Saint, Sinner, Shoosh: Western Bears’ hopes in hibernation, Adam Reynolds’ untold Rabbitohs premiership story
Sydney is one step closer to securing a regular season NFL game at Accor Stadium next year, with Venues NSW chair David Gallop pitching directly to the NFL boss in a bid to bring the franchise down under. That and more in Saint, Sinner, Shoosh.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Venues NSW chair David Gallop has pitched directly to NFL boss Roger Goodell in the state’s bid to secure a regular season game at Accor Stadium next year.
Gallop has returned from England where he watched an NFL game at Tottenham Stadium and was granted an audience with Goodell, giving him the chance to spruik the merits of playing in Sydney.
It’s understood officials from the MCG and Optus Stadium in Perth were also at the game as the NFL prepares to take more matches overseas.
Australia is believed to be high on the NFL’s hit-list as it prepares to make a decision within weeks on which city will host a historic first regular season game in Australia.
“Tottenham was a great opportunity to speak directly to the NFL commissioner about why our stadium and Sydney are the perfect place for the next step in the NFL’s international expansion program,” said the former NRL chief executive.
“My connection to the commissioner goes back to the early 2000s when Graham Annesley, Shane Richardson and I met him in his office in New York.
“We took a lot away from that meeting and trip, including the importance of an even competition, meaningful and co-ordinated community work — and even the golden point.
“We completely revamped the reception area of the NRL offices after that trip, showcasing our team merchandise and our trophies — just like the NFL in New York.”
REYNOLDS’ UNTOLD PREMIERSHIP STORY
Adam Reynolds was on the brink of getting axed from South Sydney’s side just weeks before their finals campaign started for what would be their breakthrough premiership win 10 years ago.
It was only an innocuous in-game incident where George Burgess clipped John Sutton which stopped the dramatic shake-up.
The revelation is part of South Sydney’s upcoming documentary series about the drought-breaking premiership victory, called Chasing Glory.
Reynolds was struggling and was set to be replaced by the inexperienced Luke Keary who was making an impact off the interchange bench having come back from a pectoral injury.
Reynolds had been taken off the field late in a game against Parramatta with Keary sparking the side to a win.
Sutton was Reynolds’ halves partner at the time.
The following week against Canberra – Keary was again named to start off the bench.
“(Michael Maguire) goes I am going to play Reyno (Adam Reynolds) for the first half and you’re going to come play the second half,” Keary said.
“I’m thinking, ‘What is going on here?’
“Adam Reynolds was the guy for that team. He was supposed to be there forever. He had been so good for the past two years. We were struggling a little bit.”
Sutton injured his knee after colliding with Burgess.
“This was a sliding doors moment,” Keary said.
“Sutto does his MCL. I come in. We have energy …”
Reynolds said, “We just clicked from that moment on”.
The Rabbitohs would lose just two of their next nine games to take out the title with Keary and Reynolds in the halves and Sutton in the back row.
The first episode of the eight-episode documentary series will be available to Rabbitohs Members first and then Rabbitohs Account Holders on October 28, followed by the public on 31 October. Following episodes will be released weekly at www.rabbitohs.com.au.
HAYNE’S SOLICITOR HITS OUT
Jarryd Hayne’s high-profile lawyer has hit out after the former Parramatta and Gold Coast star was dragged into the GWS scandal.
Margaret Cunneen SC, one of the most prominent barristers in NSW, was in charge of Hayne’s appeal following his long-term rape charges.
Hayne had a near-six-year legal battle, including three trials and two convictions.
The charges against Hayne were eventually dropped in June and he walked from jail after a pair of appeals but he was back in the news this week after a GWS player dressed up as him during their ‘Wacky Wednesday’ celebrations.
It is understood the theme for their celebrations was controversial couples, but the AFL investigation – and subsequent decision to sanction the players involved including the one impersonating Hayne – meant the former Eels star’s history once again reared its head.
