Latest news with #IsaahYeo
News.com.au
an hour ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘You can see how much it means to him': Kangaroos skipper endorses Kevin Walters to take over as the next coach of the national side
Kangaroos skipper Isaah Yeo is too young to remember much about Kevin Walters as a player, but he can't wait to be coached by the Broncos legend, who is expected to be announced as the Australian coach for this year's Ashes series. Walters will replace Mal Meninga, who stepped down to focus on his new role as inaugural coach of the Perth Bears, with Yeo relieved they've settled on someone who can now start planning for the Ashes tour that begins in October. Yeo found out through the media that Walters would be taking over and has endorsed the former Broncos and Maroons coach to lead the national side even though it hasn't been formally announced. 'He's come out and said how much of an honour it'll be to be able to coach Brisbane, Queensland and his last one was going to be Australia,' the Golden Boot winner said. 'I'm super excited for him. You can see how much it means to him already and I'd love to be a part of it with him. 'That was a bit before my time (watching him play), but you hear stories about how good he was. 'You can see how much he meant to the players by talking to the Broncos boys. If it wasn't for Nathan Cleary (killing it) for 16 or 17 minutes, then he'd be a premiership-winning coach. 'Everyone I've spoken to has massive raps on him.' Wayne Bennett had been in the mix to take over but was eventually ruled out given he coaches an NRL side, while Immortal-in-waiting Cameron Smith was also in contention after Brad Fittler pulled out of the race. One of the reasons Fittler didn't take the job was because there were only a few months to go until the Tests started and there was still so much planning to do for matches overseas. It's why Yeo is happy that they've gone with someone who has no links to club land, with Walters keeping himself busy with his media work with Fox Sports. 'It helps now with how late it's been because it'd be hard being an NRL coach and having to worry about a push to the finals and then you're trying to do this stuff on top of it,' Yeo said. 'He's been pretty busy, Kev, doing a lot with Fox at the moment, but it certainly helps because he's now got three months to try to figure it out. 'That's probably where it's gotten a little bit hard for whoever was going to come in because it's going to be rushed for them. It's nice that it's all done and sealed and we can now get to planning what will hopefully be a successful series over there. 'You'd love to be a part of it because of the history behind it and what it means to the English – not just the players – but the fans over there and how passionate they are. I like anything to do with history, so it'd be really cool to be a part of.' Walters played in the 1992 Ashes series and will bring plenty of passion when the rivalry returns after a 22-year hiatus. Yeo doesn't remember much from the 2003 series but is expecting a tight contest just 12 months out from the next World Cup. 'I would have been too young. I do remember getting up and watching England games, but that was really rare and those were really early memories,' he said. 'You hear about the tours and how outstanding they were. We were lucky enough to play a World Cup over there. 'You can feel that England have been building towards this. They had the disappointment of the World Cup, but then they had the Tonga and the Samoa series and they've been building towards something with this group under Shaun Wane. 'You can tell it's going to be a cracking series, and those are the ones you want to be in. Any time you pull on the Australian jersey is the pinnacle of the sport, but to be able to do that in a series like that is awesome.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kangaroos captain endorses next green and gold coach
Isaah Yeo has endorsed Kevin Walters as Australia's next coach, with the Kangaroos captain labelling the Brisbane legend a man people want to play for. Walters is expected to be announced as Mal Meninga's successor this week, with the ARL Commission (ARLC) finalising plans to unveil him ahead of this year's Ashes. It comes after Meninga was forced to step down upon taking on the Perth Bears job last month, while the ARLC has ruled out having a club coach in charge. Walters' appointment will mark his return to coaching, after being axed by Brisbane at the end of 2024. He previously led Queensland in State of Origin from 2016 to 2019. Yeo has never previously worked with Walters, with his only dealings being in post-match interviews or playing against him while in charge of the Broncos. But he has spoken to a number of players about the 57-year-old, and was happy to have him take over the Kangaroos ahead of the Ashes and 2026 World Cup. "You can see how