rugby league

Senior Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup referee Paul Wani has been inspired to lead in running weekly training sessions for both current and young aspiring referees.

The Roosters will be without a number of their stars, including skipper James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker, who have both entered concussion protocols, while winger Dom Young has been banned for two matches for a high tackle.

With a number of other players also still sidelined with injury and suspension, coach Trent Robinson has a difficult puzzle to solve this week.

However, the biggest news of the night was the loss of Broncos captain Adam Reynolds who did not return for the second half, ruled out of the game at halftime with a suspected hamstring strain.

Following on from his kicking masterclass last week against the Cowboys, Reynolds was in good form with boot in the first half and if he is to be out for an extended period, it will be a big blow for the Broncos. 

The 19-year-old, who ranks as the tallest player in the NRL at 205cm, has been named on the interchange in place of Xavier Willison who has been ruled out after a head knock at training.

Te Kura, a Queensland U19 representative, has been outstanding in the opening month of the Hostplus Cup for Broncos Affiliate Souths Logan. 

In other team news, fullback Tristan Sailor, backrower Jaiyden Hunt and interchange ace Corey Oates all held their spots in the 17-man squad after strong efforts in Brisbane's 38-12 XXXX Derby thumping of the Cowboys at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.

The week’s other featured games include Brisbane Broncos vs Cowboys, Warriors vs Knights and Tigers vs Eels on Easter Monday.

This season keeps on serving up the big clashes and this game promises to be another cracker. The Roosters smashed the Rabbitohs last week, while the Panthers continued their path of improvement with a big win over the Broncos.

It was a remarkable turnaround for Hunters captain Ila Alu and his boys to bounce back with a close win 22-10 against Sunshine Coast Falcons last Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium after their second-half mediocre performance against CQ Capras in Round 2 of the Hosplus Cup the week before.

Ila admitted it was not an easy win as they had to fight it out till the end to win but again credited the boys for having faith in each other, though they didn’t get the start they wanted. They however showed resilience in the second half to get the two points.

While ongoing dialogue between both clubs continues, it is believed this would be the first time for a franchise club from the PNG domestic national rugby league competition to be linked to a UK club and establish an academy pathway for players coming through the recently launched NCD Schools Rugby League competition. The ambitious plan looks to offer young boys coming through this program scholarships to study and play in the UK.

Olo is directing his energy and focus back on his local community at the Two-mile settlement within the Moresby South electorate, to inspire young boys and girls to pick up a rugby league ball and play.

Olo’s illustrious rugby league career inspired his two-mile community, especially the young boys and girls to aspire to be like him one day. This motivated him to set up the SO League Agency and Academy, which is now aligned with the NCD Schools Rugby League program under the auspices of the National Capital District Commission through NCD Governor Powes Parkop’s office.

While Country were in control from start to finish to post a 22-0 win, the match was much closer than the score indicated, with some stoic defensive efforts from the PNG side. 

Newcomers Fiji faced a tough assignment first up, taking on the Queensland Sapphires.

Both teams head into the grand final rematch 1-1 to start the season and will be desperate to get on a run after hard fought wins in Round 2.

The Broncos look yet to fully adjust to life without several of last year's stars and have been dealt another curveball with halfback Adam Reynolds (knee) set for a stint on the sideline.

Coach Kevin Walters will need his front men to be at their damaging best and fullback Reece Walsh to bring the magic as the Broncos chase just their second victory at BlueBet Stadium in 15 years.