Latest from 7NEWS
7NEWS
44 minutes ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Broncos coach issues bold Reece Walsh statement after superstar stars in win over Warriors
An improved Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors. The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and also made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. 'Reece is ready, it's whether or not they decide to go that way,' Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who led the Blues last year, said. 'I actually think Reece's footy is getting better. 'He was spoken about earlier in the season about where he was at when he first came into rounds one to five, but I think defensively Reece really grew through that period.' A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf (knee) also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Both will have scans on their return to Auckland and fears are the injuries could be long-term ones. 'Spoke to the doctors, they said it could be a number of things,' coach Andrew Webster said. 'Two weeks in a row we haven't executed ... but so much spirit. 'That crowd out there, playing in moments like that, we're only going to get better. 'I said to the boys, 'A lot of other clubs would love what you guys have got'.' Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer.
7NEWS
an hour ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Collingwood star Bobby Hill withdrawn due to ‘personal reasons' for clash against West Coast
Collingwood have been forced into a late change for Saturday night's clash against West Coast with Bobby Hill withdrawn. The Magpies said Hill was out for personal reasons, with emergency Oleg Markov coming in as the replacement and starting as the substitute. It's the second time this year the Norm Smith medallist has been withdrawn on the day of a game. Last month, Hill and Scott Pendlebury were late outs before the clash against North Melbourne. In that instance, the Pies were allowed to bring in a player from outside the emergency list due to the 'exceptional circumstances'. Coincidentally, Markov was the player brought in. The move raised eyebrows, given they already had two other emergencies that were not used. The Pies later clarified Hill was out because of a family matter, but didn't elaborate. Collingwood can move 10 points clear on top of the ladder with a win over last-placed West Coast. Charlie West will make his debut for the Pies after a string of strong performances in the VFL. Teammate Pat Lipinski used West as a prime example of the talent they have ready to go in the VFL. West kicked six goals, including the match-winner, against Sandringham last weekend to force his way into the senior line-up. 'That's the beauty, we have such a strong list,'' Lipinski said. 'We have a lot of great young players in the VFL who haven't even debuted yet, who are going to do great things.'' Then there are senior players Brayden Maynard and Jordan De Goey who are coming back from injury, with Billy Frampton (calf) and Beau McCreery the latest casualties. All four are premiership players. The Magpies have a Saturday night game at Marvel Stadium for the second week in a row and will start strong favourites against the West Coast will give key forward Jobe Shanahan his senior debut, while Brady Hough returns. Hough could be given the tagging job on Nick Daicos, which is a role in the headlines given the Magpie star's duel last week with St Kilda's Marcus Windhager. Lipinski spoke of the need for himself and the other Collingwood midfielders to make sure whoever tags Daicos feels some pressure back the other way. 'It's super-important. He's obviously the best player in the league and gets tagged every week,' Lipinski said. 'We know teams are going to throw it up against us. 'Every time someone went past Windhager, he felt Collingwood going at him. 'Nick handled it really well and he dominated. He won that match-up, which was nice.'
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Human remains located in search for Sunbury man Joshua Bishop missing for a month
Human remains have been located in the search for a young man who has not been seen in a month. Joshua Bishop, 23, was last seen by his housemate on Lalor Cres in Sunbury, northwest of Melbourne, at about 9.30pm on May 27. He was then reported missing by his mother two days later. There have been extensive searches at a park in Broadmeadows as his phone was tracked there on the same day he was last seen, but nothing was located. However on Saturday, police discovered human remains following the execution of a warrant at a home in Westmeadows. A 27-year-old man was arrested and is expected to be interviewed about the remains, which are yet to be formally identified. Police said the investigation is ongoing. Bishop's family had been using social media to spread the word about his disappearance, with a dedicated TikTok and Facebook page gaining traction. His parents previously made an emotional public plea for his return, with his father Travis saying they just wanted him home safe. 'We want him to know we love him, we're here for him,' he said. 'I don't know how people go through this.'
