Latest news with #Novocastrian
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Knights set to confirm major leadership shake-up
The Newcastle Knights are set to announce Peter Parr's elevation to chief executive officer as club powerbroker Philip Gardner steps aside from the role. In changes to be made official on Wednesday, Parr will become CEO of the Knights from November 1. Gardner has held the job since Wests Group assumed control of the Knights in late 2017, but his dual CEO roles, of the Knights and Wests Group, are set to be split. The Knights have confirmed Parr's promotion in an email to club partners, and Knights staff were informed of the changes on Tuesday. A born-and-bred Novocastrian, Parr joined the Knights as football director in mid-2022 after more than two decades with the North Queensland Cowboys, where he held various roles including CEO. He has overseen Newcastle's football department since then, but his duties slightly shifted after the appointment of Chris James last year as football manager. James will become football director once Parr starts as CEO. The changes are part of the club's long-term transition plan. Gardner will remain CEO of Wests Group, continuing to oversee the $100 million hospitality and licensed club empire. He is expected to retire from that role, which he has held since 1995, late next year. As CEO, Gardner has steered the Knights into a new era under Wests Group's ownership. The Knights had run last three years in a row when Wests took over. On-field results have steadily improved with Newcastle making the finals in four of the past five NRL seasons. The club moved into a new training base, worth more than $25 million, at Broadmeadow in 2022 and the football department is now well resourced. Newcastle also launched a women's side in that time, and won back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022-23. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. The club has come under the spotlight more than once for various reasons. It has been criticised at times, fairly or unfairly, for its lack of football nous at board and leadership level, turnover of staff, roster management and junior development. Just last week, the media blowtorch was applied once more when reports emerged that the club was considering moving NRL coach Adam O'Brien on at season's end, and skipper Kalyn Ponga was considering his options. Both are contracted for a further two years. Ponga said in a statement last week that he remained "committed" to the club for that time. O'Brien's NRL side has won six of 18 games this season. Newcastle take on competition leaders Canberra in the nation's capital on Sunday. O'Brien has made just one change to his side that lost to the Warriors 20-15 at the weekend, recalling experienced forward Jack Hetherington. Tom Cant has dropped out of the side. The Newcastle Knights are set to announce Peter Parr's elevation to chief executive officer as club powerbroker Philip Gardner steps aside from the role. In changes to be made official on Wednesday, Parr will become CEO of the Knights from November 1. Gardner has held the job since Wests Group assumed control of the Knights in late 2017, but his dual CEO roles, of the Knights and Wests Group, are set to be split. The Knights have confirmed Parr's promotion in an email to club partners, and Knights staff were informed of the changes on Tuesday. A born-and-bred Novocastrian, Parr joined the Knights as football director in mid-2022 after more than two decades with the North Queensland Cowboys, where he held various roles including CEO. He has overseen Newcastle's football department since then, but his duties slightly shifted after the appointment of Chris James last year as football manager. James will become football director once Parr starts as CEO. The changes are part of the club's long-term transition plan. Gardner will remain CEO of Wests Group, continuing to oversee the $100 million hospitality and licensed club empire. He is expected to retire from that role, which he has held since 1995, late next year. As CEO, Gardner has steered the Knights into a new era under Wests Group's ownership. The Knights had run last three years in a row when Wests took over. On-field results have steadily improved with Newcastle making the finals in four of the past five NRL seasons. The club moved into a new training base, worth more than $25 million, at Broadmeadow in 2022 and the football department is now well resourced. Newcastle also launched a women's side in that time, and won back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022-23. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. The club has come under the spotlight more than once for various reasons. It has been criticised at times, fairly or unfairly, for its lack of football nous at board and leadership level, turnover of staff, roster management and junior development. Just last week, the media blowtorch was applied once more when reports emerged that the club was considering moving NRL coach Adam O'Brien on at season's end, and skipper Kalyn Ponga was considering his options. Both are contracted for a further two years. Ponga said in a statement last week that he remained "committed" to the club for that time. O'Brien's NRL side has won six of 18 games this season. Newcastle take on competition leaders Canberra in the nation's capital on Sunday. O'Brien has made just one change to his side that lost to the Warriors 20-15 at the weekend, recalling experienced forward Jack Hetherington. Tom Cant has dropped out of the side. The Newcastle Knights are set to announce Peter Parr's elevation to chief executive officer as club powerbroker Philip Gardner steps aside from the role. In changes to be made official on Wednesday, Parr