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Tragedy for one of Aussie footy's most famous families as star who played more than 130 first-grade games passes away
Tragedy for one of Aussie footy's most famous families as star who played more than 130 first-grade games passes away

Daily Mail​

time4 days ago

  • Sport
  • Daily Mail​

Tragedy for one of Aussie footy's most famous families as star who played more than 130 first-grade games passes away

A proud rugby league family is in mourning following the death of former Western Suburbs and Penrith winger Russell Mullins, aged 72. Mullins passed away earlier this week, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former clubs, fans and teammates. Affectionately nicknamed 'Flight', Mullins has been remembered as a fearless player, a club stalwart and a quiet influence in a dynasty of league greats. Russell was the younger brother of Bill Mullins, the powerhouse winger who starred for Eastern Suburbs between 1968 and 1978. Bill won premierships in 1974 and 1975 and scored 104 tries in 190 first-grade games. The family legacy continued through Bill's son Brett, who played 209 first-grade games, starred for Canberra and the Roosters, and represented both New South Wales and Australia. Brett scored 122 career tries and was part of the Roosters' 2002 premiership team. The next generation saw Brett's son Bradley join the Roosters' Holden Cup side in 2015 and 2016, playing alongside future stars like Joseph Manu and Victor Radley. Russell Mullins played 131 first-grade matches during the 1970s, including 113 games for the Western Suburbs Magpies and 18 for Penrith. Known for his tremendous aerial ability and finishing, Mullins was one of Wests' most consistent try-scorers during a turbulent era for the club. He made his first-grade debut in 1971 during a tough year in which Wests finished with the wooden spoon. Despite that rocky start, he quickly became a key figure in the club's resurgence. In 1973, he was the club's top try-scorer with eight tries. He repeated the feat in 1974, this time scoring 15 as the Magpies reached the preliminary final. That match was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Eastern Suburbs, where Russell lined up opposite his brother Bill Mullins. Easts won the game 25–2, but the family duel is still fondly remembered by fans of both clubs. From 1975 to 1976, Russell continued his consistent form, topping Wests' try-scoring list, though the club missed the finals. He finished his Magpies career in 1977, and remains their sixth-highest try-scorer of all time. A move to Penrith followed, but the Panthers struggled during his two-year stint. Mullins retired at the end of the 1979 season, closing the book on a respected career. Born and raised in Yagoona, Russell was a talented all-round athlete. He excelled at sprinting and short-distance running, often travelling to athletic meets in his youth. Before finding his place in rugby league, he played soccer and represented the Hume Zone in south-west Sydney. He joined Bankstown Sports as a junior and quickly earned a reputation as a winger to watch. By the age of 15, he was carving a path that would lead him to the top grade. Post-retirement, Mullins remained connected to sport, often helping train young athletes. He was also generous with his time, assisting the Wests Archive with historical projects and interviews. Western Suburbs paid tribute to the veteran winger with a statement on Tuesday. 'Russell passed away aged 72. He was a 113 first-grade game veteran for Wests Magpies,' the club wrote. 'Our Club's thoughts are with Russell's family and friends during this difficult period.' Tributes flowed across social media. One follower wrote: 'Excellent player, enjoyed watching him at Lidcombe Oval. Punched above his weight. One of my father's favourites.' Another added, 'RIP Russell, the best winger to not represent and a very funny man.'

$130 million cash boost waiting to be claimed by thousands of Aussie drivers: 'Critical support'
$130 million cash boost waiting to be claimed by thousands of Aussie drivers: 'Critical support'

Yahoo

time16-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

$130 million cash boost waiting to be claimed by thousands of Aussie drivers: 'Critical support'

Thousands of drivers in Sydney only have a few days left to claim their share of a substantial cash pile. The NSW government has a $60 weekly cap for road tolls, and anything you spend over that amount is eligible to be reclaimed. Drivers can receive upwards of $340 per week back through this initiative, however, the deadline to submit your claim for 2024 is June 30. The government estimates there are around $130 million worth of claims between January 1 last year and March this year that are up for grabs. "The positive difference this is making to peoples' lives is something we, as a government, are proud of," Jihad Dib, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, said. Centrelink issues urgent deadline warning for lump sum payment ATO superannuation warning as deadline for $30,000 deduction fast approaches Aussie mum's $1,200 electricity bill shock sparks warning for millions More than $139 million has already been distributed to drivers for 2024 alone. Blacktown, Baulkham Hills and Auburn were the first three Sydney suburbs where driver have received $2 million in rebates. There are 10 other suburbs where claims have exceeded $1 NSW government said the $60 cap, which was introduced in 2023, has been most beneficial to people in the western suburbs who have to commute into the city every day. 'The $60 toll cap is a critical cost-of-living support, and I am pleased to see it has been laser-like in getting to where it is needed most, suburbs like Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Marsden Park and Bankstown," Transport Minister John Graham said. 'June 30 is the last day to claim toll relief that was accrued in calendar year 2024, and we want to remind people that the claims process is a simple, online process." Drivers who have spent more than $60 a week on toll trips can claim the refunds via the Service NSW website. The rebate is calculated and claimed each quarter. Claims are currently open for the first quarter from January 1 to March 31, and the second quarter from April 1 to June 30. Applications for the second quarter of 2025 will open on July 9. The deadline for 2025 rebates has been set for June 30, 2026. The government also offers a toll relief rebate, with drivers able to claim a 40 per cent rebate if they spent more than $402 on tolls between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Those claims also close on June 30 this in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data

