Author: Arjun Nair

The Sea Eagles’ hopes for a top-four finish were dashed as they fell to an inspired Wests Tigers side, losing 34-26.

Manly initially surged to a 16-0 lead, but soon allowed the home team back into the contest.

The Wests Tigers responded with an impressive run of 30 unanswered points, overcoming a hat-trick from Tom Trbojevic as a series of sin bins proved costly for the Sea Eagles.

The match’s first scoring chance came from the Wests Tigers, with Galvin’s grubber kick striking the goalpost padding. Halfback Aidan Sezer grabbed the ball but was held up by Trbojevic’s try-saving tackle.

Manly quickly countered, moving the play downfield and striking on the right side. Reuben Garrick danced past Charlie Staines and set up Jason Saab in the corner for the opening try.

The Sea Eagles soon doubled their advantage, this time attacking down the left as the Wests Tigers’ defense retreated. Lehi Hopoate capitalized on a simple overlap to score on the wing.

Despite the Wests Tigers creating a few half-chances near Manly’s line, their efforts were stymied when Ethan Bullemor burst through the middle and passed to Trbojevic, who scored in support.

Hooker Api Koroisau responded for the Tigers in the 25th minute, evading several Manly defenders from dummy half to score.

Just four minutes later, Heath Mason crossed in the corner for his first NRL try, reigniting the Tigers’ hopes.

Adding to Manly’s woes, Bullemor was sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements after back-to-back penalties.

As the first half neared its end, the home crowd jeered as Manly held a slim 16-12 lead.

Upon Bullemor’s return, Haumole Olakau’atu was placed on report and sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Mason.

With the Sea Eagles down to 12 men, a slick no-look pass from Latu Fainu sent Alex Seyfarth through a gap, with Koroisau’s conversion giving the Wests Tigers a narrow lead.

The Tigers quickly followed up with consecutive tries; Fainu scored after a loose ball near the tryline, and Solomona Faataape benefited from an unusual bounce.

Trbojevic secured his second try, but the Sea Eagles were again reduced to 12 men when Corey Waddell was sin-binned for a high shot.

Despite being a man down, Trbojevic completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute.

Manly squandered a golden opportunity to retake the lead when Jason Saab dropped a pass with nothing but open field ahead of him. The match was ultimately decided when Samuela Fainu scored the Tigers’ winning try.

“The atmosphere here was electric when they scored that try—I couldn’t even hear myself think. Well done to the Tigers,” commented Johnathan Thurston on Nine.

With this result, the Wests Tigers move closer to avoiding the wooden spoon, while the Sea Eagles miss the chance to secure a finals spot. The only downside for the Tigers was a shoulder injury to Sezer, which forced him out shortly after halftime.

Penrith’s bid for a historic fourth consecutive NRL premiership took a significant hit on Thursday night after star halfback Nathan Cleary injured his left shoulder during a narrow 24-22 defeat to the Melbourne Storm at BlueBet Stadium.

The injury occurred with the scores locked at 22-22 in the final 15 minutes of the match, following a heavy tackle from Storm forward Trent Loiero. Cleary immediately clutched his shoulder and was later seen with his arm in a sling as he watched the remainder of the game from the sheds.

The loss of Cleary is a major blow to the Panthers, who have come to rely on the 26-year-old’s playmaking abilities during their unprecedented premiership run. Cleary has had a history of injury setbacks throughout his career, including a recent two-month absence due to a hamstring injury and a right shoulder injury in 2021. However, the prospect of facing the finals without their key playmaker presents a new and significant challenge for Penrith.

Without Cleary on the field, the Panthers struggled to find the finishing touch. Melbourne’s Nick Meaney kicked a crucial penalty goal with eight minutes remaining, capitalizing on a late hit by Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris on Jahrome Hughes. In a last-ditch effort, Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards attempted a two-point field goal just before the final siren, but his attempt fell short, allowing the Storm to hold on for a crucial victory.