will become CEO of the Knights from November 1. Gardner has held the job since Wests Group assumed control of the Knights in late 2017, but his dual CEO roles, of the Knights and Wests Group, are set to be split. The Knights have confirmed Parr's promotion in an email to club partners, and Knights staff were informed of the changes on Tuesday. A born-and-bred Novocastrian, Parr joined the Knights as football director in mid-2022 after more than two decades with the North Queensland Cowboys, where he held various roles including CEO. He has overseen Newcastle's football department since then, but his duties slightly shifted after the appointment of Chris James last year as football manager. James will become football director once Parr starts as CEO. The changes are part of the club's long-term transition plan. Gardner will remain CEO of Wests Group, continuing to oversee the $100 million hospitality and licensed club empire. He is expected to retire from that role, which he has held since 1995, late next year. As CEO, Gardner has steered the Knights into a new era under Wests Group's ownership. The Knights had run last three years in a row when Wests took over. On-field results have steadily improved with Newcastle making the finals in four of the past five NRL seasons. The club moved into a new training base, worth more than $25 million, at Broadmeadow in 2022 and the football department is now well resourced. Newcastle also launched a women's side in that time, and won back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022-23. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. The club has come under the spotlight more than once for various reasons. It has been criticised at times, fairly or unfairly, for its lack of football nous at board and leadership level, turnover of staff, roster management and junior development. Just last week, the media blowtorch was applied once more when reports emerged that the club was considering moving NRL coach Adam O'Brien on at season's end, and skipper Kalyn Ponga was considering his options. Both are contracted for a further two years. Ponga said in a statement last week that he remained "committed" to the club for that time. O'Brien's NRL side has won six of 18 games this season. Newcastle take on competition leaders Canberra in the nation's capital on Sunday. O'Brien has made just one change to his side that lost to the Warriors 20-15 at the weekend, recalling experienced forward Jack Hetherington. Tom Cant has dropped out of the side. The Newcastle Knights are set to announce Peter Parr's elevation to chief executive officer as club powerbroker Philip Gardner steps aside from the role. In changes to be made official on Wednesday, Parr will become CEO of the Knights from November 1. Gardner has held the job since Wests Group assumed control of the Knights in late 2017, but his dual CEO roles, of the Knights and Wests Group, are set to be split. The Knights have confirmed Parr's promotion in an email to club partners, and Knights staff were informed of the changes on Tuesday. A born-and-bred Novocastrian, Parr joined the Knights as football director in mid-2022 after more than two decades with the North Queensland Cowboys, where he held various roles including CEO. He has overseen Newcastle's football department since then, but his duties slightly shifted after the appointment of Chris James last year as football manager. James will become football director once Parr starts as CEO. The changes are part of the club's long-term transition plan. Gardner will remain CEO of Wests Group, continuing to oversee the $100 million hospitality and licensed club empire. He is expected to retire from that role, which he has held since 1995, late next year. As CEO, Gardner has steered the Knights into a new era under Wests Group's ownership. The Knights had run last three years in a row when Wests took over. On-field results have steadily improved with Newcastle making the finals in four of the past five NRL seasons. The club moved into a new training base, worth more than $25 million, at Broadmeadow in 2022 and the football department is now well resourced. Newcastle also launched a women's side in that time, and won back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022-23. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. The club has come under the spotlight more than once for various reasons. It has been criticised at times, fairly or unfairly, for its lack of football nous at board and leadership level, turnover of staff, roster management and junior development. Just last week, the media blowtorch was applied once more when reports emerged that the club was considering moving NRL coach Adam O'Brien on at season's end, and skipper Kalyn Ponga was considering his options. Both are contracted for a further two years. Ponga said in a statement last week that he remained "committed" to the club for that time. O'Brien's NRL side has won six of 18 games this season. Newcastle take on competition leaders Canberra in the nation's capital on Sunday. O'Brien has made just one change to his side that lost to the Warriors 20-15 at the weekend, recalling experienced forward Jack Hetherington. Tom Cant has dropped out of the side.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Matildas star to tie the knot after beachside proposal
