u/Ruck_Off

​

‘It’s my home state’: Cheika’s return to Waratahs confirmed

Iain Payten

Twelve years after he guided the Waratahs to their one and only Super Rugby title, Michael Cheika has been officially appointed as the franchise’s new head coach.

The Waratahs made the official announcement on Wednesday, confirming this masthead’s report earlier in the week. Waratahs head of high-performance BJ Mather informed players at a meeting this morning.

Cheika is set to join the franchise on a two-year deal, which will see the 59-year-old return to the Tahs in 2027 and have the option to continue in 2028, or pass the baton to a senior assistant coach, who is yet to be appointed.

Cheika coached the Waratahs between 2013 and 2015, winning the competition in the second season and making the semi-finals in the third. The Tahs, and owners Rugby Australia, hope Cheika can turn the club around, and re-ignite passion for the team among lapsed fans.

Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh was the driving force behind the deal, according to informed sources.

The recruitment comes after coach Dan McKellar exited the troubled franchise in June, following two underwhelming seasons.

The Tahs haven’t made the Super Rugby finals in three seasons, and the club has only played in the semi-finals once in the 11 years since Cheika departed at the end of the 2015 season, to focus on being the full-time Wallabies coach.

Cheika will not start with the Waratahs until November, after first finishing up the NRL season with the Roosters - where he is an assistant coach - and then leading Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup.

While still employed by the Roosters, the highly decorated coach did not want to do interviews about his Waratahs role. In a statement issued by the Waratahs, Cheika said the Tahs job had an emotional pull after his first stint.

“The NSW Waratahs have always occupied a special place for me - it’s my home state and I feel ready to return as their Head Coach ahead of an important year for the Waratahs and also for Australian Rugby in the lead up to the home Rugby World Cup,” Cheika said.

“Being involved in the NSW squad that lifted the Super Rugby trophy in 2014 is something I will never forget, especially the passion and energy of our supporters. This is a new time, a different time and I am looking forward to being able to enjoy those same kinds of feelings and more with players, their families and all the fans in this new adventure.

“I really would like to share all the experiences I have been lucky enough to gain since I was last here and make this a great place to play footy. Before all of that I want to give my all to my rugby league club, the Sydney Roosters, to help achieve our goal for this season, to pay them back for the trust and belief they have always shown in me.“

Cheika is not the only 2014 Waratah returning, with Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps having also signed for a season in 2027. Roosters backrower Angus Crichton is also coming across to the Waratahs.

The former Randwick hardman took over the Wallabies at the end of 2014 when Ewen McKenzie quit, and a year later took the Australian side to the final of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The Wallabies couldn’t achieve the same heights in 2019, when a quarter-final exit saw Cheika step away. He joined Argentina as an assistant in 2021, and then took over as Pumas head coach in 2022. Cheika took Argentina to the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

In a strange twist, Cheika also took over at Leicester in the 2024-25 season when McKellar departed the club prematurely, after one season.

After finishing third-last in 2023-24, the Tigers played in the final under Cheika in his one season, falling to Bath in the last match.

Cheika returned to Australia and has been working as an assistant at the Roosters since late 2025.

Robinson congratulated Cheika on his appointment in a Roosters release.

“Cheik has brought a huge amount to our group this year. His knowledge and experience are obvious, but it’s his passion for coaching and his ability to connect with people that have really stood out,” Robinson said.

“He’s embraced rugby league and our Club completely, and we’ve all benefited from having him as part of our coaching team.

“This is a great opportunity for Cheik to return to a Club that means a lot to him. He has a strong connection to the Waratahs and a proven history of success there, so we’re really pleased for him and wish him every success when he takes on the role next year.

“For now, we’ve still got plenty we want to achieve together this season, and I know Cheik’s focus will be firmly on continuing the work with our group.”

​

The Sydney Morning Herald

Suaalii positional shift flagged in Wallabies squad for Argentina

Iain Payten - 3 min read

Coach Les Kiss has flagged a potential move for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii into the Wallabies’ back three after the NSW superstar was cleared to return from a hamstring injury for the two-Test tour of Argentina.

