Knights coach Adam O’Brien sorry for saying fans ‘don’t know anything’

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has apologised to the club’s supporters after saying that fans who booed the team off the field at half-time during Thursday’s clash with Manly “don’t know anything about rugby league”.

With Newcastle trailing 16-0 at the interval - after producing their eighth tryless first half this season - the home-town crowd voiced their frustration as players headed to the dressing rooms.

The Knights responded with a courageous second-half comeback to win 26-22 in golden point, and when O’Brien was asked about the booing after the game, he said it was disappointing given his team had just delivered “one of the best wins I’ve been involved in here”.

“I know the scoreline is not what they want, but to boo the effort that went into that first half from a really young team, the people that booed don’t know anything about rugby league, and they are probably the ones that cheered at the end too,” he said.

“It disappoints me that they’d do that … I’m a bit hurt by the booing.

“We don’t want to let anyone down, but I don’t think I’d see that. I’ve seen bigger losses here over the years and I’m not sure they’ve booed.”

After reflecting on his comments, O’Brien called a press conference on Friday to apologise for any offence he may have caused.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien.Credit: Getty Images

“I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended, and I can understand why they would be offended,” he said.

“I was under-prepared for that question. I was unaware that there had been some booing on my way down for half-time, and the first time I’d heard of it was with that question.

“I went straight into protection mode for our playing group.

“That’s not an excuse. I’m here to own that that’s not how I feel about our members. I understand that we’re here because of those people, and I think I’ve openly stated the opposite over a number of years - that they are an educated fan base, they are an educated crowd.

“They sit through all sorts of weather and scorelines with unwavering loyalty, and I’m disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group.

“I didn’t have all the facts at the time. As I said, I was under-prepared for the answer.

“Hopefully over time I can earn back their respect, because that’s not how I feel about them.”

‘You’re accepted, you’re loved’: Bulldogs message to Galvin

Billie Eder

Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton nominated Lachlan Galvin to lead the team out for his first training sessions at Belmore last week.

It’s not an unusual occurrence for the Bulldogs – ‘Critta’ picks a different player each session to lead the team onto the training pitch – but it was a sign of respect and a way of welcoming the 19-year-old to the club following his bumpy exit from the Wests Tigers.

“Before every training session we all meet together and go out together, and usually Critta picks someone to run out first,” said winger Blake Wilson.

“Usually, it’s they’ve returned from injury or something like that. It was his first training session so he got to run out first...I wouldn’t say it’s just Critta, it’s kind of just all the boys getting around that person for a special occasion whether it’s a milestone game or anything like that.”

For Bailey Hayward, who’s spot at utility is in direct jeopardy with Galvin’s signing, it’s a way to show Galvin he’s welcome and wanted.

“We do it every session where someone sort of leads us out as a team. It was Lachie’s first or second day, and he got chosen to run out...I’m sure that would’ve been a moment that he enjoyed because the boys get around it, it’s a lot of energy, and it’s a lot of fun,” Hayward said.

“It’s probably something little bit different for him but it’s something we do every day at training...That’s one thing we probably pride ourselves on, our culture is really big.

“No matter who you are wherever you’ve come in from, you’re accepted. You’re loved. I hope that’s what he’s feeling because he’s fitted in really well and that’s definitely the way it is.”

Lachlan Galvin trains with Canterbury at Belmore.Credit: Canterbury Bulldogs

Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has sung Hayward’s praises in the past when he’s filled in for Matt Burton in the halves.

But with Galvin’s arrival at Belmore the number of playmakers at the club has grown, and the No. 6 and No.7 jersey are highly sort after, especially with Bulldogs future halfback Mitch Woods making his reserve grade debut this weekend and incumbent No. 7 Toby Sexton fighting for a contract extension.

Bulldogs utility Bailey Hayward.

But Hayward was measured when asked about where he fits in the team, and where he sees himself playing long-term for Canterbury.

“I can only control what I can control and that’s putting my best foot forward every day at training, continually trying to work on yourself and get better at my craft,” Hayward said.

