Latrell Mitchell isn’t the only big name who has been barred from this weekend’s much anticipated All Stars clash.
Classy Roosters centre Joey Manu – the victim of THAT now infamous tackle that still sees Mitchell suspended – wanted to play in the game but has been banned by his club.
John Devonshire, the Chairman of the Maori Rugby League Board, has confirmed to Wide World of Sports that Manu – one of the best centres in the rugby league world – was invited to play in the game.
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“He was very keen, being a proud Maori lad, but the Roosters said no, which is disappointing,” Devonshire said.
“I can understand their point of view – he got hurt in the game last year and hasn’t played since he fractured his cheekbone.
“But looking from over here in NZ, it seems that the clubs run the game in Australia.
“This game is so culturally important to both the Maoris and the Indigenous players – there are some things that are special on the league calendar.
“But the clubs seem to think that they are bigger than the game and that is a shame.”
Legend’s grandson making waves
Billy Beetson – the grandson of the great Arthur Beetson – is only 12 but may soon be on the radar of NRL clubs.
The young utility, who plays everywhere from centre to front row, was last week named Mod player of the year at Southeastern Seagulls in the Souths Sydney Junior Competition.
Not just in his own age group either, but in the under 10s through to the under 12s.
With such immaculate genes and obvious talent, young Billy is certain to have talent scouts and player managers on his tail before too long.
Storm locks up boom rookie
Plenty of clubs have been interested in boom Storm rookie Jack Howarth – but they are going to have to wait until 2028 to get a crack at him!
A centre or back-rower from Rockhampton, 19-year-old Howarth was already signed to the Storm for this season but extended his stay by a massive five years last week.
No player in the NRL is on a longer deal – and the Storm believe it is money well spent.
“He has all the attributes to make it and we are excited to see how he goes this year,” Storm recruitment manager Paul Bunn told Wide World of Sports.
“But at the same time, he has to realise all that potential.
“He is in the NRL squad now and could even get a chance this season – we will see how he goes as he hasn’t played much footy over the last couple of years due to injuries and COVID.”
Roosters Godfather jets out for USA
Love him or hate him, you have to admire the drive and enthusiasm of Sydney Roosters supremo Nick Politis.
Closing in on his 80th birthday, Politis flew to Los Angeles over the weekend to attend the Super Bowl.
One of Australia’s richest men with a net worth of over $2 billion, Politis will doubtless pick up marketing and promotional tips for his beloved Roosters at the world’s biggest football event.
Politis was the first man to sponsor a league team with the Roosters and his City Ford dealership in 1976 and his passion for the game has never waned.
He and I have clashed more than once but I have to admire his love for football and his behind the scenes work in making the Roosters one of the NRL’s glamour clubs.
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