Latest news with #PhilRothfield
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Damning detail about Latrell as calls grow for 'investigation' into Souths crisis
Phil Rothfield has called for an 'investigation' into South Sydney's injury crisis, and a damning detail about Latrell Mitchell sums it up perfectly. The Rabbitohs have been absolutely decimated by injuries in 2025, and currently sit last on the NRL ladder with six rounds remaining in the regular season. Wayne Bennett is staring down the barrel of his first-ever wooden spoon, but there's not much he can do without so many of his star players. Captain Cameron Murray hasn't played all year after rupturing his Achilles in the pre-season, while superstars Mitchell, Cody Walker and Campbell Graham have spent large chunks of the year on the sideline. Mitchell recently tore his calf on the training paddock, which has become all-too common for the Rabbitohs. Questions have previously been raised about the club's new training facilities at Heffron Park, which has replaced Redfern Oval as the team's base. And speaking on Monday, veteran journalist Rothfield suggested it can't be a coincidence. Rothfield pointed out that a lot of the Rabbitohs' injuries have occurred at training - including Murray's and two for Mitchell this year. 'Souths need an investigation into their injuries, they really do," he said on Sky Sports radio. "Their sports science, their high-performance. A lot of them have happened at training. Whoever on Souths high performance staff four years ago advised their recruitment team that Adam Reynolds was a risk longer than a year has made a gigantic error in my view.' Rothfield highlighted a damning stat that Broncos veteran Reynolds has played 20 more games than Mitchell since departing the Rabbitohs for Brisbane. 'He has played 5,592 minutes since Souths said he was a year-by-year proposition," he added. The stats around the amount of matches that Mitchell has missed since moving to the Rabbitohs are galling for Souths fans. In four years at the Roosters he played 11 more games than he's done in six seasons at the Bunnies. Latrell Mitchell is expected to miss at least a month after suffering a significant quadriceps injury at Rabbitohs training today (via @MCarayannis).Likely moderate grade strain/partial tear with that recovery timeframe. Rabbitohs season from hell on the injury front continues. — NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 17, 2025 Calls for NRL to shorten regular season Rothfield suggested the NRL needs to consider changing the schedule to protect the game's top players. Mitchell is among a number of the game's elite players who feature at club, Origin and Test level every season. 'It is for the elite players, for the players who play finals every year. They play State of Origin, they play trial matches, they play the All-Stars game,' Rothfield said. 'They then have an international series. Then they got their six weeks off, then they get an interrupted pre-season. You've got to look at the welfare and you've got to look at injuries across the competition. Look at Souths. Latrell, Walker, Murray, Campbell Graham, Keaon Koloamatangi.' RELATED: Ricky Stuart's message to Newcastle after 'disrespectful' contract offer Stunning development for Cleary brothers as Luai under heavy fire South Sydney's 'laughable' injury toll Speaking last week, Souths veteran Jai Arrow described the injury toll as "laughable". In Round 22 against the Broncos they'll be without Mitchell, Walker, Murray, Koloamatangi, Brandon Smith, Tevita Tatola, Euan Aitken, Jayden Sullivan, Mikaele Ravalawa and Davvy Moale due to injuries, while Jack Wighton is banned for the next three games. "It's pretty crazy and pretty laughable with the amount of people we have missing at the moment," Arrow said. "But it is what it is, all you've got to do is keep turning up and enjoying each other's company and turn up for each other on the field. That's all we can do, really."
