Sport Confidential: Ilona Maher has NRLW on her radar after World Cup
American rugby star Ilona Maher boasts over 8 million followers combined on Instagram and TikTok and she could soon be bringing that star power to the NRLW. That and more in Sport Confidential.
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The biggest name in women’s rugby Ilona Maher has declared an interest in playing in the NRLW with the NRL set to invite the US superstar to next year’s combine in Las Vegas.
The invite will happen provided a club does not snap her up before then given Maher is a genuine superstar of the game.
Maher, who has four million Instagram followers, said she’d be “down to try NRL after the World Cup”.
The comment has sparked a frenzy. Maher was part of America’s bronze medal winning rugby sevens team this year she also finished runner-up in the US’s version of Dancing with the Stars.
She is such a drawcard that she signed a three month contract to play for Bristol in England starting next month. A record breaking crowd will watch her debut.
The women’s rugby world cup is in August and September next year.
AXED RABBITOHS COACH LANDS NEW RUGBY LEAGUE JOB
Former South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou has landed a new gig.
Demetriou has been appointed head coach of Westfields Sports High School rugby league program.
Demetriou is expected to remain as coach of the PNG national team next year having taken on that job in 2024.
He was axed from South Sydney earlier this year but remained involved in the game through his media commitments and coaching the PNG team.
EXPANSION WAR OF WORDS
A war of words has erupted between former NRL boss David Moffett and Warriors chief executive Cameron George as the pair butt-heads about the prospect of a second team in New Zealand.
Whilst PNG has formally been announced as part of an expanded competition in the NRL in 2028, the governing body remain hopeful of pushing ahead with a 20-team competition. Western Australia loom large as the next franchise should the NRL continue to grow the competition with New Zealand in the mix for a second team.
Moffett is leading the South Island Kea – who remain up for the fight to be part of an expanded competition despite being formally rejected by the league recently.
Moffett took offence to George’s comments in this masthead after George said; “It’s funny because David Moffett has been quite vocal about how he’s coming to get the Warriors.
“This is the problem. I think he was the CEO of the NRL (in 2001), why didn’t he put money into New Zealand rugby league then?
“Then all of a sudden, we’re saying we’re ready to go now.”
George and Warriors owner Mark Robinson believe the game is 10 to 15-years away from being able to expand into New Zealand with a second team to rival the Warriors.
Moffett disagrees.
“The Warriors—a team with 30 years of underachievement both on and off the field— are suddenly the self-appointed gatekeepers of rugby league in New Zealand,” Moffett said. “Yet now they suddenly have the vision to ‘take over’ the country? Spare us. Their notion of monopolising New Zealand rugby league is as bizarre as it is delusional. They don’t run rugby league in New Zealand; they merely occupy a seat they’ve done little to earn.”
The Kea would be based in Christchurch. They weren’t the only bid from New Zealand rejected.
Moffett said a second team would help grow the game.
“Their CEO speaks of five feeder teams travelling to Australia, as if this is a unique burden, ignoring the fact that their current structure has done little to elevate the domestic game,” Moffett said. “They’ve had three decades to invest in pathways, facilities, and grassroots development, and what do they have to show for it? A stagnant monopoly that has failed to grow the game in meaningful ways.
“A genuine South Island rival wouldn’t just challenge the Warriors on the field—it would reinvigorate their entire organisation. Rivalries ignite passion, sell tickets, and drive sponsorships.”
FLASHBACK
Marnus Labuschagne was on top of this world against New Zealand on this day five years ago. The Australian scored his third century in as many Tests to become the fourth-fastest Australian to 1000 Test runs
EELS SET TO SIGN FIJI INTERNATIONAL
Parramatta are set to sign Fiji international Kitione Kautoga to an immediate two-year deal.
Kautoga is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2025 but it is expected he will be granted an early release to link with the Eels on a supplementary contract next season before a top 30 deal for 2026.
Kautoga made his NRL debut for the Tigers in 2022 before playing two games at Canterbury this year. He played in Fiji’s end of season Pacific Cup matches.
FLETCH AND HINDY’S ULTIMATE VEGAS EXPERIENCE
The NRL and Fox League are running a competition alongside Bryan Fletcher and Nathan Hindmarsh for fans to win the ultimate Las Vegas experience.
The prize pool includes a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon for two with Fletch and Hindy and two merchandise packs including a Las Vegas NFL jersey, a Las Vegas cap, a Las Vegas fixture T-shirt and a VIP experience for two at NRL 360 in Las Vegas.
Watch: Hayne’s comeback undone by injury
Jarryd Hayne’s return to the footy field has been soured by injury and despite trying to play through the pain, it wasn’t enough for his side which was stacked with ex-NRL talent. WATCH THE VIDEO.
Roosters to keep roster spot open for potential Manu return
The Sydney Roosters are holding out hope of Joseph Manu returning to the club this year following a stint in Japanese rugby, with the club prepared to leave a spot open in their roster for the star centre.