Kiss released a largely unchanged Wallabies squad on Wednesday for the series with the Pumas, which will see them clash in San Salvador de Jujuy on August 30 and Mendoza on September 6.

The two major additions from the Wallabies squads that downed Japan in Osaka and Townsville were Len Ikitau, who missed both games with an ankle injury, and Suaalii, who was out from the big win at the weekend in Townsville with a hamstring problem.

In an interesting twist, however, one of the men who dropped out the squad to make room for the star duo was fullback Jock Campbell, just a few days after the 31-year-old was named as Queensland’s best player.

Campbell started for the Wallabies in the first Test of the year against Ireland before being contentiously moved to the bench for the Test against France in Brisbane, where he was used as a five-eighth. Campbell has since not featured for the Wallabies.

After coming in for Suaalii in Townsville, Josh Flook also dropped out of the squad, but Kiss has not made room for Ikitau and Suaalii by dropping any other of his centres; namely Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry.

Both turned in outstanding performances for the Wallabies as a starting midfield in Townsville, with Henry playing strongly at No.13 in his run-on debut.

His form prompted questions post-game about whether Suaalii might be looked at as a winger or fullback. The omission of Campbell suggests Kiss may be considering that for the Argentina trip.

Kiss moved Suaalii to wing in Osaka when Henry entered the game in the second half.

Tom Wright is the starting fullback, but with Campbell gone, the back-up would be between Max Jorgensen, Suaalii and Ben Donaldson.

In other news, Tom Hooper has also been named in the squad, and as forecast, Taniela Tupou will also tour Argentina. The pair play for overseas clubs but are remaining with the Wallabies under World Rugby’s regulation 9. The rule allows the mandatory release of players by clubs for Test rugby.

With one more game of a suspension to serve, Miles Amatosero was also left out.

Kiss said in statement: “As coaches we’ve looked to maintain consistency in selection with the bulk of this squad having laid a solid foundation over the past few weeks, through their hard work and connection on and off the field.

“Touring Argentina presents another tough challenge for us as a new group, and it’s one that we know will require us to go to another level as we continue to look to build and develop our game.”

​

Rugby Australia considers win-only match payments to fund grassroots talent retention

A radical Collective Bargaining Agreement proposal could see Wallabies players receive zero match fees for Test losses.

Christy Doran

3 min read

Rugby Australia is looking at creative ways to keep the next generation of rugby talent in its systems, with one proposal involving a radical overhaul of match payments.

RA spent $3.4m on match payments in 2025 – with the Wallabies winning just five of 15 Tests – and is looking for ways to best invest that money.

Under the proposal, Wallabies players would receive no match payments for losing future Tests, but The Australian understands their bonuses for victories could rise from $10,000 to $15,000.

The subject of match payments is just one of the many battlegrounds about to be hotly debated as the Rugby Union Players Association and RA get ready to thrash out the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The current CBA is due to expire on October 31.

Player match fees have long been a point of discussion – and source of tension – but The Australian understands the niggly subject could come back on the table when RA lays down its agenda to RUPA early next month.

While RUPA is unlikely to support any change that jeopardises players’ earning capacity, the RA think savings could be reinvested back into the system.

Specifically, they believe savings could go to securing the next generation of players who miss out on a Super Rugby contract.

It’s understood the additional resources would be used to offer Wider Training Squad contracts – worth $53,000 – to as many as eight players in each of the four Australian Super Rugby franchises.

If the mooted proposal got up, it would help add much-needed depth to Super Rugby franchises, who regularly have to call on players outside their squads deep into their seasons.

It would also help fend off the rising threat from cashed-up suitors from an expanding NRL and overseas rugby clubs.

Australian under-20s centre Zach Fittler – the son of NRL great Brad – this month signed with French Top 14 club Pau on a two-year deal. The coach-less NSW Waratahs didn’t have their ducks in a row and failed to offer Fittler a deal.

