Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights | Panthers shut down rumours of Nathan Cleary playing in UK Super League

A former Bulldogs star halfback has made his rugby league comeback at the age of 60, still showcasing the footy smarts that made him a Rothmans Medal winner. BUZZ ROTHFIELD reveals his highs and lows from the week in sport.

Former Rothmans Medal winner Ewan McGrady has made a rugby league comeback – at 60.

McGrady won the game’s most prestigious award way back in 1991 as a halfback at the Bulldogs, the night he needed a police escort to get to the medal presentation when it became clear midway through the evening that he had a chance of winning.

On Saturday McGrady made his comeback for his home town of Toomelah, population 250, in an indigenous knockout competition in Lismore.

McGrady’s cousin, country football pundit Troy Adams, says he is still a crowd favourite.

“They were a couple of players short so Ewan jumped in,” Adams said.

“He loves playing with his nephews and it is still a big thing for him to represent his community.”

Ewan McGrady playing for the Moree Boars.

Former Canterbury star Ewan McGrady made a return to footy, aged 60.

McGrady came off the bench to play at halfback.

The kick-and-chase plays and the electrifying speed are obviously not there these days.

Not when you’re 33 years into retirement.

“But he still knows his way around a football field,” Adams said, “He’ll never lose it.

“He steered them around beautifully and loved every moment of it.

“And the fans love it. Everyone up his way still worships him.”

Ewan’s team won the grand final on Sunday against Casino. His nephew, Lindon McGrady, kicked the winning penalty goal in extra time.

HIGHLIGHT

Finals footy without the constant six-agains we had to put up with in the last six weeks of the premiership. Two semi-finals and only one set restart in both of them. This compares to 43 set restarts in round 27 of the competition. Thank you Ash Klein, thank you Grant Atkins.

LOWLIGHT

An NRL official threatening to sue me over my recent comments on social media about refereeing.

Cannot believe referee Adam Gee has been dumped from finals. Someone doesn’t like him. Axed from bunker for 7 weeks earlier in the year. Shocking decision on the man who was so outstanding in last year’s GF. https://t.co/mMx89HEwvG

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) September 10, 2024

SHOOSH

There has been a crazy rumour doing the rounds that Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary was considering taking a year off from the NRL to play in the UK Super League. It would allow him to be closer to his partner, Matildas superstar Mary Fowler, who is at Manchester City. We checked it out with Panthers boss Brian Fletcher and Cleary’s manager George Mimis just in case. Both insist it has never been mentioned.

Rumours of a Super League switch for Nathan Cleary have been shut down by his management. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

SHOOSH

Former champion fullback Garry Jack has a son Kieren, who became an AFL superstar. Now the son of former Wests Tigers and Sharks front-rower Bryce Gibbs is on the same pathway to the AFL. Gibbs’ son Khy, 18, plays in the Sydney AFL competition and has been named in the team of the year. Gibbs posted the following message on social media: “Congrats to my young bloke Khy who made the team of the year in the top men’s premier Sydney AFL comp. Just missed out by a couple of votes to take the whole thing out. 18 yrs old big future #prouddad #afl.”

SPOTTED

Independent commission boss Peter V’landys leaving Randwick races with Racing NSW chief operating officer Graeme Hinton for the trek to Allianz Stadium for the Roosters v Manly semi.

Peter V'landys leaves Randwick races for Allianz Stadium with Racing NSW chief operating officer Graeme Hinton. Picture: Grant Trouville

SPOTTED

John Singleton, Johnny Lewis, Col Murphy, Barry Wood and his son Garth at Leichhardt Oval watching the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup semis.

SPOTTED

Love is more important than loyalty … Roosters NRLW star Jess Sergis was cheering for the opposition – and her partner – Manly winger Tommy Talau at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night, especially when he scored his try in the second half.

Sydney Roosters' NRLW star Jess Sergis cheers as her partner Tommy Talau scores for Manly. Picture: Fox League

SPOTTED

Chairman Nick Politis is as popular as the players with Sydney Roosters fans, who were chanting his name as he walked on to the field at fulltime after the victory over Manly.

Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis thanks fans after the semi-final win over Manly. NRL Imagery

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis and Brent Read to dissect all the major issues from the weekend finals.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights | Panthers shut down rumours of Nathan Cleary playing in UK Super League