Sport Confidential: New Zealand Warriors sponsor forced into unreserved apology over ref slur
The boss of the Warriors’ sponsor has backtracked on his stunning attack on the credibility of NRL referees following a legal threat. Read that and more in SPORT CONFIDENTIAL.
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The boss of the New Zealand Warriors’ major sponsor has been forced to apologise and reached an “agreement” with NRL match officials after he accused referees of “cheating of the highest order” following his side’s 18-6 loss to Penrith in Magic Round.
Jason Paris, CEO of One NZ, made the extraordinary claims on Twitter a month ago. But on Friday, he backtracked from those statements and “unreservedly apologised”.
“I am a passionate rugby league fan and have been for decades,” Paris said. “I made those comments in the heat of the moment and am sorry for any impact they may have had on the reputation of any NRL referee.
“NRL referees are not cheats and are not biased. They go to work every week and do a tough job so that we get to enjoy the greatest game. Impugning their professionalism was a mistake.
“People can watch a game of footy and legitimately question the decision-making, but questioning the integrity of officials is unacceptable. Like many Warriors supporters I back my team 100 per cent and will continue to do so. I hope we can move past this distraction and focus on enjoying the game we all love.”
New Zealand players Jackson Ford and Demitric Sifakula were both sin-binned in the game.
The NRL investigated the social media post and “raised concerns” with Paris.
I unreservedly apologise for the comments I made about NRL match officials.
— Jason Paris (@JasonCParis) June 2, 2023
I am a passionate rugby league fan and have been for decades. I made those comments in the heat of the moment and am sorry for any impact they may have had on the reputation of any NRL referee.
NRL…
“He has agreed to unconditionally withdraw those statements and issue a public apology,” the NRL said. “The NRL understands that Paris has also reached agreement with the NRL referees and match officials concerned, and the match officials’ association, the PRLMO.
“Respecting and protecting NRL referees and match officials is a matter of critical importance to the NRL. While there may be differences of view about particular decisions made during a game, comments that call into question the integrity or honesty of NRL referees and match officials are baseless and unacceptable.”
PONGA’S ORIGIN BOMBSHELL
Few players took as much pride out of Queensland’s win in the opening State of Origin game than Kalyn Ponga. The Newcastle superstar watched the Maroons’ victory at home and savoured Queensland’s performance, in particular the debut of Reece Walsh.
Walsh seemed impervious to the pressure and he can take solace in the knowledge that the Maroons’ No.1 jersey will be his for this year’s series after Ponga reluctantly confirmed that he and Queensland coach Billy Slater agreed it’s best to focus on his club duties for the time being.
Ponga wants to make it very clear that he isn’t turning his back on Origin or the Maroons.
He loves playing for his state and wearing the Queensland jersey.
However, for the moment he believes he needs to concentrate on Newcastle and stringing together some games for the Knights.
It is why he sent Slater a text message earlier this week – well before Queensland’s win in Origin I – wishing him luck and asking that he not be considered for the remainder of the series.
“I watched the game last night and I was really happy for Queensland and really happy for Reece,” Ponga said.
“He had a great debut. I always knew he would. Yes, it is true I have told Billy that I need to focus on Newcastle at the moment.
“I reached out to him earlier in the week to let him know and wish him luck. I love Queensland and the Maroons jersey but I need to play more games and be on the field for Newcastle at the moment.
“It was a really difficult decision to make but I will fight to win back my place in the Queensland side next year.”
Ponga has only played two games since returning from a stint on the sidelines. He was outstanding in the Knights’ win over Manly last weekend, inspiring Newcastle to victory in the second half.
DOGS EYE FORMER ORIGIN PROP
Canterbury is expected to make a play for Newcastle big man Daniel Saifiti if the former Blues prop is squeezed out of the club because of salary cap restraints.
The Bulldogs have emerged as a keen suitor for Saifiti as they look to stiffen up their forward pack. The Knights are reluctant to let Saifiti break his deal early but are in the process of working through ways to tidy up their salary cap situation. Saifiti and centre Bradman Best may be the unlucky casualties as the club looks to rejig its roster.
The 27-year-old is on a mega deal worth more than $800,000 with his contract not expiring until the end of 2026. His twin brother Jacob is also contracted to the Knights until the end of next year.
The Bulldogs are also expected to make a play for Blues star Payne Haas, should he not extend with the Broncos, before he hits the open market on November 1. While Haas is still contracted until the end of next year, the Bulldogs could land Saifiti for 2024 should the Knights let him go.