Several other Australian under-20s stars, including Cronulla Sharks-bound Leo Jacques, have also left Super Rugby programs recently.

Nor is the NRL about to slow down its efforts in picking off rugby talent, especially after recently securing its $5.3bn broadcast deal – a figure that blows RA’s five-year, $209m deal out of the water.

The governing body will, however, have a tough sell trying to get the mooted proposal across the line.

One source said it would be “suicide” for RA boss Phil Waugh, who has enjoyed a strong few weeks – the Wallabies winning three straight Tests for the first time since 2024, the announcement of the Wallaroos’ new coaching setup, and the looming confirmation of Michael Cheika’s return to the NSW Waratahs.

RA said they would not “provide running commentary” on the CBA negotiations with RUPA.

Officials from RA, New Zealand Rugby and the Super Rugby Commission met in Sydney on Tuesday to discuss measures on how to help their domestic product thrive into the future.

Meanwhile, The Australian understands RUPA is pushing for an increase in the salary cap from $5.5m to $6m per Super Rugby side.

But that is also likely to struggle to get up, especially with Super Rugby franchises falling over and most failing to make a profit.

Nor are the issues isolated to Australian rugby, with a recent NZR-commissioned report revealing the dire state of Super Rugby.

The report, which laid bare the financial vulnerability of New Zealand’s five Super Rugby clubs, revealed that each club reported at least one annual net loss between 2019 and 2025.

The Hurricanes – the 2026 Super Rugby champions – suffered a loss of almost $2m in 2025.

Also, during the past seven years, there were only two instances – the Blues in 2022 and Chiefs in 2023 – in which a New Zealand club would have posted a profit without a cash injection from the NZR.

​

The Canberra Times

Wallabies coach Les Kiss hasn't been scared to make big calls in his first two Tests in charge.

Les Kiss will continue to test the limits of his Wallabies unit in Argentina, adamant its more flexible than even the players think.

A squad for the two-Test tour - their first game is in San Salvador on August 29 - is likely to be named on Wednesday.

It's understood Max Jorgensen, who limped off with sore ribs after a collision in the side's big Townsville win over Japan on Saturday, will be fit to travel.

Centres Len Ikitau (ankle) and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (hamstring) are also firming for returns, giving their coach more welcome headaches after casting the net wide in his first two games in charge.

Kiss left his seasoned props on the bench in Osaka then rested key trio Rob Valetini, Allan Alaalatoa and Josh Canham in the Japan rematch.

With Suaalii - whose best position has become a constant talking point -out he gave Isaac Henry a shot in the No.13.

He, alongside the likes of Lachlan Shaw, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Massimo De Lutiis that were given an opportunity, delivered.

Kiss also shifted No.8 Harry Wilson into the second row to finish the Townsville game, allowing pilferers Carlo Tizzano and Fraser McReight time in tandem.

Tom Hooper (shoulder) was also available to play in North Queensland but was unused, highlighting the smorgasbord of options available to Kiss against the world No.7 Pumas.

"We're more capable of mixing our team up than we think," he said.

The coach, with next year's World Cup in mind, has been bold at the selection table despite the must-win nature of his first two Tests in charge.

Just don't call his approach experimental.

"Are they experiments? I think there's a lot of good men in that team that know they can flex into different positions, so I like to think that it's more than just experimentation," he said.

"It's just having a real trust and faith that they can do this in different ways, and that we don't lose momentum about what we are and what we do.

"So I'm not rebutting the word, but I'm just saying I think it's more that we trust that we have a different way that we can use our resources. That's what I'm trying to make sure we understand."

The world No.8 side have won three-straight Tests, scoring more than 50 points in two of those victories, since a six-Test losing run either side of the calendar year.

Argentina beat Wales in between home Nations Championship losses to Scotland and England, while South Africa beat them 17-10 in Buenos Aires earlier this month.

Wins for Australia against the Pumas would likely seem them jump them into seventh on the world rankings and put pressure on Scotland and England, who sit two and three points respectively ahead of the Wallabies in sixth and fifth.