“If I’m doing that, then it leaves the decision out of my hands and it’s in the coach’s hands... Whatever the coach sees me to do, I’ll do. Whether that’s nine, 13, six, seven, whatever it is, I’m happy to fill wherever the team needs me. If I’m putting my best foot forward every day, then everything else will take care of itself.”

For Wilson, who has struggled to get a starting spot following the signing of winger Marcello Montoya this season, it can be difficult when someone new comes in to take a top-30 rosters spot, but he said you can’t take it personally.

“People always ask questions like that, but when you’re within a team, everyone is friends. You’re really good friends with everyone, and it’s a good, competitive, environment,” Wilson said.

“Obviously, you’re competing for spots and some of your closest friends could be essentially taking your spot in the team each week, and that’s a good motivation, but it’s not on a personal level, it’s purely professional.”

Hasler on final warning

Billie Eder

The NRL has issued Des Hasler with a final warning after the Titans coach criticised bunker referee Kasey Badger in his post-match press conference following his team’s 28-16 loss to Melbourne last weekend.

Gold Coast hooker Sam Verrills had a try disallowed in the 63rd minute of the match after Badger ruled from the bunker that Melbourne had been denied the opportunity to defend.

Verrills had burrowed over from dummy-half to score between teammate Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Melbourne defender Nelson Asofa-Solomona, but Badger said other Storm players had been obstructed.

“Once Sam Verrills is able to pick up the ball, he then makes contact with Tino’s leg which impacts Ryan Papenhuyzen’s ability to continue to defend,” Badger ruled.

On-field referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski originally awarded the Titans the try, before the bunker intervened. A decision Hasler criticised.

“Who was in the bunker? Who was the bunker person? Kasey. Kasey got it wrong, again,” Hasler said in his press conference.

Referee Kasey Badger.Credit: Getty

“In saying that, I still think we had other opportunities in the game [to score]. I think some of the errors we came up with in field position. I think we tallied 14 errors in the end, so we’ve got ourselves to blame a little bit.

“[But] that was an expensive one [the no-try ruling] because I think they got an intercept next set, it was on a 12-point turnaround.”

The NRL issued Hasler with a final warning on Thursday.

“The final warning relates to comments made by Mr Hasler following round 13 of the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, as well as previous public statements regarding officiating,” the statement read.

Des Hasler has been issued a final warning for criticising match officials.Credit: Getty

“Mr Hasler has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL rules and code of conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader.

“Negative public remarks about match officials significantly hinder the recruitment and retention of match officials at the community and pathways tiers of the game.”

Hasler could face a fine if he makes future comments criticising match officials. The NRL looks at such incidents on a case-by-case basis and hands down penalties based on the seriousness of each incident.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten was given a final warning by the NRL last month for “repeated and consistent criticism” of match officials.

‘Easy as’: Bellamy to coach on in 2026, loved taking back seat to Daley in Origin

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy will make it 24 years in charge of the club after agreeing to continue in 2026.

Bellamy’s contract finishes at the end of next season and he refused to look beyond when asked on Thursday.

The Storm coach took time to speak with his family, some senior players and club management before locking in next season - he admits his reasons to stay remain the same.

His players greeted the news with loud cheers when informed on Thursday morning.

“I’m still enjoying what I’m doing and we have a pretty good group of guys here, staff and players - it always seems to be the same answer every year but I’m still enjoying myself and still enjoying what I’m doing,” Bellamy said.

“There are considerations with the footy, the club, the team and there are private things as well - all that comes under consideration and, sometimes, it takes a little while to figure it all out.

“But this is where we have come to.”

When asked about his thoughts beyond 2026, Bellamy gave a smile.

He’s due to coach his 600th Storm game in round 26 against Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park.

“Not really, no, I take it a week at a time,” Bellamy said. “That’s how I take my life and how I take my footy as well. I don’t get too far ahead of myself.”

Storm coach Craig Bellamy.Credit: Paul Rovere

Bellamy had no comment after reports claiming he was considering a move to Gold Coast Titans in 2027 but a senior Storm official dismissed it as “rubbish”.