Penrith at risk of 72-year low in NRL grudge match
Penrith at risk of 72-year low in NRL grudge match

The Advertiser

time30-05-2025

  • Sport
  • The Advertiser

Penrith at risk of 72-year low in NRL grudge match

Penrith will sit last on the ladder later in the regular season than any defending premier for 72 years if they lose to local rivals Parramatta in round 13. Not since Western Suburbs, who went from grand final winners in 1952 to wooden spooners a year later, has an NRL premier struggled to ignite their season for as long as the four-time reigning champions. The only exception is Melbourne in 2010 but the Storm's 2009 premiership was declared void amid salary cap breaches that barred them from accruing competition points as defending premiers. Penrith fell back to bottom place on the ladder with last Saturday's 25-6 loss to fellow strugglers Newcastle, leaving coach Ivan Cleary to warn the Panthers they must begin realising their potential. The playing group is focusing on a first win since adopting CommBank Stadium as their home ground this year, not their lowly ladder position. "I'm not losing sleep over it," said winger Tom Jenkins. "I care about winning games and winning premierships and stuff like that. But if you're too focused on that (ladder position), it's just going to make you play bad. It's that simple. "(Cleary) also spoke about - it's seeing how far away you are from those top teams. We don't feel like we're that far away. It's about things going right and making things go right." The Panthers' season risks slipping away amid the always disruptive State of Origin period but the club is hopeful their five representatives - Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To'o, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin - will face the Eels on Sunday. Veteran second-rower Scott Sorensen did not feel the Panthers' situation was becoming more urgent as the season approached its halfway point. "You want to win every week," he said. "There might be a little bit (of urgency) there but I just think everyone's very level-headed, very grounded. "We might be out there and the story might be that we're here on the ladder but for us, it's honestly just what's in front of us right now and that's Parramatta." Sorensen returns from the three-game suspension he received for his shoulder charge on Nathan Brown in round eight and has been named to line up on the left edge. "I got a little bit of time there to take a breath, reset, get some quality training in and I'm excited to get back into it this weekend," he said. Penrith will sit last on the ladder later in the regular season than any defending premier for 72 years if they lose to local rivals Parramatta in round 13. Not since Western Suburbs, who went from grand final winners in 1952 to wooden spooners a year later, has an NRL premier struggled to ignite their season for as long as the four-time reigning champions. The only exception is Melbourne in 2010 but the Storm's 2009 premiership was declared void amid salary cap breaches that barred them from accruing competition points as defending premiers. Penrith fell back to bottom place on the ladder with last Saturday's 25-6 loss to fellow strugglers Newcastle, leaving coach Ivan Cleary to warn the Panthers they must begin realising their potential. The playing group is focusing on a first win since adopting CommBank Stadium as their home ground this year, not their lowly ladder position. "I'm not losing sleep over it," said winger Tom Jenkins. "I care about winning games and winning premierships and stuff like that. But if you're too focused on that (ladder position), it's just going to make you play bad. It's that simple. "(Cleary) also spoke about - it's seeing how far away you are from those top teams. We don't feel like we're that far away. It's about things going right and making things go right." The Panthers' season risks slipping away amid the always disruptive State of Origin period but the club is hopeful their five representatives - Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To'o, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin - will face the Eels on Sunday. Veteran second-rower Scott Sorensen did not feel the Panthers' situation was becoming more urgent as the season approached its halfway point. "You want to win every week," he said. "There might be a little bit (of urgency) there but I just think everyone's very level-headed, very grounded. "We might be out there and the story might be that we're here on the ladder but for us, it's honestly just what's in front of us right now and that's Parramatta." Sorensen returns from the three-game suspension he received for his shoulder charge on Nathan Brown in round eight and has been named to line up on the left edge. "I got a little bit of time there to take a breath, reset, get some quality training in and I'm excited to get back into it this weekend," he said. Penrith will sit last on the ladder later in the regular season than any defending premier for 72 years if they lose to local rivals Parramatta in round 13. Not since Western Suburbs, who went from grand final winners in 1952 to wooden spooners a year later, has an NRL premier struggled to ignite their season for as long as the four-time reigning champions. The only exception is Melbourne in 2010 but the Storm's 2009 premiership was declared void amid salary cap breaches that barred them from accruing competition points as defending premiers. Penrith fell back to bottom place on the ladder with last Saturday's 25-6 loss to fellow strugglers Newcastle, leaving coach Ivan Cleary to warn the Panthers they must begin realising their potential. The playing group is focusing on a first win since adopting CommBank Stadium as their home ground this year, not their lowly ladder position. "I'm not losing sleep over it," said winger Tom Jenkins. "I care about winning games and winning premierships and stuff like that. But if you're too focused on that (ladder position), it's just going to make you play bad. It's that simple. "(Cleary) also spoke about - it's seeing how far away you are from those top teams. We don't feel like we're that far away. It's about things going right and making things go right." The Panthers' season risks slipping away amid the always disruptive State of Origin period but the club is hopeful their five representatives - Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To'o, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin - will face the Eels on Sunday. Veteran second-rower Scott Sorensen did not feel the Panthers' situation was becoming more urgent as the season approached its halfway point. "You want to win every week," he said. "There might be a little bit (of urgency) there but I just think everyone's very level-headed, very grounded. "We might be out there and the story might be that we're here on the ladder but for us, it's honestly just what's in front of us right now and that's Parramatta." Sorensen returns from the three-game suspension he received for his shoulder charge on Nathan Brown in round eight and has been named to line up on the left edge. "I got a little bit of time there to take a breath, reset, get some quality training in and I'm excited to get back into it this weekend," he said.