7NEWS
3 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
North Melbourne's pre-match ritual before Hawthorn clash explained: ‘Solidarity and respect'
North Melbourne 's pre-match team ritual has been caught on camera before their clash against Hawthorn on Saturday. The ritual has become a regular move by captain Jy Simpkin and the team for the past couple of seasons. It involves the entire playing group standing in the rooms topless as Simpkin delivers a captain's speech before they all put their jumpers on together. While they have been doing it for a couple of years, it's rarely been seen on camera. Fox Footy showed the ritual on Saturday with commentator and former North Melbourne player Nick Dal Santo shedding more light on it. 'This is about solidarity and respect for the jumper,' he explained. 'Jy Simpkin, the captain, speaks to the group and then they all put the jumper on together. 'What it stands for and how they are going to live the values throughout the course of the next two hours.' Unfortunately, the Roos failed to make a strong start after the ritual. They only kicked two goals in the first quarter as the Hawks piled on five to dominate the opening term.
7NEWS
3 hours ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
From isolation to empowerment: Mark's journey to freedom through inclusive sports
When Mark Stephenson learned his mind and body were failing him, his life as a devoted father and active community member was forever changed. He received a diagnosis of Young Onset Lewy Body Dementia (YOLBD), following an earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. His long career as a firefighter came to an abrupt end, and hobbies he once cherished, such as riding motorbikes, became suddenly out of reach. 'That's what the doctor told me — unfortunately, you won't be able to do your job anymore, and you can't drive home,' recalls Stephenson. 'In an instant, my life, which was once filled with activity and purpose, became very small.' When a person is diagnosed with both Young Onset Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease, often symptoms are overlapping, complicating their management. Experts suggest this combination diagnoses may result in a quicker deterioration of cognitive and motor functions. Patients face a range of symptoms including physical stiffness, tremors, memory loss and hallucinations. Stephenson found himself in the grips of despair, feeling directionless and isolated. 'I made endless phone calls to charities and local organisations hoping to volunteer or find recreational activities, but I was turned away every time,' he explained. 'Each rejection felt harder to cope with than the initial diagnosis. 'It was disheartening, causing me to retreat further into myself.' Everything changed when he stumbled upon a social media post from Sporting Wheelies, an organisation focused on promoting inclusive sports for individuals with disabilities. Encouraged by his wife, he decided to give wheelchair basketball a try, despite his fears of being rejected again. 'The first time I sat in that sports wheelchair, I felt a rush of freedom — the kind I hadn't felt in years. 'I called it my 'motorbike feeling. 'It was a game changer,' he shares, his eyes lighting up with excitement. 'Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a diverse group of people, all unified by a shared love for sport. 'Once in the chair, no one noticed it; we were simply a group of individuals playing basketball together.' Stephenson's journey reveals a broader issue: while over 1 in 5 Australians live with a disability — approximately 5.5 million people — opportunities to engage in sports are still limited. According to Dane Cross, Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies, only 25 per cent of people with disabilities currently participate in sports, despite 75 per cent expressing a strong desire to get involved. 'The reality is there aren't enough accessible sports programs, particularly in regional areas,' Cross states. 'Many clubs lack the resources and knowledge to be truly inclusive, making it difficult for individuals to engage fully in sports activities.' Barriers extend beyond physical access; ingrained societal attitudes and stereotypes also play a role. 'Many people with disabilities aren't seen as athletes,' Cross points out. 'Changing community perceptions is crucial for fostering an inclusive sporting environment.' Organisations like Sport4All are also working towards dismantling these barriers, providing training and support to community sports clubs to ensure they can accommodate individuals with varying abilities. National Manager of Sport4All, Carl Partridge, emphasises understanding the spectrum of disabilities is essential for creating inclusive environments. 'Disability isn't always visible,' he said. 'Financial constraints and preconceived notions can unintentionally exclude many individuals from participating in sports.' Stephenson's involvement in sports has not just provided an opportunity for physical activity, it has also delivered a renewed sense of purpose and connection. 'Through sport, I discovered a supportive community,' he added, reflecting on his experiences with Sporting Wheelies. 'I found friends and purpose again, which has been invaluable for my mental health.' Today, he actively participates in wheelchair basketball, cricket, and AFL, reclaiming his joy, confidence, and meaningful connections. As the financial year ends, Sporting Wheelies urges Australians to donate before June 30. Every contribution is 100 per cent tax-deductible. 'Every gift helps! With the right support, we can bring inclusive sport to communities, but we can't do it alone,' said Cross. '$500 trains a Disability Sport Officer. $1000 helps bring a new sport to a remote town.'