Aside from Best and Saifiti, the Knights are still working through discussions with Blues back-rower Tyson Frizell, who is off-contract this year and being courted by the Tigers.
The Knights need to move swiftly because aside from Frizell they still have Adam Clune, Bailey Hodgson, Brodie Jones, Enari Tuala, Hymel Hunt, Jack Johns, Kurt Mann and Lachlan Fitzgibbon off-contract at the end of the year.
PLAY THAT EXPOSED NSW’S LACK OF DESIRE
This is the moment that summed up the NSW Blues’ ineptitude and lack of desire in the opening State of Origin game.
With the result on the line and the clock winding down at Adelaide Oval, Maroons prop Lindsay Collins hurtles past five NSW players before flying above Blues fullback James Tedesco to steal the ball and help Cameron Munster secure Origin I for Queensland.
Tedesco has worn plenty of criticism for his performance in the opening game of the series, but these images show that his teammates deserted him in his hour of need.
Collins starts more than 10 metres behind some of the Blues defenders. Yet when the ball is up for grabs, Tedesco is left to fend for himself against the taller Collins.
Isaah Yeo, Api Koroisau, Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai and Liam Martin all watch on. In commentary, NSW legend and Blues assistant coach Andrew Johns was damning of the Blues’ lack of desire.
“With a man down they scored two tries with the game on the line,” Johns said on the Nine Network.
“When Lindsay Collins takes that ball and passes inside to Munster, Lindsay Collins runs past five NSW players and they didn’t turn and chase. With the game on the line.
“You can’t do that with the game on the line. You cannot stop your legs moving. That was really poor.”
Johns was also hyper critical of the Blues attack, describing it as “really poor”.
RUGBY LEAGUE BOSSES CLASH OVER ORIGIN
South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly has hit back at Queensland Rugby League boss Bruce Hatcher over the state’s desire to retain 10-day State of Origin camps.
Solly and Hatcher clashed earlier this year over the length of Origin preparations. Hatcher then reignited the debate at the weekend, suggesting if any clubs had concerns over the length of camps they should think about not signing Origin players.
Solly returned serve.
“Bruce’s comments are myopic and ignore the NRL club’s massive subsidy of the whole Origin series,” Solly told Sport Confidential.
“No other club competition in world sport allows its season to be disrupted like the NRL does. We accept it as in the best interests of the wider game.
“It would be good if the states recognised that support, rather than abuse it”.
Solly further pointed out that the clubs want their players in the Origin arena.
“We want our players picked for State of Origin – it is a great opportunity for them to show their character and skills on a big stage,” Solly said.
“NRL clubs also invest millions every year in pathways and player development, which helps support the states find the Origin stars for their squads.”
DRAGONS DRAW UP FRESH COACHING SHORT LIST
The Dragons are preparing to draft up a short list of potential candidates before working out their next step in pursuit of their new coach. The usual suspects such as Dean Young, Ben Hornby, Shane Flanagan and John Morris are expected to be discussed.
Meanwhile, Jason Ryles will be Melbourne’s “Mr Fix It” when he steps into a hybrid role at the club next season.
Ryles will dabble in a host of positions at the club ranging from pathways to NRL coaching. Where that will leave him is unclear but Melbourne’s head of football Frank Ponissi is happy to bring Ryles back to the club.
“He’s coming back in a new role that is yet to be formalised,” Ponissi said.
“We have only had very informal discussion over the last few days about what that role will be. It will be a role to supplement our current coaching staff, our pathways and systems, and assist with our recruitment.
“It will still have a hands-on coaching role in some capacity as well. Given how quickly it has happened over the past few days we haven’t had the chance to formalise it.”
OUT-OF-FAVOUR TIGER ON LOOKOUT FOR NEW CLUB
Tigers back-rower Shawn Blore could be on the look-out for a new club. Rival NRL clubs as well as Super League teams have been made aware Blore could be available – even potentially mid-season.
Blore played five of the opening six games for the Tigers but has not been seen in first grade since then. The 22-year-old burst onto the scene as a big-hitting back-rower but missed the entire 2022 season after rupturing his ACL in the pre-season. Blore still has 12 months left on his deal.
SPOTTED
Our spies captured recently-retired James Maloney chasing a block of cheese down a hill in England earlier this week. The two-time premiership winner took part in the annual Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling event in Gloucester, England.
