hard ridden, 10 lengths off the lead turning for home, Matahga, showed his class edge, reeling in Hayes-trained fancy Ethereum Girl as he charged home in the final 50m. It saw Stokes claim back-to-back Oaklands Plates, after the stable won last year's race with SA Derby winner Femminile. 'He's a nice colt this horse, (he) dug deep, he's come a long way this prep,' Stokes said. 'Kerrin and Tommy have done a fantastic job with him, he'll go for a break now, I think he deserves to be aimed some of the nicer races in the spring.' The win was the first of a race-to-race double for jockey Jacob Opperman, who nailed a brilliant treble on the program with other wins aboard Test The Law and Fiasco Tess. The hoop elected to save ground aboard Matahga, navigating traffic rather than peeling to the outside. It left Stokes with his heart in mouth momentarily, but it proved to be the right rein. Matahga digs deep for a stirring come-from-behind victory at Morphettville Parks to make it back-to-back wins ðŸ'¥ @pstokesracing picks up a Morphettville Parks double ✌ï¸� @JOpperman15 — (@Racing) June 28, 2025 'We were sort of cursing him there for awhile, we thought maybe he should have went around them, but he rode it very well,' he said. 'He'll take a lot out of it this colt, he's a nice horse going forward, I'm just rapt for the Brook's family.' Paul Trenwith pulled off an upset win with Ginger Sinner early on, the Morphettville trainer bought the gelding for $15,000, and has now nailed two wins from five starts with him, most notably Saturday's Benchmark 72 (1250m) over stakes winner Colmar. The son of Castelvecchio jumped at $21 with Sportsbet, and was guided to the line under promising apprentice Caitlin Tootell. The roughies continued their dominance in the following race, with Left Turn Clyde charging home to produce a blowout result at $27 over 1000m. It's a grandstand finish at Morphettville Parks! ðŸ'¸ Left Turn Clyde storms home from a long way back to get across the line first for his second win this season ðŸ'° @mattLchadwixk — (@Racing) June 28, 2025 The Stuart Gower-trained gelding jumped awkwardly to find himself well back, before in-form hoop Matthew Chadwick worked his way through the field, piercing a gap at the 100m. Left Turn Clyde nosed out rivals Madam Jeanette and Rich Gina in a three-way go on the line. Sir Now once again showed his will to win, the tough gelding hunted down Beast Mode to nail a Benchmark 80 over 1000m, his seventh win from 13 starts for Karoonda handler Darryl Hewitt. Six of those wins have been under the steering of talented apprentice Maggie Collett, who piloted the gelding again on Saturday. The day belonged to Opperman, however, who was unrivalled in the saddle with his three winners, while the Stokes yard were the dominant stable with two wins, with Nicish also saluting in the opening race.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
No white flag as wounded Warriors wait on scans
NRL Swiss army knife Te Maire Martin has helped to quell the despair after a pair of potentially serious injuries and some questionable calls in the New Zealand Warriors' Brisbane loss. The Warriors' (10-5) second-straight defeat, 26-12 on Saturday, came as Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad both limped off with knee injuries. They'll have scans on their return to Auckland and coach Andrew Webster conceded the star halfback and fullback could be out for the season. Nicoll-Klokstad's legs were pinned awkwardly as Gehamat Shibasaki scored the first of his two tries while Metcalf was hammered as he passed the ball by Brendan Piakura, who was later placed on report. "We're going to have to get back to New Zealand and find out," Webster said. "But certainly won't be playing in two weeks, I can tell you that much ... all possibilities on the table at the moment." Webster didn't bite when asked if he thought Metcalf was tackled illegally, but was more willing to comment on a pair of decisions that went against his men either side of halftime. Wayde Egan was called for off-side in the first half before Broncos star Reece Walsh earnt a penalty when he was obstructed while chasing a kick, despite being clearly offside. "I was right in front of that and he was miles offside, like miles offside," Webster said of Walsh. "Wayde Egan in the first half, I ask you to go and pause it when the play-the-ball is and you tell me how he's offside. "He's three metres onside. So it's like they just made that up. "They (the NRL) probably will give me crap that it's foul play or something. That's the first infringement. I don't know how they miss it. "I'm not a touch, I'm not a ref. I was down there and I could see it." The prospect of charging on without his influential pair hasn't dented Webster's hopes though, given the talent underneath them. "Going into Round 1, we've got four elite halfbacks," Webster said. "We have Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin, Chanel (Tavita-Harris), Luke Metcalf. So we've got a lot to choose from there. "But if Charnze is out, we've got Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck." Bench utility Martin impressed at hooker, fullback and halfback on Saturday night as the injuries mounted. "I don't think many clubs have a bloke who can do that," Webster said. "We've got lots of options. "That's why we've got heaps of faith." NRL Swiss army knife Te Maire Martin has helped to quell the despair after a pair of potentially serious injuries and some questionable calls in the New Zealand Warriors' Brisbane loss. The Warriors' (10-5) second-straight defeat, 26-12 on Saturday, came as Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad both limped off with knee injuries. They'll have scans on their return to Auckland and coach Andrew Webster conceded the star halfback and fullback could be out for the season. Nicoll-Klokstad's legs were pinned awkwardly as Gehamat Shibasaki scored the first of his two tries while Metcalf was hammered as he passed the ball by Brendan Piakura, who was later placed on report. "We're going to have to get back to New Zealand and find out," Webster said. "But certainly won't be playing in two weeks, I can tell you that much ... all possibilities on the table at the moment." Webster didn't bite when asked if he thought Metcalf was tackled illegally, but was more willing to comment on a pair of decisions that went against his men either side of halftime. Wayde Egan was called for off-side in the first half before Broncos star Reece Walsh earnt a penalty when he was obstructed while chasing a kick, despite