The inappropriate behaviour included an inflatable doll and skits poking fun at Hayne.
Cunneen described the references to Hayne as “unfortunate”.
“It’s unfortunate that Mr Hayne’s face is used in reportage of this fancy dress party given the restoration of his good character and quashing of his conviction in by the Court of Criminal Appeal,” Cunneen said in an email to this masthead.
Hayne has kept a largely low profile since being released from prison, although in recent weeks he has been in camp with the Fijian rugby league team to help them prepare for the Pacific Championships.
Hayne played 10 times for Fiji, including the 2008 World Cup, prior to a switch to the NFL. His return to the NRL was cut short when he was charged with sexual assault after an incident on the night of the 2018 grand final.
Hayne fought a six-year legal battle to clear his name with Cunneen by his side, his fight coming to an end after he won an appeal earlier this year to overturn an earlier guilty verdict.
Prosecutors opted not to pursue a fourth trial.
SAINT
Charlie Gallico — better known as that loveable South Sydney mascot Reggie Rabbit — was recognised for his work in the local community when he was announced as the Westfield Local Hero. The $20,000 grant — which will go towards South Cares — came about through his regular visits to sick children in hospitals, supporting Indigenous youth and participating in community events. Onya, Charlie!
SINNER
They could walk Sydney’s streets in relative anonymity, but GWS players made headlines this week for all the wrong reasons. Their Wacky Wednesday costumes and behaviour – highlighted by Josh Fahey dressing up as former NRL player Jarryd Hayne and simulating sex acts – was poor.
SHOOSH
Stand by for another raid on rugby by a Sydney NRL club. Talks are in their infancy but if it comes off it will be another blow to union in this country.
SHOOSH
Which NRL coach recently celebrated his birthday with a boat party?
SHOOSH
Which experienced NRL forward is not expected to be at his club next season, despite being contracted and having played more than 20 games this year for the top 8 side?
SPOTTED
Former Sydney Roosters and South Sydney star Craig Wing enjoying the Cold Chisel concert at Sydney Olympic Park.
SPOTTED
Newcastle forward Jack Hetherington ‘glamping’ at Crescent Head.
SPOTTED
Brisbane chair Karl Morris and chief executive Dave Donaghy in Tokyo where they were signing a long-term deal with sporting goods giant Asics.
SPOTTED
Ex-Sharks and Eels half Adam Dykes is continuing to kick goals in the Sutherland Shire. Dykes is opening his second Tribe Social Fitness next year after the success of the Taren Point gym.
WEDDED BLISS
It certainly is wedding season in the NRL with St George Illawarra half Kyle Flanagan tying the knot with Caitlin Airey. They are now in the Maldives on their honeymoon.
They weren’t the only league couple to walk down the aisle with Manly’s Toafofoa Sipley marrying partner Nancy in New Zealand. The nuptials were attended by Sea Eagles players including Jake and Ben Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans.
WESTERN BEARS’ HOPES IN HIBERNATION
The West Australian Government has confirmed that it is willing to work with the NRL in the hope of Perth being part of an expanded competition.
The Western Bears’ hopes took a massive dent when they were formally rejected by the NRL just days after the grand final.
Since then, however, the NRL has been busily working with government officials to try and salvage the plans for Western Australia to be the NRL’s 18th team in 2027.
The NRL has written to WA premier Roger Cook to let him know that talks between the NRL and the consortium had broken down.
The NRL is now going to explore a different model in terms of ownership which may be similar to that of the AFL running the new Tasmanian side.
It is understood the government replied, where they detailed they are keen to work alongside the NRL, but need a better understanding of how the new franchise would work.
They will now wait to hear from the NRL in the next fortnight.
The WA Government was fully supportive of the consortium bid led by Cash Converters boss Peter Cumins.
That bid has been rejected by the NRL but the government is holding out some slim hope that the parties may be able to come back to the table.