Meanwhile teenage star Treyvon Pritchard's contract extension has been inked, nearly three weeks after his retention - and subsequent rejection of NRL newcomers PNG Chiefs - was first reported.

The Queensland Reds back, already signed for next season, has committed to a further two and has the option of playing sevens for Australia at the 2028 Olympics.

It comes a day after older brother Kadin, also a Chiefs target, committed to the ACT Brumbies.

​

Steve Hansen reveals the major change behind Carter Gordon’s push to lock down Wallabies flyhalf spot

World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has identified what could be the key to unlocking Carter Gordon’s full potential to lock down the Wallabies flyhalf spot at the World Cup.

Brendan Bradford

Brendan Bradford

@1bbradfo

3 min read

World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes relieving Carter Gordon of kicking duties could be the key to unlocking his full potential at next year’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Hansen and fellow former Test coach Ewen McKenzie both named Gordon as the man who should wear the number 10 jersey in Les Kiss’ side next year, with ‘Shag’ saying Gordon has shaken off his “imposter syndrome” following a rough first stint in Test match footy.

In a brutal introduction to the game’s biggest stage, Gordon lost seven of his first eight Tests in 2023, and played flyhalf in Australia’s crucial World Cup defeat to Fiji in France that same year.

A short stint in the NRL at the Titans, and a career-threatening injury followed, before his stunning return to the 15 man game and the Wallabies fold last year.

Gordon’s return comes after a string of playmakers cycled through the Wallabies’ starting side, with Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor, Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith all playing the crucial position.

Persistent niggling injuries seem to be the only thing stopping Gordon from claiming the number 10 jersey for good, and Hansen says being relieved of goal-kicking duties has been crucial

Gordon slotted three conversions in a heart-breaking two-point loss to Ireland in July.

He was spotted taking shots at goal during the warm-up in Townsville last weekend, but handed over kicking responsibilities to Ryan Lonergan once the match kicked off.

Sharpshooter Lonergan nailed five kicks at goal, before Ben Donaldson added another three after coming off the bench.

“Carter, when he first started – I was privileged enough to spend a week with the Australians at that World Cup – and you can tell that results weren’t coming the way they wanted them to,” Hansen said on the Rugby Unity Podcast this week.

“But the pressure of having to do the goal-kicking was just something else that was on his shoulders.

“I think that affected his play. There’s no doubt in my mind that it did.

“That’s probably why he left to go to the Titans. Just to get out and get away from it all.”

Lonergan’s accuracy off the tee could also see the Brumbies halfback get the nod ahead of Tate McDermott for Australia.

“He’s been a really consistent goalkicker for years now with the Brumbies,” McKenzie said. “I’m glad they gave him the kicking responsibilities, because it gives him some ownership in the team.

“Straight away he’s got that responsibility. He’s grabbed that and I think it’s helped him fit into the team.

“He’s been denied for a bunch of years, and they’ve tried everyone else but him.”

While forwards scored all eight of Australia’s tries in last weekend’s 56-17 demolition of Japan, Gordon was instrumental in directing traffic.

“There’s a lot more clarity about how they want to play, and Carter at 10 was good,” Hansen said. “He looks a lot more comfortable in himself.

“We’ve always known he’s got plenty of talent, but I think he’s had some mental demons. He seems to have those under control.

“That imposter syndrome you have when you’re first selected, saying, ‘Am I good enough to be here?’

“All those things, he’s moved to the side, and now it’s, ‘I am here and I’m gonna do the business’.

“He’s got the talent to do that.”

Still in the early days of Les Kiss’ tenure at the Wallabies, McKenzie said Gordon is the full package.

“The difference was Carter Gordon,” he said. “He was managing the game, and players were confident around him.

“I’m not just talking attack, he was there in defence too. He was in and over the ball.

“He’s a complete player, not just organising the attack, but he’s involved in the defensive game as well.”

Gordon’s next challenge starts on August 30 with back-to-back Tests in Argentina.

The Joe Schmidt-coached Wallabies split the pair of Tests they played against Los Pumas last year, including a nail-biting 28-26 defeat in Sydney.