Bellamy has, perhaps, had a vision of how he can continue in coaching after the Storm following his first game as coaching advisor to NSW coach Laurie Daley during game one of State of Origin last Wednesday night.

It was Bellamy first foray into Origin since his time as Blues coach ended in 2010 and he only returned to help his former Canberra teammate Daley while former Storm players Brett White and Matt King are also on the staff.

“It was pretty hectic, a couple of plane rides, but I really enjoyed it,” Bellamy said.

“It was something different, a different group and the players were really good guys but the main reason I went into camp was that Laurie was a good mate of mine and two of the assistant coaches played here.

“I really enjoyed it, actually.”

Most importantly, Bellamy seemed to relish taking a back seat and not having to make all the calls as head coach.

“Easy as, no problems whatsoever,” Bellamy said with a smile.

If it is a future role that Bellamy could fill beyond his Storm years, he isn’t quite ready to admit it.

“I don’t know,” Bellamy said. “But it was different certainly and I didn’t have any problems shutting my mouth. If I felt like saying something, I offered my opinion if I thought it was worthwhile. Otherwise, I just tried to help the coaches.”

White and King were two former Storm players that Bellamy hadn’t coached with before Origin and he took some satisfaction from seeing how they had developed.

“It was interesting to see how they’ve come on - they present really well and are strong in their opinions,” Bellamy said.

“It was nice seeing them like that. I reckon I saw it [coaching] in ‘Whitey’ as a player but I didn’t see it in ‘Kingy’ as he was always a laid-back dude so he’s changed a little bit from that but he’s always been a great guy.”

The Storm sit in fourth place but have frustrated Bellamy in recent weeks due to their inconsistent form.

So, just like the Bellamy of old, he has cracked whip at training after identifying some areas he hadn’t pushed hard enough in and he hopes that will snap his team into line starting with Friday night’s clash with North Queensland Cowboys at AAMI Park.

Storm skipper Harry Grant needed to complete the captain’s run on Thursday and wake up comfortably on Friday before Bellamy will lock him in for the match after battling a hamstring injury.

Bellamy also enjoyed the chance to play the old man, claiming energetic outside back Sua Fa’alogo was likely to go deaf from playing his “boombox” too loudly.

“I’m not quite sure I want to be young if I’m like Sua with that boombox - he’s going to be deaf by the time he’s 30,” Bellamy said grumpily.

“But having new players, younger players, come in, it’s part of keeping things fresh and they help keep you a little younger than what you are - I don’t think that hurts.”

Tigers tyro back to state his case for Galvin’s No.6 jersey

Adrian Proszenko

Latu Fainu will get the chance to stake his claim as Lachlan Galvin’s long-term replacement when he returns from injury on Sunday for the Wests Tigers.

Fainu has been named on coach Benji Marshall’s bench after overcoming a thumb injury that has sidelined him since round five. He is one of three members of the Fainu family poised to take on the Panthers, alongside Samuela and Sione.

Latu recently stated his desire to become the long-term halves partner of Jarome Luai, and will get his chance after Galvin joined the Bulldogs. Galvin has been named on an extended Canterbury bench, while Heath Mason will again start at five-eighth for the Tigers.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this team better. For me, if it means getting that six role, I’m all in,” Latu said in April.

“When I first came to Wests Tigers, they brought me to play in the halves. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. That’s the position I’ve been playing my whole career, since I started playing footy. I feel most comfortable there, I feel I can add more value to the team as a half.

“Whatever the team needs, I’m all in. I love the club.”

Latu Fainu is back for the Tigers.Credit: NRL Imagery

There are plenty of other big-name inclusions in round 14. Kalyn Ponga is back for Newcastle after Origin, while fellow state representatives Harry Grant, Xavier Coates (Storm) and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins) also return after being rested last weekend.

Reece Walsh is a huge in for a Brisbane side under immense pressure after dropping six of their last seven games. Walsh will wear the No.1 jersey against the Titans after overcoming a knee injury that has sidelined him since round seven.

Cody Walker and Jack Wighton have overcome calf issues and will return for the Rabbitohs, their first game together since round seven.