much he meant to the players by talking to the Broncos boys," Yeo said. "If it wasn't for Nathan Cleary killing it for 16 or 17 minutes then he'd be a premiership-winning coach. Everyone I've spoken to has massive raps on him. "He's come out and said how much of an honour it'll be to be able to coach Brisbane, Queensland and his last one was going to be Australia. "I'm super excited for him. You can see how much it means to him already and I'd love to be a part of it with him." Walters' appointment will give him three months to prepare for the Ashes, with the first Test against England at Wembley Stadium on October 25. That short lead-in had been part of Brad Fittler's reasoning to withdraw from the race, while also concerned about juggling media commitments. It is for that reason Yeo is happy a coach has finally been appointed, and that Walters is able to fully focus on the tour without worrying about a club side. "That's probably where it's gotten a little bit hard for whoever was going to come in because it's going to be rushed for them," Yeo said. "It'd be hard being an NRL coach and having to worry about a push to the finals and then you're trying to do this stuff on top of it. "It's nice that it's all done and sealed and we can now get to planning what will hopefully be a successful series over there. "He's been pretty busy, Kev, doing a lot with Fox (Sports) at the moment. But it certainly helps because he's now got three months to try to figure it out." Walters' appointment comes after Cameron Smith also put his hand up for the job, while the ARLC's no-club-job approach ruled out Wayne Bennett.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NSW fans captured in shameless mid-match as Isaah Yeo moment says it all after Origin loss
If one thing summed up the woeful performance of NSW in State of Origin 3, it was the sight of Blues fans streaming out of Accor Stadium with 20 minutes left in the game. Queensland pulled the Blues' pants down in the series decider, winning 24-12 in Sydney for a historic triumph. It marks the first time in State of Origin history that a Maroons side has lost the first game at home before winning the second and third on the road. The NSW crowd was left shell-shocked on Wednesday night as Queensland raced out to a 20-0 half-time lead. It created a hush around Accor Stadium that was more akin to a funeral than a State of Origin game, and it wasn't long before NSW fans had seen enough. Some were so fed-up that they left with a whopping 20 minutes left in the game, despite the Blues reducing the margin to 20-6. By the time Isaah Yeo delivered his runner-up speech, there were more Queensland fans in the stadium and the NSW captain was booed on his home turf. Even the famous 'Blatchys Blues' section of the crowd was half-empty when the game hadn't yet finished, with just as many empty seats to be seen as blue wigs. RELATED: Cameron Munster stuns with gesture for teammate on Origin stage Cooper Cronk's genius laid bare after call about Latrell Mitchell One person watching the game at their home at Olympic Park filmed hundreds of supporters streaming out of Accor and down the spiral ramp on the outside of the stadium. At that point there was only three minutes remaining, but it showed the level of disgust at the Blues' performance. "Sitting at home as a non-NRL person and saw the crowd leaving the stadium thinking the game was over" they wrote. "Turned on the TV to see there's still minutes on the clock. Mustn't be the result those there wanted." I sorry but even if the game does not go the way you would like why would you leave its SOO — bindrinkin_00 (@bindrinkin_00) July 9, 2025 They just don't get origin dave — JOSH BIRD (@palejawsh) July 9, 2025 Think there were just Queenslanders left in the stands — mary-ellen (@maryell86836040) July 9, 2025 One person disgraced themselves when they threw a beer can towards NSW utility Connor Watson. The Blues player was making his way to see family and friends in the stands when the projectile narrowly missed him and struck a bystander in the shoulder. WATCH BELOWA NSW fan has take his anger too far in the aftermath of the Origin decider after chucking a beer can in the direction of Roosters utility Connor Watson.🎥 @telegraph_sport — The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) July 9, 2025 'I've had to go up there, my family and friends were up there,' Watson told . 'One of my mates is in a wheelchair, and he can't come down the stairs, so I have walked up there to go see him. 'As I'm walking, a can of Canadian Club lands right next to me and it's like someone had thrown it at me. If they did throw it... the words I want to use for it... I can't say right now. 'It's disappointing to be honest. I'm just going up to visit my family and friends, I shouldn't have to worry about someone throwing a can at me. If someone has done it, they should do something about it.'