Matildas star Clare Wheeler and long-time partner Jeremy Ord are engaged. The Newcastle-born midfielder announced on Instagram that the pair are set to tie the knot. Ord popped the question during a holiday at Cala Luna beach in Sardinia. The couple shared a picture and video on social media. In the video, Ord walks over to Wheeler at the edge of the water before getting down on one knee. Wheeler and Ord have been in a relationship since 2021. The post has been flooded with messages from family, friends and Matildas teammates. "Yayyyyy congrats you cuties " Mary Fowler said. "SCREAMING!!! So happy for you both " Tegan Micah wrote. "Congrats you two " Ellie Carpenter added. Tameka Yallop, Charli Grant, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Emily Gielnik and Mackenzie Arnold were among the other Matildas to offer congratulations. Wheeler, 27, plays for Everton in England, and has 30 caps for the Matildas. The engagement caps a massive two years for the Novocastrian. She was a member of the 2023 World Cup squad and last year's Olympics squad in Paris. Wheeler's journey started with Adamstown Rosebud Junior Football Club aged 10. She honed her skills at Hunter Sports High and came through the Emerging Jets program before earning a W-League contract with the Jets as a 15-year-old. Wheeler's engagement news continues a big month of celebration for Newcastle football royalty. Jets captain Kosta Grozos last month celebrated his engagement to Elini Skourtis. Grozos, 24, is about to start his fifth season with the Jets. Matildas star Clare Wheeler and long-time partner Jeremy Ord are engaged. The Newcastle-born midfielder announced on Instagram that the pair are set to tie the knot. Ord popped the question during a holiday at Cala Luna beach in Sardinia. The couple shared a picture and video on social media. In the video, Ord walks over to Wheeler at the edge of the water before getting down on one knee. Wheeler and Ord have been in a relationship since 2021. The post has been flooded with messages from family, friends and Matildas teammates. "Yayyyyy congrats you cuties " Mary Fowler said. "SCREAMING!!! So happy for you both " Tegan Micah wrote. "Congrats you two " Ellie Carpenter added. Tameka Yallop, Charli Grant, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Emily Gielnik and Mackenzie Arnold were among the other Matildas to offer congratulations. Wheeler, 27, plays for Everton in England, and has 30 caps for the Matildas. The engagement caps a massive two years for the Novocastrian. She was a member of the 2023 World Cup squad and last year's Olympics squad in Paris. Wheeler's journey started with Adamstown Rosebud Junior Football Club aged 10. She honed her skills at Hunter Sports High and came through the Emerging Jets program before earning a W-League contract with the Jets as a 15-year-old. Wheeler's engagement news continues a big month of celebration for Newcastle football royalty. Jets captain Kosta Grozos last month celebrated his engagement to Elini Skourtis. Grozos, 24, is about to start his fifth season with the Jets. Matildas star Clare Wheeler and long-time partner Jeremy Ord are engaged. The Newcastle-born midfielder announced on Instagram that the pair are set to tie the knot. Ord popped the question during a holiday at Cala Luna beach in Sardinia. The couple shared a picture and video on social media. In the video, Ord walks over to Wheeler at the edge of the water before getting down on one knee. Wheeler and Ord have been in a relationship since 2021. The post has been flooded with messages from family, friends and Matildas teammates. "Yayyyyy congrats you cuties " Mary Fowler said. "SCREAMING!!! So happy for you both " Tegan Micah wrote. "Congrats you two " Ellie Carpenter added. Tameka Yallop, Charli Grant, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Emily Gielnik and Mackenzie Arnold were among the other Matildas to offer congratulations. Wheeler, 27, plays for Everton in England, and has 30 caps for the Matildas. The engagement caps a massive two years for the Novocastrian. She was a member of the 2023 World Cup squad and last year's Olympics squad in Paris. Wheeler's journey started with Adamstown Rosebud Junior Football Club aged 10. She honed her skills at Hunter Sports High and came through the Emerging Jets program before earning a W-League contract with the Jets as a 15-year-old. Wheeler's engagement news continues a big month of celebration for Newcastle football royalty. Jets captain Kosta Grozos last month celebrated his engagement to Elini Skourtis. Grozos, 24, is about to start his fifth season with the Jets. Matildas star Clare Wheeler and long-time partner Jeremy Ord are engaged. The Newcastle-born midfielder announced on Instagram that the pair are set to tie the knot. Ord popped the question during a holiday at Cala Luna beach in Sardinia. The couple shared a picture and video on social media. In the video, Ord walks over to Wheeler at the edge of the water before getting down on one knee. Wheeler and Ord have been in a relationship since 2021. The post has been flooded with messages from family, friends and Matildas teammates. "Yayyyyy congrats you cuties " Mary Fowler said. "SCREAMING!!! So happy for you both " Tegan Micah wrote. "Congrats you two " Ellie Carpenter added. Tameka Yallop, Charli Grant, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Emily Gielnik and Mackenzie Arnold were among the other Matildas to offer congratulations. Wheeler, 27, plays for Everton in England, and has 30 caps for the Matildas. The engagement caps a massive two years for the Novocastrian. She was a member of the 2023 World Cup squad and last year's Olympics squad in Paris. Wheeler's journey started with Adamstown Rosebud Junior Football Club aged 10. She honed her skills at Hunter Sports High and came through the Emerging Jets program before earning a W-League contract with the Jets as a 15-year-old. Wheeler's engagement news continues a big month of celebration for Newcastle football royalty. Jets captain Kosta Grozos last month celebrated his engagement to Elini Skourtis. Grozos, 24, is about to start his fifth season with the Jets.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'In for a long day': Knights planning a hostile homecoming for former coach