Cleary had been having an unusually quiet game before his injury, a sharp contrast to his outstanding performances since returning from injury last month, which had helped solidify Penrith’s status as premiership favorites. Now, with Cleary’s availability for the finals in doubt, the Panthers may need to rely on Daine Laurie or Jack Cole to step into the halves alongside Jarome Luai, a move that would undoubtedly change the dynamic of their attack.

The result was a significant one for Melbourne, who moved two wins clear atop the NRL ladder, virtually securing the minor premiership with just three rounds remaining in the regular season. However, the Storm’s victory may come at a cost, as prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona faces a potential suspension after being sin-binned for a high tackle on Laurie, a hit that also left teammate Cameron Munster with a bloodied face.

Even with Cleary in the lineup, the Panthers appeared far from their best, surrendering a double-digit lead for the third time in five games. They fell behind 10-0 early in the match, with Cleary conceding a shoulder charge penalty that allowed Melbourne to extend their lead to two tries through Eliesa Katoa. The star halfback also mishandled a pass as Penrith chased their first points of the game.

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo was a standout performer, helping his side to their first try by drawing Munster in and setting up Lindsay Smith. Yeo was also instrumental in putting the Panthers ahead for the first time in the match, with a break down the left edge that led to Dylan Edwards crossing the line in the second half.

Penrith seemed to be in control after Casey McLean scored just minutes after Asofa-Solomona was sin-binned, with Munster also off the field for a head injury assessment. However, Melbourne’s Tyran Wishart broke through the Panthers’ defense to level the scores with 20 minutes to play, setting the stage for Meaney’s match-winning penalty goal.

As the Panthers regroup and assess the extent of Cleary’s injury, the team faces an uphill battle to maintain their premiership momentum. The loss to Melbourne not only raises questions about their title defense but also about how they will adapt without their star playmaker as the finals approach.

Subheader: Panthers’ Injury Woes Continue

Nathan Cleary’s injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for Penrith, who have endured a challenging season despite their lofty ambitions. The loss of their star halfback could not come at a worse time, with the finals just around the corner and the team already grappling with inconsistent form.

Subheader: Melbourne Eyes Minor Premiership

For Melbourne, the victory all but guarantees them the minor premiership, putting them in prime position for the upcoming finals. However, the potential suspension of Nelson Asofa-Solomona could impact their preparations as they look to solidify their status as the league’s top team.

As both teams look ahead to the remainder of the season, Thursday night’s clash could prove to be a turning point—one that reshapes the trajectory of the NRL premiership race.

For Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar, the past two weeks at the Paris Olympics have been nothing short of extraordinary. Competing directly beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Australian beach volleyball duo has delivered stellar performances in an awe-inspiring setting.

Since the Games began, Clancy and Artacho del Solar have embraced the unique atmosphere of playing under one of the world’s most famous landmarks. How many times have they glanced up, pinching themselves in disbelief that this magical venue is the backdrop to their Olympic journey?

As the stands fill up for Australia’s biggest game yet, spectators eagerly capture the moment with selfies featuring the Eiffel Tower. For the past two weeks, the tower has been a star attraction, but now the focus shifts to the intense competition of the semifinals, where dreams are made or shattered. With Olympic medals on the line, Clancy and Artacho del Solar must remain laser-focused, avoiding any distractions.

Tonight, they face the formidable Brazilian pair, Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa, the world’s top-ranked team. A spot in the gold medal match is at stake. The Australians reached the finals three years ago but settled for silver, a commendable achievement but, as Clancy put it, “wasn’t the color we wanted.”

With a chance for redemption on the line, Clancy and Artacho del Solar must first overcome the powerful Brazilian duo. However, Australia makes a shaky start, with errors on Brazil’s serve putting them at an early disadvantage. Concerns grow as the match threatens to slip away.

In beach volleyball, success often hinges on two critical elements: communication and determination. Since teaming up in 2017, Clancy and Artacho del Solar have developed an enviable chemistry, almost telepathically connected. Their ability to read each other’s body language and cover the court together is impressive.

Their determination shines through as they battle for every point, refusing to give up even in the face of adversity. This grit helps them claw back into the match, wearing down Brazil’s offense to take the first set.