Sporting long hair and a flanno shirt, Maloney competed alongside former NRL player Kurt Dillon while Dean Whare and Corey Norman watched on. Maloney took a heavy tumble early before re-gaining his feet as he tried to chase down the eventual winner. The tournament is notorious for serious injuries as people roll down the 180 metre hill.
STORM LOOK TO LOCK IN BOOM FORWARD
Melbourne is closing in on a new deal for back rower Eli Katoa.
Sport Confidential understands that the New Zealand back rower, whose current contract runs until the end of 2024, is on the verge of extending his existing deal for at least two seasons and potentially three.
Katoa has been an inspired signing by the Storm after they beat the Dolphins to his signature. The 23-year-old has been one of the Storm’s most consistent players this season, appearing in 11 games and helping ease the blow of losing Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich.
BATEMAN FACES UP TO FORMER CLUB
John Bateman’s first game against his former club Canberra has slipped under the radar this week.
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens wasn’t even asked about Bateman as part of his pre-game press conference while Raiders coach Ricky Stuart played a straight bat when it came to the England international, who left the club at the end of 2020 with one year remaining on his deal.
Bateman still has friends in the nation’s capital – he is close to several players including NSW back rower Hudson Young. Some though haven’t forgotten the manner of his departure and the expectation is that he will run out with a point to prove.
Bateman’s time at Canberra got off to a flying start – he won Dally M back-rower of the year in 2019 – but his final season in 2020 was marked by turbulence off the field as he diced with officials and openly talked about leaving the club.
At one point he called out officials for leaking information to the media and urged the club to release England teammate George Williams when he was agitating to return home.
He played a pivotal role in the Raiders reaching the club’s first grand final in 25 years before having his head turned by interest from rival clubs.
Rather than stay in the NRL, he opted to return to England, where he spent a couple of seasons with Wigan before the Tigers came knocking.
ENGLISHMAN EYES NRL DEAL
Talented Wigan forward Morgan Smithies could be next Englishman eyeing an NRL deal after linking with an Australian agent.
Smithies, who still has a long-term deal with Wigan, is closing in on 100 appearances for the club at just 22.
The tough, hard working, backrower made his England debut earlier this year in a Test against France. Smithies has signed with Liam Ayoub – the agent who orchestrated Newcastle’s deals to land English youngsters Kai Pearce-Paul and Will Pryce.
STEVE SMITH’S FUNKY NEW BAT
Is Steve Smith looking for a new challenge in England this Ashes?
Averaging 110.57 last time he took on England in the UK, Smith looks to be changing things up in training with a funky new bat.
Smith turned heads at Australia’s practice session in Beckenham ahead of a huge English summer with a medieval looking weapon designed to get the edges England have found so hard to find.
England’s bowlers can only dream about Smith walking out to the middle with a skinny autograph bat with rubber spikes, but alas, it was only a training tool to help Aussie wicketkeeper Alex Carey sharpen up his glove work.
Smith was taking time to help his keeper by hitting nicks and nudges for Carey behind the stumps, on guard for the prospect that next week’s wicket at The Oval for the World Test Championship Final against India might be prepared to suit India’s spinners.
Australia will launch into its Ashes campaign immediately after the one-off Test against India, with Scott Boland expected to play ahead of Josh Hazlewood in the Indian showdown.
NEW SHOW POKES FUN AT QUEENSLAND
Rugby league musical satirist Denis Carnahan is back on the road for the first time in four years to present: Rugby League The Musical’s 2023 National Tour of Queensland!
The cheeky title pokes fun at his famous “That’s in Queensland” song as Carnahan prepares to jump on stage in Newcastle on June 15, the Central Coast on June 22, Wollongong June 30 and Canberra July 13.
His season in review is planned for September at The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle. Tickets: rugbyleaguethemusical.com.au
FLASHBACK
Playmakers being whacked dominated headlines on this day five years ago. James Maloney hit out at “dog shots”, wanting players to be instantly sin-binned for late shots. It came after Johnathan Thurston was crushed by Manly’s Jack Gosiewski after he passed the football.
Storm ‘grubbery’ finally comes back to bite
The Melbourne Storm are licking their wounds after another tough grand final loss, but they only have themselves to blame for falling short.
Cleary comment that provoked Panthers towards another title
Ivan Cleary revealed he questioned the desire of his ‘complacent’ Panthers during the season, a moment that stung the players and ultimately sparked their run towards a fourth-straight premiership.