Knights enforcer Tayla Predebon has borrowed a line from former coach Ronald Griffiths as Newcastle eye the New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday. "When people turn off the M1 and come down that link road, they know they're in for a long afternoon," Griffiths drummed into the Knights as he coached them to 16 wins in 18 outings and back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022 and 2023. "They get to MJs [McDonald Jones Stadium] on a Sunday afternoon and it's going to be tough." The Novocastrian sidestepped into the Knights' NSW Cup men's coaching role last year before taking on a three-year deal to lead the Warriors in their NRLW return. He is back on familiar turf on Sunday, in the second match of a Knights-Warriors double-header, and Predebon hopes to make it an uncomfortable evening for her former mentor. "I'm sure Ronny will be up for it, so will we," Predebon, who is set for her 30th appearance in Knights colours, said. "We loved Ron as a coach, and wish him all the best, and we hope that they're in for a long day, down the M1, as he used to say to us." In their first home game of the season, the Knights' NRLW side will wear the hi-vis mining jersey for the first time. First donned by the club's NRL team in 2014, the mining jersey is a replica of the workwear worn every day by thousands of mining professionals across the state. "It's huge," Predebon said. "Coming from Gloucester, we had quite a strong mining community, and friends and family are always a part of that. "It just gave us so many opportunities back home, so it's really exciting that I get to run out in the hi-vis on Sunday, and I just can't wait to represent the community that we do play for here in Newcastle." The Knights were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance to down North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two. Knights coach Ben Jeffries has made just one change to his side, naming Tess Staines on the wing in place of Lilly-Ann White after producing four-try hauls in two outstanding performances in NSW Women's Premiership. "Lilly White was arguably one of our best in pre-season, but scoring eight tries in two games is really hard to ignore," Jeffries said. "So Tess comes in on the left wing next to Tenika Willison ... if we can put her away, she's just pure speed. She's a bit of a Mighty Mouse. She's not tall in stature, but she's quick." The Warriors, who feature former Knights forward Laishon Albert-Jones and centre Emmanita Paki, succumbed 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend. "Their outside backs are pretty quick, and they've got a decent forward pack, so they'll want to use that as a building block, and they'll be coming here for two points, so we have to be really good defensively," Jeffries said. The game kicks off at 6.15pm after the men's clash at 4.05pm. Knights enforcer Tayla Predebon has borrowed a line from former coach Ronald Griffiths as Newcastle eye the New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday. "When people turn off the M1 and come down that link road, they know they're in for a long afternoon," Griffiths drummed into the Knights as he coached them to 16 wins in 18 outings and back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022 and 2023. "They get to MJs [McDonald Jones Stadium] on a Sunday afternoon and it's going to be tough." The Novocastrian sidestepped into the Knights' NSW Cup men's coaching role last year before taking on a three-year deal to lead the Warriors in their NRLW return. He is back on familiar turf on Sunday, in the second match of a Knights-Warriors double-header, and Predebon hopes to make it an uncomfortable evening for her former mentor. "I'm sure Ronny will be up for it, so will we," Predebon, who is set for her 30th appearance in Knights colours, said. "We loved Ron as a coach, and wish him all the best, and we hope that they're in for a long day, down the M1, as he used to say to us." In their first home game of the season, the Knights' NRLW side will wear the hi-vis mining jersey for the first time. First donned by the club's NRL team in 2014, the mining jersey is a replica of the workwear worn every day by thousands of mining professionals across the state. "It's huge," Predebon said. "Coming from Gloucester, we had quite a strong mining community, and friends and family are always a part of that. "It just gave us so many opportunities back home, so it's really exciting that I get to run out in the hi-vis on Sunday, and I just can't wait to represent the community that we do play for here in Newcastle." The Knights were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance to down North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two. Knights coach Ben Jeffries has made just one change to his side, naming Tess Staines on the wing in place of Lilly-Ann White after producing four-try hauls in two outstanding performances in NSW Women's Premiership. "Lilly White was arguably one of our best in pre-season, but scoring eight tries in two games is really hard to ignore," Jeffries said. "So Tess comes in on the left wing next to Tenika Willison ... if we can put her away, she's just pure speed. She's a bit of a Mighty Mouse. She's not tall in stature, but she's quick." The Warriors, who feature former Knights forward Laishon Albert-Jones and centre Emmanita Paki, succumbed 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend. "Their outside backs are pretty quick, and they've got a decent forward pack, so they'll want to use that as a building block, and they'll be coming here for two points, so we have to be really good defensively," Jeffries said. The game kicks off