News.com.au
30-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Wests Tigers torched over player exists as Tallyn Da Silva defection confirmed
The Wests Tigers have been heavily criticised for their inability to retain talented young players following the departure of back-up hooker Tallyn Da Silva to Parramatta. Da Silva had been contracted at the Tigers until the end of 2026, but like Lachlan Galvin, the 20-year-old has left the Tigers with 18 months left on his deal. 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. On Monday the Eels confirmed they had signed Da Silva effective immediately until the end of the 2029 season in a coup for coach Jason Ryles as he rebuilds Parramatta's roster. Da Silva's departure is the latest blow for the Tigers, who sit 14th on the NRL ladder and are desperate to avoid a fourth wooden spoon in a row. On NRL 360, veteran reporter Phil Rothfield said the list of promising young players to leave the Tigers was a damning indictment on the club. 'I'll name some players,' Rothfield said. 'Galvin, Da Silva, (Stefano) Utoikamanu, Shawn Blore, there was a schoolboy there — Onitoni Large. 'He broke his contract to get out of that club. Why have five outstanding young players in the last 12 months, all wanted out of the Wests Tigers? Five outstanding young footballers have walked out of their club. 'Have they given up on this season? What happens if Api gets hurt? Their two best youngsters have left that club. 'I have spoken to a lot of very good judges in the game who rate him very highly. That's why Manly, Newcastle and Parramatta wanted him.' Brent Read responded: 'He (Da Silva) is far from the finished product right now. He's a few years off. Api helps them win footy games. 'They were assured by Tallyn Da Silva and his parents that Tallyn wanted to stay at the club, but if Api re-signed, he would leave. Richo (Tigers boss Shane Richardson) was assured by his family that Tallyn's preference was to stay at the Tigers and be there long term.' Da Silva was behind Api Koroisau in the pecking order at the Tigers, but Rothfield said the Tigers should have been able to get Da Silva to at least see out his contract, highlighting the fact the Raiders and Broncos have several back-up hookers on their roster. 'The Canberra Raiders are leading the comp. They've got a kid called Owen Pattie, really good hooker but can't break into that first grade side, because (Tom) Starling is outstanding and they've even signed (Jayden) Brailey from Newcastle. 'He's happy prepared to buy into that system. 'How many hookers do the Broncos have? Are any of them lining up to get out now? Read hit back: 'Corey Paix doesn't have a contract for next year, so some of them are going.' Rothfield also hinted an inner 'circle' of Benji Marshall and co-captains Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai may have left some players feeling disgruntled. 'Have you heard the story that Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau are so tight with Benji Marshall — they've got that little circle of three — and there's a lot of younger players that don't feel part of that outfit. 'You know that was the situation with Galvin. I'm wondering if it had anything to do with these fellas as well. Read said 'I know Galvin felt a little bit locked out once they established this big three at the club.' Rothfield concluded: 'You know how highly regarded Onitoni Large is. He's the best schoolboy half going around. He didn't want a bar of the joint. I just think it's such a bad look when so much young talent all go.' Read said: 'I think Benji wanted Api and the club backed their coach.' The Tigers take on the Roosters on Sunday in round 16 and will be desperate to get a sixth win of the year. 'I hope Benji does finish strong,' Rothfield said. 'I think if they run last he'll probably lost his job. There are other people around like Willie Peters, who is breaking records over at Hull. He's coached at Newcastle and Souths and he's close to Shane Richardson. 'If they run last or even second last, they'll have to look at other options — not just for the way the football side is playing. That club needs to create an environment where people like Tallyn Da Silva and Lachlan Galvin want to play footy for the rest of their careers.' NRL 360 host Braith Anasta added: 'Amongst this drama and six losses in a row, they have got better. They are a much better team. But the next couple of months are critical.'
Daily Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
State of Origin: NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley ‘privately furious' over Queensland Maroons penalty count, Ashley Klein
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Blues coach Laurie Daley is said to be 'privately furious' over the lopsided penalty count in Game 2, with one pundit believing referee Ashley Klein was 'refereeing one side' in the first half. The Blues were on the wrong end of an 8-0 first half penalty count, which turned into 9-0 after 45 minutes. 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. During that time, the Maroons forged a 26-6 lead, which they almost coughed up in the second half but were able to hold on to force a decider. The Daily Telegraph's Phil Rothfield tweeted '3 votes Klein' during Wednesday night's game, sarcastically implying Klein was the best on ground due to his impact with the whistle. Laurie Daley was tight-lipped after the Game 2 defeat. Picture David Clark Rothfield was on Thursday night's episode of NRL360 where he shared that Daley wasn't happy with the referee's performance. Daley didn't wish to comment on the penalty count during his post-match presser. 'Laurie will look at the video and find out what he wants to talk to the NRL about and then take it to adjudication,' Rothfield said. 'He was furious after the game. Privately furious, but he knows he can't come out and say anything. Not just for the fine, but because it'll look like poor sportsmanship.' Rothfield went onto say that in his mind, the officiating wasn't the reason the Blues were defeated, but the veteran journalist was at a loss as to why New South Wales didn't cop one single penalty in the first 45 minutes. 'I think NSW were ill-disciplined and I don't have too many problems with the nine penalties they conceded,' he said. 'The problem I do have is that anyone can look at a replay of that first half and find 4-5 areas of the game where Queensland could quite easily have been penalised as well. 'In my eyes, he was refereeing one side for the majority of the first half. Referee Ashley Klein was in the spotlight after the lopsided penalty count. (Photo by) 'I know we were ill-disciplined and I'm not blaming it for the loss … but you cannot be perfect in Origin for 45 minutes. Impossible. 'It's outrageous that Queensland can play 45 minutes in State of Origin and that intensity, mistakes are made, high speed, high intensity and not one penalty. That cannot happen.' 'There were a couple I thought were dubious but what I'm trying to say is that all the 50-50 calls went Queensland's way,' NRL360 host Braith Anasta added. 'You're not going to see that again. You're not going to see a 8-0 penalty count again.' Originally published as Blues coach Laurie Daley 'privately furious' over Origin 2 penalty count