Jake Trbojevic is back for Manly’s clash with Newcastle after being cleared following a concussion. The same goes for Will Penisini, who rejoins the Parramatta backline for the King’s Birthday clash against Canterbury.

Nathan Lawson retains his spot on the wing after a strong Dragons debut, with the return of Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) forcing Tyrell Sloan out of the side to face the Dolphins. Back-rower Jaydn Su’A is out with an ankle sprain.

Like Mark Nawaqanitawase, Lawson represented Australia in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics and picked the brain of “Marky Mark” before making the switch.

“Me and Mark are actually good mates, we came through a few sevens tournaments together, we played a few comps and played a bit of footy growing up,” Lawson said.

“It was good to be able to lean on him and [Eel] Bailey Simmonsen, I went to school with him as well. I’ve been chatting to those two boys, they make it look pretty easy.”

Koloamatangi states case for Blues recall after Barnett injury

He’s performed an uncanny impersonation of Payne Haas in his past two games, and in the process, South Sydney powerhouse Keaon Koloamatangi has staked a claim to line up alongside him in Origin II.

NSW will almost certainly require front-row reinforcements as they attempt to clinch a second successive series in Perth after winning the series opener 18-6 at Suncorp Stadium last week.

Blues enforcer Mitch Barnett suffered a knee injury in his team’s 36-30 win against Souths on Sunday. Scans on Monday confirmed a season-ending ACL injury, one that ends Barnett’s 2025 campaign.

Melbourne Storm middle forward Stefano Utoikamanu was a standby player for the Blues last week, and NSW coach Laurie Daley may promote him into the 17 for the game in Perth.

But Wests Tigers wildcard Terrell May and Koloamatangi have also been racking up numbers that Daley will find hard to ignore.

Koloamatangi was switched from second row to prop by Souths coach Wayne Bennett two games ago, and the 27-year-old has delivered consecutive eye-catching performances.

Keaon Koloamatangi celebrates his try against the Warriors.Credit: Getty Images

In Souths’ 22-12 win against the Tigers on May 18, Koloamatangi carted the ball for 282 metres and made 49 tackles, prompting Bennett to compare him to former Brisbane greats Glenn Lazarus, Shane Webcke and Andrew Gee.

On Sunday, he followed up with a bulldozing try, 218 attacking metres and 40 tackles in the loss to the Warriors. This time Bennett compared him to Haas, widely regarded as the NRL’s best prop.

“Keaon’s numbers are great, that’s the point we’re missing,” Bennett said of Koloamatangi, who is averaging 140 metres and 30 tackles per game this season.

“And he’s playing the full 80 minutes. He’s not even looking to be brought off the ground.

Keaon Koloamatangi takes on the defence during his lone Origin appearance, in 2023.Credit: Getty

“That’s the remarkable thing - to have a middle forward these days who can do all that workload. Payne Haas is really good at it too, but this guy is in that league.”

Koloamatangi has played one State of Origin, helping NSW win game three of the 2023 series, and recognises that consistent form at club level is the key to earning a Blues recall.

“They had a dominant win in game one, so I don’t think they’ll change the team,” he said.

“I’m just trying to play my best footy for the Rabbitohs, and if the rep stuff comes, it comes. But I’m not too fussed, to be honest. If I get the call, I get the call.

“My main focus is the Bunnies … obviously one of my big goals is to get back there [in Origin], but obviously I have to play good at club level to be able to make the team.”

The Mascot Jets junior was confident he would be better a second time around in the Origin arena, given the experience he gained on debut two years ago.

“Especially playing for Tonga against Australia as well - you know, obviously they’re a mixture of both Queensland and NSW,” he said.

Warriors skipper Mitchell Barnett receives treatment on his injured knee on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images

“I’m confident in the way it’s going at the moment. I feel like I’m playing good footy, so whatever happens, happens.”

He has embraced his move into the engine room and was hopeful his ability to also play on an edge would count in his favour when Daley sits down on Sunday to name his team for Origin II.

“Wayne puts his trust in me, and I don’t want to let him down, to be honest,” he said. “I don’t want to be a liability for the team ... obviously the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work.

“I’m just trying to do that for my team.”

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