at 6.15pm after the men's clash at 4.05pm. Knights enforcer Tayla Predebon has borrowed a line from former coach Ronald Griffiths as Newcastle eye the New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday. "When people turn off the M1 and come down that link road, they know they're in for a long afternoon," Griffiths drummed into the Knights as he coached them to 16 wins in 18 outings and back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022 and 2023. "They get to MJs [McDonald Jones Stadium] on a Sunday afternoon and it's going to be tough." The Novocastrian sidestepped into the Knights' NSW Cup men's coaching role last year before taking on a three-year deal to lead the Warriors in their NRLW return. He is back on familiar turf on Sunday, in the second match of a Knights-Warriors double-header, and Predebon hopes to make it an uncomfortable evening for her former mentor. "I'm sure Ronny will be up for it, so will we," Predebon, who is set for her 30th appearance in Knights colours, said. "We loved Ron as a coach, and wish him all the best, and we hope that they're in for a long day, down the M1, as he used to say to us." In their first home game of the season, the Knights' NRLW side will wear the hi-vis mining jersey for the first time. First donned by the club's NRL team in 2014, the mining jersey is a replica of the workwear worn every day by thousands of mining professionals across the state. "It's huge," Predebon said. "Coming from Gloucester, we had quite a strong mining community, and friends and family are always a part of that. "It just gave us so many opportunities back home, so it's really exciting that I get to run out in the hi-vis on Sunday, and I just can't wait to represent the community that we do play for here in Newcastle." The Knights were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance to down North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two. Knights coach Ben Jeffries has made just one change to his side, naming Tess Staines on the wing in place of Lilly-Ann White after producing four-try hauls in two outstanding performances in NSW Women's Premiership. "Lilly White was arguably one of our best in pre-season, but scoring eight tries in two games is really hard to ignore," Jeffries said. "So Tess comes in on the left wing next to Tenika Willison ... if we can put her away, she's just pure speed. She's a bit of a Mighty Mouse. She's not tall in stature, but she's quick." The Warriors, who feature former Knights forward Laishon Albert-Jones and centre Emmanita Paki, succumbed 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend. "Their outside backs are pretty quick, and they've got a decent forward pack, so they'll want to use that as a building block, and they'll be coming here for two points, so we have to be really good defensively," Jeffries said. The game kicks off at 6.15pm after the men's clash at 4.05pm. Knights enforcer Tayla Predebon has borrowed a line from former coach Ronald Griffiths as Newcastle eye the New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday. "When people turn off the M1 and come down that link road, they know they're in for a long afternoon," Griffiths drummed into the Knights as he coached them to 16 wins in 18 outings and back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022 and 2023. "They get to MJs [McDonald Jones Stadium] on a Sunday afternoon and it's going to be tough." The Novocastrian sidestepped into the Knights' NSW Cup men's coaching role last year before taking on a three-year deal to lead the Warriors in their NRLW return. He is back on familiar turf on Sunday, in the second match of a Knights-Warriors double-header, and Predebon hopes to make it an uncomfortable evening for her former mentor. "I'm sure Ronny will be up for it, so will we," Predebon, who is set for her 30th appearance in Knights colours, said. "We loved Ron as a coach, and wish him all the best, and we hope that they're in for a long day, down the M1, as he used to say to us." In their first home game of the season, the Knights' NRLW side will wear the hi-vis mining jersey for the first time. First donned by the club's NRL team in 2014, the mining jersey is a replica of the workwear worn every day by thousands of mining professionals across the state. "It's huge," Predebon said. "Coming from Gloucester, we had quite a strong mining community, and friends and family are always a part of that. "It just gave us so many opportunities back home, so it's really exciting that I get to run out in the hi-vis on Sunday, and I just can't wait to represent the community that we do play for here in Newcastle." The Knights were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance to down North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two. Knights coach Ben Jeffries has made just one change to his side, naming Tess Staines on the wing in place of Lilly-Ann White after producing four-try hauls in two outstanding performances in NSW Women's Premiership. "Lilly White was arguably one of our best in pre-season, but scoring eight tries in two games is really hard to ignore," Jeffries said. "So Tess comes in on the left wing next to Tenika Willison ... if we can put her away, she's just pure speed. She's a bit of a Mighty Mouse. She's not tall in stature, but she's quick." The Warriors, who feature former Knights forward Laishon Albert-Jones and centre Emmanita Paki, succumbed 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend. "Their outside backs are pretty quick, and they've got a decent forward pack, so they'll want to use that as a building block, and they'll be coming here for two points, so we have to be really good defensively," Jeffries said. The game kicks off at 6.15pm after the men's clash at 4.05pm.