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Played good footy': Blues coach Laurie Daley defiant after latest loss
Coach Laurie Daley seemed to be taking his Blues' latest series defeat surprisingly well, striking a relaxed tone in his post-match press conference. Daley, 55, stepped back into the Origin arena following an eight-year absence for the 2025 campaign and it all started well after a dominant 18-6 Game 1 victory. 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? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The wheels well and truly fell off, however, with the first half displays in particular making for shocking reading as the Maroons stormed back for the latest triumphant performance in a series they have routinely dominated. Giving up the first 26 points in Game 2 in Perth, the Blues at least made it competitive and rued some wayward shots on goal in a 26-24 defeat. Watch Laurie Daley speaking in the video player above But Game 3 was a bloodbath, with Daley's outfit trailing 20-0 at the break and never really in the hunt in a 24-12 defeat. While skipper Isaah Yeo looked devastated at the post-match presser, Daley had a calm, almost jovial demeanour. 'Disappointed,' he said. 'We got off to a bad start again and in Origin you give away those sort of starts, it's always hard to come back. 'Proud of the way the boys fought but it wasn't our night.' In his first stint as Blues coach, Daley caught the tail end of a dominant Maroons side, losing the 2013 series before bouncing back the following year. The Canberra Raiders great, who was part of possibly the greatest Blues team ever during his playing career in the early 90s, then lost three straight series against Queensland from 2015-2017. Sacked by his state after that 2017 series, Daley was replaced by Brad Fittler, who would go on to win three of his six series at the helm. Michael Maguire then stepped in and steered the Blues to a series triumph in 2024 before stepping down to take over the Brisbane Broncos. When the NSW selection committee looked around for a replacement, they opted for Daley once again, who had won only six of his 15 games the first time around. He now has a 1-5 series record in charge and while his side was comprehensively beaten in Game 3, he spoke like it had been a close-run contest. 'We played some good footy, but they just won some moments,' he said. 'We felt like at times we defended three tackles really well and the fourth they made half a break and kick to get out of trouble. Little things like that. 'It felt like an arm wrestle then all of a sudden they won a moment to give them some points. 'You just can't give up those points.' While Daley appeared to be taking the defeat in his stride, NSW fans on social media weren't so kind. Swear words were the order of the day on Elon Musk's version of X as the gutted supporters didn't hold back. Mike Scolz tweeted: 'New South Wales should have won this series 3-0 but somehow Laurie Daley has managed to f**k it all up.' An account called @tjhart78 wrote: 'Laurie Daley would have to be the worst origin coach ever. Nathan Cleary – great club player. S**thouse when it comes to representative stuff.' A fired up @Simonil97 said: 'Laurie Daley deserves this for picking an entire middle rotation of players worse than Terrell May (Haas aside) ahead of him.' @MeggaDons stated: 'Series was lost when they brought Laurie Daley back as coach. Terrible decision.' Jordan Patu declared: 'It's clear as day that Laurie Daley isn't the right man for the NSW job. You don't even have to get into tactics. The demeanour his team took into games 2 & 3 said it all. Not sure where the blues go from here. The talent is there. The coaching & culture just wasn't.' Queenslander and former sports reporter Ed Jackson quipped: 'Laurie Daley's fifth origin series loss as coach has to be the greatest of all. So much talent at his disposal including pretty much half of the greatest club team in modern history and you get whumped at home in a decider. Special. Please keep him NSW for all Qlders.' It would be almost impossible to see Daley's second stint in charge lasting more than this year's series.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Billy Slater sheds a tear as emotional scenes erupt after Maroons thump Blues to win State of Origin 2025