Why Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is sick and tired of the Lachlan Galvin saga - 'why would I care what people say'
Why Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is sick and tired of the Lachlan Galvin saga - 'why would I care what people say'

Daily Mail​

time26-04-2025

  • Sport
  • Daily Mail​

Why Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is sick and tired of the Lachlan Galvin saga - 'why would I care what people say'

A testy Benji Marshall has declared he doesn't care if people query his surprise decision to recall Lachie Galvin, side-stepping questions as to whether the five-eighth had regained trust at the Wests Tigers. Coach Marshall is 'sick of talking' about the saga that began earlier this month when the Tigers announced generational talent Galvin had declined to review their offer of a contract extension. The rejection triggered public ridicule from teammates on social media and has meant the man touted as a linchpin of the club's rebuild will leave after 2026 - if not sooner. In consultation with senior players, Marshall last week dropped the 19-year-old prodigy, claiming he needed to regain the playing group's trust and respect. Marshall was non-committal as to whether Galvin had done that after playing reserve grade for Western Suburbs. 'Yeah, look, I'm just focused on the game, really, to be honest,' the coach said ahead of Sunday's clash with Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval. Marshall is 'sick of talking' about the saga that began earlier this month when the Tigers announced Galvin had declined to review their offer of a contract extension 'I'm sick of talking about that (the Galvin saga). I've said it every week, I'll pick the team that I think is best. 'I know everyone wants to talk about all of these things, but we are moving on to the game. That's our focus.' Pressed as to what he would say to those questioning the sudden change of heart, the 2005 premiership hero was terse. 'Why would I care what people say?' he responded. 'Everyone wants to know why (I decided to recall him). I pick the team, you don't need to know why. 'This is the team I've picked that I think is best for us this week and we'll go with it.' Marshall is hopeful Galvin will not be booed by the Tigers' home crowd on Sunday given almost two weeks have passed since news of his impending exit broke. 'Pretty positive, I'd say,' Marshall said of Galvin's anticipated reception. 'The dust has settled a bit since last week so we're just going to get behind him, we're expecting him to do his usual thing and play the way he plays. 'If he sets up a try early or scores one, that will help.' The Tigers fell to wooden spoon favourites Parramatta in Galvin's absence on Easter Monday, notably leaking three tries in six minutes just after half-time. Marshall did not expect emotions to be running so high this weekend at Leichhardt Oval. 'Last week with all the distractions and up and downs of what happened, everyone can just chill now and just play,' he said. 'No doubt last week was a big week for everyone so just move on and get on with our footy.' The Tigers gave Galvin the option to take last weekend off rather than play reserve grade - but he was eager to front up. For all the divide between the club and Galvin's agent, Isaac Moses, Galvin has impressed Marshall since his decision to reject the contract offer. 'He's handled it incredibly well, given his age. To go through all this stuff and be so public with everything, it's quite hectic for him but he handled it really well,' Marshall said. 'He tried really hard (in reserve grade) and had a really good attitude and we want him to do that for us on Sunday.'

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