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
His name is etched in Knights folklore. Now, the premiership-winning coach is back
Ronald Griffiths left his mark on the Newcastle Knights, etching his name into club folklore by winning back-to-back NRLW premierships in two years at the helm. Now, as he returns home in opposition colours this weekend, the Novocastrian is aiming to create a legacy for female rugby league players in New Zealand. Griffiths coached the Knights' NRLW side in 2022 and 2023, winning 16 games in 18 outings, then the club's NSW Cup men's team last year before accepting a three-year deal to take the reins as the New Zealand Warriors re-entered NRLW. "It was the opportunity to do something different, in terms of it's a blank canvas or fresh landscape when it comes to rugby league," Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald from New Zealand on Wednesday. "They haven't got great junior systems for females, so an opportunity to leave an indelible impression or imprint on that." Griffiths will be back in Newcastle on Sunday, when the Knights host the Warriors in an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium. The men's match is at 4.05pm and the women kick off at 6.15pm. "I love the town," Griffiths said. "I'm Novocastrian born and bred, although I'm not from there originally, my people, that's where I grew up and I understand what rugby league means to the town, so I'm really looking forward to getting home. "And, they're a formidable outfit. Semi-finals last year, and obviously had some success the two years prior to that. "Last weekend, they showed who they are as a team, so really looking forward to that opportunity as well against an outfit that's extremely strong." Griffiths will have plenty of inside information on the Knights, with a core group of their most experienced players remaining from his time at the club. "I'm not sure it's an out-and-out advantage, but you understand their strengths, and no doubt they've progressed since I've coached them," he said. "I've seen some of their growth, it's been great. But you certainly understand some real key parts of their game that you need to focus on, and it probably goes vice versa. "They understand what me and the assistant coach, Ian Bourke, who was at the Knights, what our strengths are." The Knights, now coached by Ben Jeffries, were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance, led by NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, to beat North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two. "On the weekend, she controlled the whole team," Griffiths said. "She was certainly the maestro, and her Origin series reflects where she's at. She had a wonderful series, and we've seen her growth has been immense ... "They've got some really classy outside backs, but with Jesse driving their forwards, they've always been strong in the middle, and it's similar this year." The Warriors are also 1-1 after succumbing 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend. Fullback Apii Nicholls, a New Zealand international, is the most experienced NRLW player in a Warriors squad that has also drawn on a number of rugby union converts, including Blacks Ferns superstar Michaela Brake. "We don't have expectations around the year in terms of results," Griffiths said. "One thing that we set about doing is, we've got some plans of how we want to change the landscape of female rugby league in New Zealand. "That's the overarching plan of what we're trying to achieve and that's what we're working towards." Warriors lock Laishon Albert-Jones also returns to face her former side. The forward was part of the Knights' 2023 premiership-winning side. Warriors centre Emmanita Paki was in Newcastle's line-up when they won the 2022 title. In the only change to the Knights' squad from round two, Staines replaces Lilly-Ann White on the wing. Ronald Griffiths left his mark on the Newcastle Knights, etching his name into club folklore by winning back-to-back NRLW premierships in two years at the helm. Now, as he returns home in opposition colours this weekend, the Novocastrian is aiming to create a legacy for female rugby league players in New Zealand. Griffiths coached the Knights' NRLW side in 2022 and 2023, winning 16 games in 18 outings, then the club's NSW Cup men's team last year before accepting a three-year deal to take the reins as the New Zealand Warriors re-entered NRLW. "It was the opportunity to do something different, in terms of it's a blank canvas or fresh landscape when it comes to rugby league," Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald from New Zealand on Wednesday. "They haven't got great junior systems for females, so an opportunity to leave an indelible impression or imprint on that." Griffiths will be back in Newcastle on Sunday, when the Knights host the Warriors in an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium. The men's match is at 4.05pm and the women kick off at 6.15pm. "I love the town," Griffiths said. "I'm Novocastrian born and bred, although I'm not from there originally, my people, that's where I grew up and I understand what rugby league means to the town, so I'm really looking forward to getting home. "And, they're a formidable outfit. Semi-finals last year, and obviously had some success the two years prior to that. "Last weekend, they showed who they are as a team, so really looking forward to that opportunity as well against an outfit that's extremely strong." Griffiths will have plenty of inside information on the Knights, with a core group of their most experienced players remaining from his time at the club. "I'm not sure it's an out-and-out advantage, but you understand their strengths, and no doubt they've progressed since I've coached them," he said. "I've seen some of their growth, it's been great. But you certainly understand some real key parts of their game that you need to focus on, and it probably goes vice versa. "They understand what me and the assistant coach, Ian Bourke, who was at the Knights, what our strengths are." The Knights, now coached by Ben