NRL 2023: MAFS hunk Duncan James to descend on Manly marlins Ladies Day | Saint, Sinner, Shoosh

He couldn’t find a partner on Married At First Sight but could reality TV’s ‘Prince Charming’ he find love at Manly Oval? Check out Saint, Sinner, Shoosh.

Phil Gould block. sub image

He couldn’t find a partner on Married At First Sight but could he find love at Manly Oval?

Described as the “Prince Charming” of this year’s MAFS series, former Manly Marlins rugby union player Duncan James has circled the club’s Ladies Day on April 22.

And Duncan is single.

“I’m definitely popping down for Ladies Day this year. I’m putting that in the calendar right now,” James said.

“I’ve been down there for quite a few of them and they are certainly memorable days.”

The Shute Shield competition kicked off last weekend.

Married at First Sight hunk Duncan James is looking for love at Manly Oval.

GUS’S TWITTER BLOCKING SPREE

He often watches MAFS but should probably switch to The Block.

Phil Gould, Canterbury’s general manager of football, has continued his blocking spree on Twitter – his latest victim being the influential RLPA.

And Gould’s social media behaviour has caused bemusement and surprise.

Gould spoke out passionately last week about NRL scheduling and a perceived failure in allowing teams enough time between matches.

He told 9: “People want to talk about welfare, and the RLPA want to argue about time off during the holidays. What about this?”

And with that, Gould blocked the RLPA, despite their official Twitter account offering important information.

Phil Gould loves to his block on Twitter. sub image

The RLPA social media department responded online, posting: “Like (annual) leave, the RLPA have constantly advocated for sufficient turnaround times after NRL and rep games. Introducing our stronger and fairer limitations has often been rejected. Not that Gus wants to hear from us anyway.”

Asked whether he was shocked Gould had blocked his organisation, RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said: “No.”

Pressed why not, Newton said: “I’m not surprised and I’m not, not surprised. I don’t know what the reason is.

“I’m not in a position to assume why he has or he hasn’t done it. It is what it is. Many people get blocked.”

Newton added: “That’s the beauty of social media – you have the ability to turn people on and off.

CEO of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Clint Newton. Picture: AAP Image

“However when we use our platforms to inform and educate people, you are shutting down an ability to understand yourself on various things that we prioritise or are advocating.

“When we use our platforms to educate, inform and update players, fans, stakeholders, media, then it can be seen as an important resource by some.

“If there is a reference to us then I’m always open for a conversation to understand or provide context, background or information on what we have or haven’t done.

“I don’t have any expectations on anyone but if we are referenced, it’s about how informed you are on the particular matter.

“I’m always open to a phone call. I’ve got on well with Gus for many years.”

Your columnist has also been blocked by Gus.

Fans jumped online to discuss Gould blocking the RLPA, with one punter posting: “Gus block’s everyone with a modern opinion. If you say anything from the good old days, you’re in’.”

Gould’s Bulldogs play Parramatta in a western Sydney blockbuster next Sunday at CommBank Stadium.

Like leave, the RLPA have constantly advocated for sufficient turnaround times after NRL and rep games.

Introducing our stronger and fairer limitations has often been rejected.

Not that Gus wants to hear from us anyway… 🥲 https://t.co/dj06YVEobOpic.twitter.com/ckfALOEGva

— RLPA (@RLPlayers) April 5, 2023

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SAINT

How can we go past Jake Trbojevic? Leading into Saturday night’s game against Penrith, Trbojevic had played all 332 minutes of Manly’s opening four rounds in the middle. Yet rather than accept adulation, Trbojevic claimed to be “embarrassed” by the praise. What a shame others in our game don’t share the same level of humility and class.

SINNER

Players have to start pulling back on the field. Stop waving around your arms trying to influence the referee, stop hounding and intimidating the ref after he’s made a decision – it won’t be reversed – and stop this ridiculous habit of jumping up all over the tryscorer. Oh, and stop laughing with an opponent at full-time after your team has lost. Maybe show some disappointment.

SHOOSH

Which 2022 NRL grand final star is considering a surprise move to rugby union, perhaps with Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific. He has family in Perth.

Jack Wighton of the Raiders is being courted by a number of clubs. Picture: Getty Images

SHOOSH II

Which Queensland club continues to be strongly linked to Jack Wighton. The Raiders have offered a bomb for Wighton to re-sign but the club in question has what Canberra cannot offer – beach, sun and surf.

SPOTTED I

St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin tucking into a Tuesday night steak with his family at Castle Hill RSL.

SPOTTED II

Former Australian batsman and coach Darren Lehmann walking his dog along Main Beach in Forster.

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Could Luke Brooks make the move to Super League? Picture: NRL PHOTOS

Leeds continue to discuss whether to make a massive offer for maligned Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks.

The Rhinos have their two Australian halves – Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin – coming off contract after this season, potentially giving the club some cash to splash.

Leeds coach Rohan Smith has some tough decisions to make in coming weeks.

The whispers out of England are growing louder that Leeds could target Brooks, whose contract at Concord expires after this season.

Some may argue that a new club in a different competition in a new country may just reinvigorate Brooks’ career.

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(L-R) Jerome Luai and Nathan Cleary of the Panthers. Picture: Getty Images

They have been bagged for their behaviour and taken a few black eyes but credit where credit is due because this is simply beautiful.

The Panthers received an email this week from fan Anna Craven, who wrote: “I just wanted to express how grateful I am to Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary. We have a son who has autism and is Panthers obsessed.

“We drove to Canberra on Friday to watch the game and our son never wants to wash his hand ever again because he got a high five from Jarome and Nathan.

“I understand that this is something both these young men do without batting an eyelid, however as a mother with four kids, one who has childhood cancer, and the other with autism, this is something priceless.

“Both our boys where on the highest of highs. Thank you to all the players for taking the time to hang out with their fans and for creating a memory that can’t be valued with money.”

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He is yet to play an NRL game but he’s has already created history.

New Gold Coast signing Kruise Leeming will become the first NRL player in rugby league’s 115-year history to be born in Lobamba, Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, in southern Africa.

“We have had players born in African countries Egypt, South Africa and Zimbabwe before but none from Eswatini,” said league historian David Middleton, author of the NRL annual.

The Titans have signed former Leeds captain Kruise Leeming on a one-year deal, with the England international providing important depth following the injury to Sam Verrills. pic.twitter.com/CwyfMPGh3B

— Dane McIntosh (@McintoshDane1) April 2, 2023

Leeming, a hooker, was raised in West Yorkshire and joined Gold Coast after playing 187 games for English club Leeds. He has been named as a reserve for Gold Coast’s match against St George Illawarra at Robina on Sunday.

“This is a challenge I’m really looking forward to,” Leeming said. “I’m so excited. I have always wanted to challenge myself in the NRL.”

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And then there was one, sadly.

Former Sea Eagles and Australian winger Jack Lumsden died last week, leaving legendary Ken Arthurson as the only Manly player still alive from the 1951 grand final, the club’s first decider.

Kurri Kurri-born Jack, the older brother of Dragons legend Eddie, played 30 games for Manly in 1951 and 1952. Manly lost the ‘51 grand final to Souths by 42-14 at the old Sydney Sports Ground.