News.com.au
19-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Blues coach Laurie Daley ‘privately furious' over Origin 2 penalty count
Blues coach Laurie Daley is said to be 'privately furious' over the lopsided penalty count in Game 2, with one pundit believing referee Ashley Klein was 'refereeing one side' in the first half. The Blues were on the wrong end of an 8-0 first half penalty count, which turned into 9-0 after 45 minutes. 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. During that time, the Maroons forged a 26-6 lead, which they almost coughed up in the second half but were able to hold on to force a decider. The Daily Telegraph's Phil Rothfield tweeted '3 votes Klein' during Wednesday night's game, sarcastically implying Klein was the best on ground due to his impact with the whistle. Rothfield was on Thursday night's episode of NRL360 where he shared that Daley wasn't happy with the referee's performance. Daley didn't wish to comment on the penalty count during his post-match presser. 'Laurie will look at the video and find out what he wants to talk to the NRL about and then take it to adjudication,' Rothfield said. 'He was furious after the game. Privately furious, but he knows he can't come out and say anything. Not just for the fine, but because it'll look like poor sportsmanship.' Rothfield went onto say that in his mind, the officiating wasn't the reason the Blues were defeated, but the veteran journalist was at a loss as to why New South Wales didn't cop one single penalty in the first 45 minutes. 'I think NSW were ill-disciplined and I don't have too many problems with the nine penalties they conceded,' he said. 'The problem I do have is that anyone can look at a replay of that first half and find 4-5 areas of the game where Queensland could quite easily have been penalised as well. 'In my eyes, he was refereeing one side for the majority of the first half. 'I know we were ill-disciplined and I'm not blaming it for the loss … but you cannot be perfect in Origin for 45 minutes. Impossible. 'It's outrageous that Queensland can play 45 minutes in State of Origin and that intensity, mistakes are made, high speed, high intensity and not one penalty. That cannot happen.' 'There were a couple I thought were dubious but what I'm trying to say is that all the 50-50 calls went Queensland's way,' NRL360 host Braith Anasta added. 'You're not going to see that again. You're not going to see a 8-0 penalty count again.'
News.com.au
16-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Shane Flanagan fires back at ‘ridiculous' Dragons nepotism claim as son Kyle's form called into question
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has defended his son and Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan amid claims he would have been dropped if not for nepotism. The Red V have lost their last two games and looked completely lost in both attack and defence. They were run off the park by a rampant Dolphins 56-6 before going on to throw away a halftime lead against the Sharks, in their 30-18 loss on the weekend. 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. After similar struggles earlier in the season, Flanagan decided to drop halfback recruit Lachlan Ilias instead of his son, promoting young gun Lykhan King-Togia in his place. On the weekend, King-Togia was one of their best, but the combination with Flanagan has been underwhelming, winning just two of their six games together. And it saw veteran journalist Phil Rothfield mention the elephant in the room, that Flanagan appears to remain off the chopping block for one main reason. 'It can be really difficult when the coach, no one can ever question Shane Flanagan's coaching credentials, but his son Kyle is not one of the leading halves in the competition,' Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast on Monday. 'They have been belted by the Dolphins, then had a second-half capitulation against the Sharks on Thursday night. 'Lachlan Ilias, who was dropped at halfback, is going well in NSW Cup. They have won six straight games since he has been there. 'The fans have gone ballistic on social media. Shane Flanagan will pick the best side to win every week, but there is a debate out there about whether Kyle Flanagan should be in the side. 'He's never going to be the flashiest halfback, he's solid, he's steady … halfbacks aren't paid to tackle, but he's the best defensive halfback in the competition.' In response Flanagan came out firing in defence of his son, declaring claims his position is anything but safe 'ridiculous'. 'To say Kyle is under pressure is ridiculous,' Flanagan said to Code Sports. 'I think people are looking in the wrong direction. 'He's been among our best players all year. It's not me, ask the other players and coaches. I'm probably harder on Kyle than any other player.' Flanagan has the fewest missed tackles of any No. 7 this season at an average of just 1.3 and also has 18 try involvements. However, the claims of 'nepotism' won't be going away any time soon as the reality is irrespective of what the stat sheet shows, the Red V are clearly lacking direction and Flanagan is hardly an offensive spark. 'You've got to look at what other alternatives are there. You can bring Lachlan Ilias in, do you drop Kyle to the bench?' Rothfield said. 'The season is slipping away quick and because it's such a congested competition table, they aren't done yet. A lot of teams who have struggled are still an outside chance. 'But at the end of the day St George should be in the market for a really big playmaker. 'Nepotism is such a tough claim, a father naturally loves his son and we went through this with Brad Arthur and Jake up at Parramatta. 'I'm glad Ricky Stuart has brought his boy into the side, Jed Stuart. The senior players in the Canberra side before they went to Las Vegas had to approach Ricky because it can work in reverse. 'Because these guys are dads, they can often make it harder for their son because they don't want to be seen as doing any favours.'