Jeffries, were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance, led by NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, to beat North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two. "On the weekend, she controlled the whole team," Griffiths said. "She was certainly the maestro, and her Origin series reflects where she's at. She had a wonderful series, and we've seen her growth has been immense ... "They've got some really classy outside backs, but with Jesse driving their forwards, they've always been strong in the middle, and it's similar this year." The Warriors are also 1-1 after succumbing 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend. Fullback Apii Nicholls, a New Zealand international, is the most experienced NRLW player in a Warriors squad that has also drawn on a number of rugby union converts, including Blacks Ferns superstar Michaela Brake. "We don't have expectations around the year in terms of results," Griffiths said. "One thing that we set about doing is, we've got some plans of how we want to change the landscape of female rugby league in New Zealand. "That's the overarching plan of what we're trying to achieve and that's what we're working towards." Warriors lock Laishon Albert-Jones also returns to face her former side. The forward was part of the Knights' 2023 premiership-winning side. Warriors centre Emmanita Paki was in Newcastle's line-up when they won the 2022 title. In the only change to the Knights' squad from round two, Staines replaces Lilly-Ann White on the wing. Ronald Griffiths left his mark on the Newcastle Knights, etching his name into club folklore by winning back-to-back NRLW premierships in two years at the helm. Now, as he returns home in opposition colours this weekend, the Novocastrian is aiming to create a legacy for female rugby league players in New Zealand. Griffiths coached the Knights' NRLW side in 2022 and 2023, winning 16 games in 18 outings, then the club's NSW Cup men's team last year before accepting a three-year deal to take the reins as the New Zealand Warriors re-entered NRLW. "It was the opportunity to do something different, in terms of it's a blank canvas or fresh landscape when it comes to rugby league," Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald from New Zealand on Wednesday. "They haven't got great junior systems for females, so an opportunity to leave an indelible impression or imprint on that." Griffiths will be back in Newcastle on Sunday, when the Knights host the Warriors in an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium. The men's match is at 4.05pm and the women kick off at 6.15pm. "I love the town," Griffiths said. "I'm Novocastrian born and bred, although I'm not from there originally, my people, that's where I grew up and I understand what rugby league means to the town, so I'm really looking forward to getting home. "And, they're a formidable outfit. Semi-finals last year, and obviously had some success the two years prior to that. "Last weekend, they showed who they are as a team, so really looking forward to that opportunity as well against an outfit that's extremely strong." Griffiths will have plenty of inside information on the Knights, with a core group of their most experienced players remaining from his time at the club. "I'm not sure it's an out-and-out advantage, but you understand their strengths, and no doubt they've progressed since I've coached them," he said. "I've seen some of their growth, it's been great. But you certainly understand some real key parts of their game that you need to focus on, and it probably goes vice versa. "They understand what me and the assistant coach, Ian Bourke, who was at the Knights, what our strengths are." The Knights, now coached by Ben Jeffries, were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance, led by NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, to beat North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two. "On the weekend, she controlled the whole team," Griffiths said. "She was certainly the maestro, and her Origin series reflects where she's at. She had a wonderful series, and we've seen her growth has been immense ... "They've got some really classy outside backs, but with Jesse driving their forwards, they've always been strong in the middle, and it's similar this year." The Warriors are also 1-1 after succumbing 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend. Fullback Apii Nicholls, a New Zealand international, is the most experienced NRLW player in a Warriors squad that has also drawn on a number of rugby union converts, including Blacks Ferns superstar Michaela Brake. "We don't have expectations around the year in terms of results," Griffiths said. "One thing that we set about doing is, we've got some plans of how we want to change the landscape of female rugby league in New Zealand. "That's the overarching plan of what we're trying to achieve and that's what we're working towards." Warriors lock Laishon Albert-Jones also returns to face her former side. The forward was part of the Knights' 2023 premiership-winning side. Warriors centre Emmanita Paki was in Newcastle's line-up when they won the 2022 title. In the only change to the Knights' squad from round two, Staines replaces Lilly-Ann White on the wing. Ronald Griffiths left his mark on the Newcastle Knights, etching his name into club folklore by winning back-to-back NRLW premierships in two years at the helm. Now, as he returns home in opposition colours this weekend, the Novocastrian is aiming to create a legacy for female rugby league players in New Zealand. Griffiths coached the Knights' NRLW side in 2022 and 2023, winning 16 games in 18 outings, then the club's NSW Cup men's team last year before accepting a three-year deal to take the reins as the New Zealand Warriors re-entered NRLW. "It was the opportunity to do something different, in terms of it's a blank canvas or fresh landscape when it comes to rugby league," Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald from New Zealand on Wednesday. "They haven't got great junior systems for females, so an opportunity to leave an indelible impression or imprint on