being clearly offside. "I was right in front of that and he was miles offside, like miles offside," Webster said of Walsh. "Wayde Egan in the first half, I ask you to go and pause it when the play-the-ball is and you tell me how he's offside. "He's three metres onside. So it's like they just made that up. "They (the NRL) probably will give me crap that it's foul play or something. That's the first infringement. I don't know how they miss it. "I'm not a touch, I'm not a ref. I was down there and I could see it." The prospect of charging on without his influential pair hasn't dented Webster's hopes though, given the talent underneath them. "Going into Round 1, we've got four elite halfbacks," Webster said. "We have Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin, Chanel (Tavita-Harris), Luke Metcalf. So we've got a lot to choose from there. "But if Charnze is out, we've got Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck." Bench utility Martin impressed at hooker, fullback and halfback on Saturday night as the injuries mounted. "I don't think many clubs have a bloke who can do that," Webster said. "We've got lots of options. "That's why we've got heaps of faith." NRL Swiss army knife Te Maire Martin has helped to quell the despair after a pair of potentially serious injuries and some questionable calls in the New Zealand Warriors' Brisbane loss. The Warriors' (10-5) second-straight defeat, 26-12 on Saturday, came as Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad both limped off with knee injuries. They'll have scans on their return to Auckland and coach Andrew Webster conceded the star halfback and fullback could be out for the season. Nicoll-Klokstad's legs were pinned awkwardly as Gehamat Shibasaki scored the first of his two tries while Metcalf was hammered as he passed the ball by Brendan Piakura, who was later placed on report. "We're going to have to get back to New Zealand and find out," Webster said. "But certainly won't be playing in two weeks, I can tell you that much ... all possibilities on the table at the moment." Webster didn't bite when asked if he thought Metcalf was tackled illegally, but was more willing to comment on a pair of decisions that went against his men either side of halftime. Wayde Egan was called for off-side in the first half before Broncos star Reece Walsh earnt a penalty when he was obstructed while chasing a kick, despite being clearly offside. "I was right in front of that and he was miles offside, like miles offside," Webster said of Walsh. "Wayde Egan in the first half, I ask you to go and pause it when the play-the-ball is and you tell me how he's offside. "He's three metres onside. So it's like they just made that up. "They (the NRL) probably will give me crap that it's foul play or something. That's the first infringement. I don't know how they miss it. "I'm not a touch, I'm not a ref. I was down there and I could see it." The prospect of charging on without his influential pair hasn't dented Webster's hopes though, given the talent underneath them. "Going into Round 1, we've got four elite halfbacks," Webster said. "We have Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin, Chanel (Tavita-Harris), Luke Metcalf. So we've got a lot to choose from there. "But if Charnze is out, we've got Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck." Bench utility Martin impressed at hooker, fullback and halfback on Saturday night as the injuries mounted. "I don't think many clubs have a bloke who can do that," Webster said. "We've got lots of options. "That's why we've got heaps of faith."
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Walsh's huge nod after Ponga blow opens Origin door
Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season. Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games. Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane. But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games. Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider. But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee. "I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said. "It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about." Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress. "It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said. "But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that. "You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan. "I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that." Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year. On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year. Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season". Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season. Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games. Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane. But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games. Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider. But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee. "I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said. "It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about." Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress. "It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said. "But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that. "You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan. "I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that." Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year. On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year. Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season". Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season. Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games. Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane. But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games. Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider. But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee. "I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said. "It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about." Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress. "It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said. "But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that. "You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan. "I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that." Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year. On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year. Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season".
