Geoff Parkes's Blog, page 2

Wallabies CONFIRMED: Bell injured, Bobby V back, Edmed given chance to shine after JOC’s stumble

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has opted to throw Tane Edmed in at the deep end with a starting role against the All Blacks locked in – confirming The Roar‘s exclusive report – but there’s a big omission up front with Angus Bell left out due to a rib injury.

Edmed will play a fourth Test, and second from the start in the No.10 jersey, replacing James O’Connor, who was below par in last week’s 33-24 defeat at Eden Park that secured the Bledisloe Cup for the All Blacks.

The decision to start Ed...

All Blacks CONFIRMED: Razor makes six changes to starting XV for Bledisloe II after injury blows

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett returns as one of six changes to Scott Robertson’s starting XV for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash in Perth.

The All Blacks retained the Cup with a hard-fought and bruising 33-24 win at Eden Park last weekend.

Several of the changes are injury-forced with Beauden Barrett, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax and Caleb Clarke all ruled out.

Scott Barrett of New Zealand look on in disappointment after The Rugby Championship match between New Zealand All Blacks and S...

‘Significant health concerns’: Gus in hospital after heart scare

Canterbury supremo Phil Gould has been hospitalised and is awaiting test results on his heart. 

Gould was admitted to hospital on Monday and did not appear on Nine’s 100% Footy program. 

The Bulldogs general manager has been hospitalised since and there is no timeline for his discharge. 

The 67-year-old remains one of the most influential figures in the NRL, through his work at both Nine and Canterbury. 

More League 'Significant h...

Tedesco claims second Dally M Medal, Upton doubles up with NRLW gong

James Tedesco has romped to his second Dally M Medal with the Sydney Roosters superstar finishing 22 points clear of his nearest rival.

In a big night for the Roosters, Tedesco claimed the NRL’s highest individual honour for the first time since sweeping the awards in 2019.

The Roosters No.1 was also named captain and fullback of the Dally M side on Wednesday, with Mark Nawaqanitawase named on the wing and awarded try of the year. 

More League ...

Marsh madness: Skipper’s blitz powers Aussies to commanding win despite Kiwi’s fighting ton

A hard-hitting 85 from Australian captain Mitchell Marsh has outgunned New Zealander Tim Robinson’s century to set up a commanding win for the visitors in their first T20I in Tauranga.

After Robinson’s 66-ball 106 helped rescue the Black Caps’ innings after slumping to 3/6 against the new ball, Marsh helped make light work of the target of 182, with the skipper’s 43-ball 85 and rapid 67-run opening stand with Travis Head steering Australia to victory with six wickets and 21 balls in hand.

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AFL News: Elliott makes contract call, league ‘not thrilled’ with Cats’ Mad Monday antics, RIP the bounce

After weeks of speculation over his playing future, Jamie Elliott has re-committed to Collingwood.

Fresh off a career-best season, the Magpies forward, who controversially missed a maiden All-Australian selection after booting 60 goals for the year, was seen as a live chance to take up a substantial offer from Gold Coast to head north, with the Pies’ contract described as ‘borderline offensive’ by SEN reporter Sam Edmund on Seven’s The Agenda Setters.

Carlton also recently flagged their in...

NRL stars on rugby radar as rebel comp puts player managers on notice with kick-off date

Organisers of breakaway rugby competition R360 have told player agents to plan for an October 2026 start date, in a move that could create headaches for the NRL.

Player agents were this week informed of growing confidence the rebel league will be able to take off, with claims funding has been secured for three seasons.

Talks remain ongoing with World Rugby, after the competition pushed back its application to seek approval from the governing body until late 2026.

The competition is at t...

Super Rugby AUS final teams: Wallabies in action as Force host Tahs

The Western Force and the NSW Waratahs showcase several recent Wallabies when they clash in the Super Rugby AUS final in Perth on Sunday.

Ben Donaldson is at No.10 for the hosts with Darcy Swain leading the team that also includes veteran Kurtley Beale.

For the Tahs, Tom Lambert will start at prop with Wallabies Isaac Kailea and Matt Philip on the bench.

Western Force vs NSW Waratahs Sunday, 1:00 pm local (4pm AEDT), Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex, Wanneroo, Perth.

Teams

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NRL grand final team lists: Coaches set to back winning formula as Carrigan returns, Reprieve for Broncos prop

Both coaches are set to stick largely with a winning formula from the preliminary final, with only the obvious inclusion of key Brisbane forward Pat Carrigan from suspension as the only major change across the two squads.

His return pushes Tyson Smoothy to the interchange bench, and Ben Talty is the unlucky man to drop out of the side to the reserves.

Broncos prop Xavier Willison is free to play in the NRL grand final after the match review committee only fined him for a dangerous tackle i...

Klein dumped as NRL appoint new grand-final referee after controversial ‘penalty-athon’

Grant Atkins looks to have usurped Ashley Klein as the NRL’s No.1 official after being handed control of the grand final for the first time in his refereeing career.

Atkins, who has regularly refereed at NRL level for over a decade, will be the man in the middle for Sunday’s decider between Melbourne and Brisbane, League Central announced on Tuesday.

Chris Sutton and David Munro have been appointed as touch judges, while Klein will be in charge of the bunker.

M...