that." Griffiths will be back in Newcastle on Sunday, when the Knights host the Warriors in an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium. The men's match is at 4.05pm and the women kick off at 6.15pm. "I love the town," Griffiths said. "I'm Novocastrian born and bred, although I'm not from there originally, my people, that's where I grew up and I understand what rugby league means to the town, so I'm really looking forward to getting home. "And, they're a formidable outfit. Semi-finals last year, and obviously had some success the two years prior to that. "Last weekend, they showed who they are as a team, so really looking forward to that opportunity as well against an outfit that's extremely strong." Griffiths will have plenty of inside information on the Knights, with a core group of their most experienced players remaining from his time at the club. "I'm not sure it's an out-and-out advantage, but you understand their strengths, and no doubt they've progressed since I've coached them," he said. "I've seen some of their growth, it's been great. But you certainly understand some real key parts of their game that you need to focus on, and it probably goes vice versa. "They understand what me and the assistant coach, Ian Bourke, who was at the Knights, what our strengths are." The Knights, now coached by Ben Jeffries, were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance, led by NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, to beat North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two. "On the weekend, she controlled the whole team," Griffiths said. "She was certainly the maestro, and her Origin series reflects where she's at. She had a wonderful series, and we've seen her growth has been immense ... "They've got some really classy outside backs, but with Jesse driving their forwards, they've always been strong in the middle, and it's similar this year." The Warriors are also 1-1 after succumbing 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend. Fullback Apii Nicholls, a New Zealand international, is the most experienced NRLW player in a Warriors squad that has also drawn on a number of rugby union converts, including Blacks Ferns superstar Michaela Brake. "We don't have expectations around the year in terms of results," Griffiths said. "One thing that we set about doing is, we've got some plans of how we want to change the landscape of female rugby league in New Zealand. "That's the overarching plan of what we're trying to achieve and that's what we're working towards." Warriors lock Laishon Albert-Jones also returns to face her former side. The forward was part of the Knights' 2023 premiership-winning side. Warriors centre Emmanita Paki was in Newcastle's line-up when they won the 2022 title. In the only change to the Knights' squad from round two, Staines replaces Lilly-Ann White on the wing.
Sydney Morning Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Chemist Warehouse billionaires buy up big in Mosman
The campaign to sell The Ronan generated 149 enquiries from developers, investors, and automotive occupiers, said Lachlan Worthington and Tim Fox from PropertyFox. The complex was ultimately snapped up by a local private investor. Hot spot Bustling Newcastle has become the hot spot for property rich listers and philanthropists alike, who are joining an investment conga line heading north. They include billionaires Dr Jerry Schwartz and former banker-turned-art collector Simon Mordant. Having been dormant for many years, the northern NSW capital is undergoing a resurgence with billions of dollars of capital pouring in as the population swells. In the past week, the NSW government announced a $1 million heritage grant to help revive Newcastle's grand old dame, the Newcastle Post Office. After a protracted ownership history, Schwartz purchased the building in 2019 for $3.5 million through Colliers. Under the Schwartz Family Company, it will match the government funding dollar for dollar to transform the Newcastle Post Office into a community hub with retail, hospitality and event spaces. The 1903 Federation-style building designed by Walter Liberty Vernon will include an adaptive reuse to create a miniature 1960s display of Newcastle, and Australia's first Aboriginal medical museum. Loading Schwartz said he bought the Newcastle Post Office 'because of my deep connections to the city and the desire to revitalise an iconic heritage building that means so much to local residents'. Meanwhile, Mordant, who made his mark as an investment banker on high-profile mergers and acquisitions and now lives in Italy with his wife Catriona, will pass on 25 works from the couple's private collection to the Newcastle Art Gallery when it reopens in September after an extensive expansion. The donation includes works on paper by Ngarrindjeri artist Ian Abdulla, a collage of digital print and oil by John Young and sculptures by Novocastrian artist Jamie North. The Duke changes hands Pub baron John Azar has extended his footprint in the booming sector, paying $25 million for the popular Duke of Dural pub in Sydney's west. The pub was sold by Momento Hospitality, which is owned and operated by the Colosimo family, who built the Duke from the ground up during the global pandemic and opened it in November 2020. Momento will use the cash to focus on its other assets including the newly opened Oran Park Hotel. Sitting on 2700 square metres within the Dural Town Centre in The Hills district, the Duke pub generates more than $150,000 in weekly sales across food, beverage, and pokie machines. Azar's stable includes the Hotel Coronation, Keg & Brew Hotel in Surry Hills, and the Edinburgh Castle Hotel. He recently sold the Union Hotel in North Sydney to fellow pub investor Ashton Waugh. JLL Hotels' Ben McDonald and John Musca managed the Dural deal. Sheds sell Stockland has struck a deal to sell four institutional-grade logistics sheds in two of Australia's most tightly held industrial markets to Cadence Property Group for $170.5 million. The portfolio in Melbourne and Sydney has a total site area of about 159,000 sq m and lease space of about 78,000 sq m.