As the second set begins, the sun sets behind the Eiffel Tower, casting a glowing backdrop. Yet, no one in the stadium is admiring the view as Brazil mounts a comeback. Silva Ramos, standing at 194cm, proves a formidable obstacle at the net.

Despite few mistakes from Clancy and Artacho del Solar, momentum shifts in Brazil’s favor. The Brazilians unleash their creativity and power, quickly claiming the second set.

The deciding third set becomes a test of endurance and resolve for the Australians. Anyone who has jogged on the beach knows how taxing it can be, but Clancy and Artacho del Solar dig deep, turning a seemingly lost cause into a point and rallying Australian support.

The third set becomes a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging blows. Brazil wins an incredible rally, igniting celebrations among their supporters. A man in a Brazil football jersey nearly tumbles down the stairs in excitement.

The set continues to ebb and flow, with both sides coming close to victory. Ultimately, a mistake decides it, as Clancy misjudges a return, forcing Artacho del Solar into a desperate scramble. Though she manages to keep it alive, the ball goes out of play.

This miscue gives Brazil match point, which they quickly capitalize on, ending Australia’s golden dream in a flash. As a Brazilian beach party erupts, the stadium lights dim, and the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle.

While it’s a stunning sight, Clancy and Artacho del Solar aren’t in the mood to enjoy it. Experiencing Olympic heartbreak is tough, especially when they were so close to seeing their names in Parisian lights. Despite the disappointment, their remarkable journey has inspired fans and left an indelible mark on the Games.

On the bus ride from the Olympic Village to Paris La Defense Arena on Friday morning (AEST), relay swimmer Brianna Throssell was given a significant challenge—competing against American legend Katie Ledecky and Canadian teenage sensation Summer McIntosh.

The 28-year-old Throssell, who has been part of Australian relay teams for over a decade, discovered on the way to the impressive multi-purpose venue that she would swim the third leg of the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.

The Australian relay team, which included Mollie O’Callaghan, Lani Pallister, Throssell, and Ariarne Titmus in that order, triumphed in the race and set a new Olympic record with a time of seven minutes, 38.08 seconds (7:38.08). The United States finished more than two seconds behind, taking the silver medal, while China earned bronze.

Throssell entered the water 0.44 seconds ahead of China, who were in second place at the race’s halfway point. Although Ledecky surged past her Chinese competitor and posed a threat to take the lead from Throssell, the Australian held off the greatest female swimmer of all time, giving Titmus a 0.33-second lead as she took over.

From there, it was clear the Australian team was destined for gold, with the 200m freestyle world record holder powering down the pool.

In the media mixed zone, when Throssell was asked how it felt to compete against Ledecky and McIntosh, the West Australian smiled widely.

“Ho-ly!” she exclaimed.

“When I saw the lineup and realized I was racing against Summer and Katie, I was pretty nervous,” she added with a laugh.

“But I knew I just had to swim my race and do my best. If they started to catch up, I just had to hold on for dear life.

“I was breathing towards Katie in that final 50m, just trying to keep her at bay, knowing that Arnie was ready to dive in and I just had to touch the wall for her.”

Ledecky, 27, is aiming for her fourth consecutive Olympic gold in the 800m freestyle in Paris.

McIntosh, 17, secured her first Olympic gold at these Games by winning the 400m individual medley on Tuesday morning (AEST). On Friday morning (AEST), she won another gold medal in the 200m butterfly.

“It’s such an honor to race alongside these incredible athletes,” Throssell said.

“Katie is just unbelievable, and Summer, who’s already won gold tonight—competing with them is truly an honor.”

Throssell was still radiating pride as she joined Nine’s Today show about two hours after leaving the arena.

The 28-year-old confirmed that this would be her last Olympics, and thus Friday morning was her final Olympic race.

“It was my last Olympic race, so finishing with a gold medal is everything I could have dreamed of,” she said.

“I’m 28. I’m not saying my swimming career is over, but I won’t be going to LA.

“I know, and it is such an honour. Such an honour. But I know that I don’t want to be 32 and still swimming. I’m ready for the next chapter of my life.”