Emotional scenes erupted as the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday night, as Queensland added another chapter to the Maroon's State of Origin folklore by shocking NSW with a 24-12 victory at the Accor Stadium to win back the shield. It came after it was revealed at the weekend that Cameron Munster's father, Steven, had suddenly passed away on Saturday night. Munster had bravely insisted that he would lead the Maroons team out on Wednesday night and he did just that, subsequently receiving the plaudits from many including New South Wales captain Isaah Yeo. 'It's an incredibly brave effort, you did a brave job,' Yeo said to Muster following the match. The pair shared a big embrace on the pitch at full-time with Munster also delivering his thanks to many of the Blues squad who sent their support to him at such a difficult time. 'I just want to say I really appreciate some of yous reaching out to me in the week,' Munster said after the match. 'It shows how good rugby league is. A testament to some of you as characters and I'm in awe of you guys.' The Maroons skipper was also seen sharing a huge embrace with Queensland coach Billy Slater, who had lumped praise on the half-back this week, for his resilience. Slater appeared to share a tear as he shared an emotional moment with the Melbourne Storm star. 'Cam's an inspiration to many people,' Slater had said on Tuesday. 'He's a hero to many in Queensland. I can imagine his dad was his first inspiration and hero. 'So, he'd be hurting right now, and that's why he needs us and his family.' Munster, meanwhile, opened up on how the last few days have been for him, paying thanks to his team-mates, the NSW team and all those who have issued messages of support following the tragic news. 'It's a tough one,' he told Channel Nine. 'I think when someone loses someone, you forget about it sometimes, but then it brings back memories and obviously, I just want to say thank you to all the rugby league community. 'They've been outstanding. I've had so much support and text messages from not only obviously rugby league, but also the NSW team, so just shows what kind of character those guys are. 'Just forever grateful, and rugby league and that, I think family is more important than anything. 'And a lot of people showed that the last couple of days and really got behind me. So I want to say thank you to all those people.' He later added: 'To my mum, sister and partner Bianca, thank you for getting behind me this week. And I know it's been a tough time but I guess at the end of the day that's life. 'I just want to say thank you to everyone that's gotten around me.' In a state of chaos a month ago after losing game one, the Maroons were dominant at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night after also stunning NSW in Perth last month. Halfback Tom Dearden was brilliant in both attack and defence in the biggest game of his life, scoring twice and having a hand in another. Rookie centre Robert Toia was also among a cast of stars for the Maroons. So disciplined were Queensland, the Maroons completed their first 30 sets and took a 20-0 halftime lead against a disappointing Blues. Queensland's 1995 series whitewash with Paul Vautin's neville nobodies rightly holds top spot in famous backs-to-the-wall Maroons effort. The 2020 victory with the so-called 'worst Queensland team in history' is a close second. But the 2025 effort will also now rank alongside those. Billy Slater's men looked shot after dropping the series opener, resulting in captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans being axed mid-series. But in the weeks since they have become the first Maroons side to win back-to-back on the road after going 1-0 down at home. 'I wouldn't say we had the game in the bag,' Munster said. 'You know, guys like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Jarome Luai with the ball in hand. Latrell Mitchell, Stephen Crichton. when they got the ball they can create anything, in those last five minutes I've seen them dominate grand finals, they've come back from big losses. And yeah they did it in game two.' 'We made it work. You know the saying goes you work hard you get lucky. 'So it felt like our group worked really hard tonight. And yeah we've got those 5050s.' Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was dominant up front early, while his veteran front-row partner Josh Papalii also held his own after being called out of Origin retirement. Queensland's most unlikely bolter Gehamat Shibasaki laid on the Maroons' first try, after he brushed through a Zac Lomax tackle to put Xavier Coates over. Then it was Toia's turn to have an impact, splitting the Blues defence in two when he flung an offload out the back as he was being pushed into touch. That Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to burst into a gaping hole and put Dearden across in support play. Dearden was again influential in the Maroons' next, poking his nose through before Harry Grant spun through four defenders out of dummy-half on the next play. Toia and Dearden then produced the two biggest defensive moments of the second half, with try-savers on Angus Crichton and Brian To'o shortly after the break. NSW eventually got on the board in the 54th minute through Stephen Crichton and Dearden and To'o traded tries late, but NSW attack was otherwise off as poor last-tackle options killed the hosts. Nowhere was that more obvious than when Jarome Luai gave away a 20m tap with a kick that floated into the in-goal early, after a Blues attacking raid.