DRAGONS CIRCLE WISHART
Melbourne are ready to open talks with Tyran Wishart over a contract extension amid talk that St George Illawarra continue to circle one of their most versatile players.
Wishart has another year remaining on his contract as well as a club option for 2026 but the Storm have been so happy with his form, they want to extend his deal beyond that.
Wishart was a mainstay of the Storm’s grand final outfit this season, playing 26 games across a variety of positions – he played the majority of games off the interchange bench but also started at five-eighth, halfback and hooker.
There have been ongoing rumours that the Dragons have been eyeing him off given he is an Illawarra junior, who grew up playing for the Gerringong Lions.
ROOS AXING PAYS OFF
A decision to cut the price of the Australian men and women jerseys to just $99 – down from $169 – has paid instant dividends.
Kangaroos jersey sales have already risen by 61 per cent.
The NRL worked closely with Classic Sportswear to ensure the jersey was affordable for fans ahead of the Pacific Championships.
“Making team jerseys accessible and affordable for fans is a key Commission objective,” said NRL boss Andrew Abdo.
“We have had record sales of Kangaroo and Jillaroo jerseys at $99 and we know the players want to see a wave of green and gold at the stadiums.
“Fans wearing their team jerseys adds to the game day atmosphere and experience which is great for international football.”
A record crowd of 33,196 people watched the Kangaroos beat Tonga 18-0 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
SEA EAGLES SWOOP ON DOG
Manly has handed former Canterbury Bulldogs forward Chris Patolo a lifeline as the club looks to add depth outside its top 30 squad.
The Sea Eagles will give Patolo a train-and-trial contract and an opportunity to prove that he can extend his NRL career beyond the 27 top grade games he has played.
Manly has used train-and-trial and minimum wage deals with success in recent years, with former NSW Origin forward Nathan Brown arriving at the club last off-season in a similar situation before being upgraded.
The Sea Eagles see the upside in recruiting Patolo.
They have signed experienced utility Michael Chee Kam to their supplementary list and want to do the same with ex-Warriors half Ronald Volkman, but need to create cap space to do so.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CEO …
WITH BULLDOGS BOSS AARON WARBURTON
First job: At Parramatta Eels in 2002 as a membership assistant. Working under Denis Fitzgerald and Steve Edge was an invaluable experience that shaped my understanding of sports administration.
Greatest sporting achievement: Winning the state under-15s high jump championship! Track and field taught me how to focus, dot my Is and cross my Ts. It’s all about preparation – a lesson that’s served me well in my career.
Team you supported as a kid: Manchester United. They were a global force when I was young. I played football growing up and have been a proud United member for almost 15 years!
Your sporting hero: Michael Jordan. His unparalleled work ethic, competitive drive and personal brand were incredibly motivating. Like every kid of that era, I wanted to ‘Be Like Mike’ – his impact transcended basketball.
What did you want to be when you were younger: A superhero. While I didn’t get the cape, working in rugby league has allowed me to be part of something truly special.
Most famous person in your phone: Terry Lamb. It’s a privilege to have direct access to someone who’s contributed so much to our history and continues to contribute to our future. Despite his legendary status, Terry is the most humble person I’ve ever met.
What’s at the top of your 2025 wish list: Celebrating Canterbury’s 90th anniversary in a way that honours the club’s rich history. We’re planning to commemorate this significant milestone by recognising the players, fans and moments that have shaped the Bulldogs (and Berries) over nine decades. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our journey, acknowledge our heritage and look forward to the future of this great club.
Cowboys scouting report and best 17: Burning issues in 2025
The North Queensland Cowboys have all the talent they require to win a second NRL premiership, but what they lack is defensive resolve. TRAVIS MEYN dives deep into one of the NRL’s most inconsistent teams.
Golden hauls, spats, tears: Top 100 sporting moments of 2024
From Australia’s record golden haul at the Paris Games to controversies that split the sporting world – we look back at 100 moments that shaped the sporting calendar.