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Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footy legend who played for Alan Jones breaks his silence just before ex-radio star faces court on sexual touching and indecent assault charges
Footy legend Ben Elias has branded Alan Jones an 'absolute great man' who has devoted his life to selflessly helping other people in his first statement on the radio star's legal battle. It comes as Jones, 83, is due to face court in July as the one-time Wallabies coach faces 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault, 20 counts of assault with act of indecency, two counts of sexually touching another person without consent and two counts of common assault. Speaking on 2WAY FM - a community radio station based on the mid-north coast of NSW - Balmain Tigers great Elias told veteran host Dave Lazarus he caught up with Jones on Monday alongside fellow footy star Steve Roach and another friend. Elias - who played under Jones when he coached the Balmain Tigers from 1991 to 1993 - also confirmed the veteran broadcaster was in 'great spirits'. 'We all know Alan. He's an absolute legend,' Elias began on Monday. 'Me, "Blocker" Roach and a bloke named Grant Vandenberg – we went over to AJ's today (Monday) and had an absolute delightful lunch... the bloke's in great spirits. 'You know, it's a remarkable position that he's in, which I certainly feel sorry for him in many ways. True bloke, great man. 'He's done amazing, amazing things for people, that people don't recognise. For what he's up for, I'd be very, very surprised if anything comes about it. 'But look, who knows? I can't say other than the bloke is an absolute, great man.' Elias added: 'He has been one hell of a man who's helped many charities, many, many, many charities and many young people along the way, mate. 'He's been an absolute legend. I hope that everything goes well for him.' Jones is accused of historical sexual assault offences allegedly committed in various locations across NSW, including Newtown, the Sydney CBD, Fitzroy Falls, Alexandria and Tamworth between 2001 and 2019. Police have previously stated the youngest alleged victim was 17 at the time of the alleged offence. Jones has denied all wrongdoing and is expected to plead not guilty to all charges. 'These allegations are either baseless or distort the truth,' he told reporters. Jones also said he was given no opportunity by police to respond to any of the claims prior to his dramatic arrest. 'I have never indecently assaulted these people... I am emphatic that I'll be defending every charge before a jury in due course,' he said. Previous allegations levelled against Jones include that he rubbed the inner thigh and genitals of multiple former employees and attempted to kiss others on the mouth and squeeze their bottoms. Jones began a hugely influential life on the airwaves in 1985 after a failed career in politics, becoming a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken views. He first worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut. NSW Police said State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin in March last year to investigate a number of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019. Jones will next face court on July 8.
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Listen to Joey': Knights coach slammed amid $2m truth bomb
The Newcastle Knights have been urged to recall Jackson Hastings and stick with a consistent halves pairing amid growing pressure on coach Adam O'Brien. Newcastle take on Penrith in Bathurst on Saturday in a must win game, which you can watch on Fox League via Kayo. The Knights will be without Kalyn Ponga who is in Queensland camp, while the Panthers are missing Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o due to NSW Origin duties. 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. In Ponga's absence, young gun Fletcher Sharpe has been moved from the halves to fullback, with Tyson Gamble and Jack Cogger named in the halves. Jackson Hastings has been included on an extended interchange, but it remains to be seen if the out-of-favour veteran earns a recall for his first NRL game of the year. Speaking to Tigers great Steve 'Blocker' Roach criticised the move to move Sharpe out of the halves and said it was time for O'Brien to pick and stick. 'They're struggling because they don't pick the same halves every week,' Roach said. 'They've swapped and changed half a dozen times. You've got to have that continuity in your spine, especially in your halves. 'They dropped Cogger a couple of weeks ago and now they've brought him back. I don't really know what they're doing.' 'Same thing with moving Fletcher Sharpe back to fullback. He's killing it at five-eighth, why would you move him? I know Kalyn's not there this week but I don't get it … to weaken one position to strengthen another.' O'Brien has chopped and changed his halves this season, with a feud behind the scenes reportedly a contributing factor in the decision to leave Hastings out of the team. Knights legend Andrew Johns has called on O'Brien to pick Hastings, who is on a $700,000 contract that ends at the end of this year. 'They've got to work out who their halves are (because) Tyson Gamble's not a halfback, he's a really good 14,' Johns said. 'One thing about Jackson, he's polarising as we all know, but he can get you around the park. He'll organise, he can get a game plan on, he kicks well and he brings other players into play. 'There's rumours about certain feuds and all this, which I couldn't give a rat's about. 'Whoever's the best No.7, put them in there and leave them there, because there's no stability in the key areas.' Roach agreed, adding: 'Listen to Joey Johns, probably the greatest halfback ever to play. If he's saying he (Hastings) should be there and leading the team around, what do you reckon? I'd be listening to Joey.' Knights coach responds amid $2m payout drama The Knights sit 16th on the ladder having lost seven of their past eight games, placing immense scrutiny on coach Adam O'Brien, who is contracted to the end of 2027. O'Brien has been the coach since 2020 and made finals four times, but this year's form has many wondering if he will be sacked. 'I don't even know how to help Newcastle,' Braith Anasta said on BTFU's 180 Podcast. 'I'd hate to be in that inner sanctum now, the vibe would be like a funeral. 'The whole thing around him is the $2 million payout. I don't think many other coaches, the way they're going and position they're in, would have survived as long as he has. 'A lot of it has to do with the money he is owed with a payout there and you've got to question why they re-signed him, they weren't exactly flying … that was pretty crazy.' O'Brien said on Thursday: 'I've got good, strong support from the board. 'They understand the situation that we're in with our depth and the injuries. 'Pressure and expectation comes with the job, I understand that. I'm used to it by now. 'We want results and I understand our supporters and sponsors want results - but I can't get fixated on that narrative. I've just got to focus on getting today right and being really committed to fighting our way out with the players.' Tigers legend on Galvin: 'See ya later' All signs are pointing to Lachlan Galvin being granted an early release from the Tigers at the end of this season after the young playmaker's decision not to stay beyond his contract that expires at the end of 2026. There is growing speculation Galvin could even leave the Tigers mid-season, with the joint venture club reportedly expecting a transfer fee of $165,000 for his departure. Balmain Tigers legend Roach, who urged Galvin to show 'loyalty' to the Tigers earlier this year, said it was time for the two parties to go their separate ways. 'You've got to want to play for your club,' Roach told 'I'm old school. If you don't want to be there, see ya later. Good luck to him. 'I think he does some good things and he's got potential but I don't think he's the type of player they're saying he is. He's not a Fittler or a Daley yet. Maybe it's a little bit of overhype. 'He's got ability, he's going to be good. But maybe they've pumped him up a bit too much too early.'