“Argentina is a different kettle of fish,” McKenzie said. “They’re further up the ladder in terms of rankings.

“They can mix it with anyone, and they’ve got a diverse playing style.

“But from where we’re sitting right now, we’re heading in the right direction.”

New Queensland Reds assistant Peter Hewat is hopeful Tom Lynagh and new recruit Izaia Perese will feature during next month's Super Rugby AUS competition.

​

The complexion of the Hospital Cup’s finals have been changed dramatically by one club’s raid of a Super Rugby outfit, raising questions over the role of the competition in Queensland.

Nic Darveniza

Nic Darveniza

@NicDarveniza

2 min read

Nearly four months ago Norths took to social media to congratulate the club’s 2025 rookie sensation Maika Tuitubou on his Super Rugby debut for the Fijian Drua.

Six weeks later, the 23-year-old made a triumphant return to Hugh Courtney Oval on Heritage Day with a try in a 54-17 win.

The problem was the 23-year-old was playing for Norths’ opposition.

On Saturday Wests’ top centre recruit will become the flashpoint of a debate raging across Queensland clubland over the development role of the Hospital Cup.

Wests’ recruitment of four Drua players - Joji Nasova, Isoa Tuwai, Meli Tuni and Tuitubou - have changed the complexion of finals, helping the Bulldogs knock out Bond and Easts in back-to-back weeks.

Tuitubou struck twice in the final 12 minutes against the Tigers to seal a 36-19 win.

Now his former teammates at Norths are next in line.

“On the surface it’s disappointing because we’d put a lot of time in Maika last year, of which he and the Drua were really grateful for,” Norths coach Dan Ritchie said.

“He was an uncontracted development player who came out lacking some experience but incredibly naturally talented. We’ve been pretty clear about being a development club, that’s what we hang our hat on, and he fit the mould.

“He landed on our doorstep as a relative unknown, in a sense, but you could see … he just need a bit more experience of a consistent level of rugby.”

Despite an injury-interrupted year Tuitubou showed enough at Norths to earn his first full-time contract with the Drua.

Upon his departure the young Fijian stressed to Ritchie that his first preference was to return to the Eagles’ nest next year.

“He said to me at the end he was really grateful for everything everyone at Norths did for him and that he would love to come back,” Ritchie said.

“He reiterated that he would come back, and the Drua said they were really pleased with Maika’s development at Norths and they would encourage him to play for us again in the future should the opportunity arise.

“We assumed that once Super Rugby finished we would be a good chance of seeing Maika again, but he ended up at Sylvan Road.”

Now, with Norths’ biggest game in decades just days away, Tuitubou stands in the way of the club’s grand final qualification.

“It was disappointing to learn that he’d be playing for another Brisbane club,” Ritchie said.

“At the end of the day he’s a young professional rugby player, his employers are the Drua and and he’s got to do what he’s asked to do.

“It would have been great to work with him again, definitely. I’m glad he’s doing well.”

​

The Sydney Morning Herald

Revealed: The $129m plan to bulldoze a Sydney sporting field for homes

David Barwell - 6 min read

After years of political wrangling, community protests and a failed campaign to preserve one of Sydney’s long-held suburban sporting grounds, residents have been given their clearest picture yet of a proposed transformation of TG Millner Reserve in Marsfield.

A $128.9 million plan lodged with Ryde Council this week shows the former spiritual home of Eastwood Rugby Club is one step closer to being bulldozed to make way for a 106-home housing estate.

The proposal marks a major milestone in a bitter battle that has pitted Ryde Council against the NSW government, divided residents and highlighted growing tensions between housing growth and the increasing pressure on sporting fields across Sydney.

The plans by TGM Developer Pty Ltd, a consortium involving property developer Winston Langley and the Abadeen Group, represent a significant departure from an earlier proposal for 132 seniors housing dwellings on the site. Instead, the revised plan would deliver 106 private homes ranging from three to five bedrooms.

The six-hectare development would involve the demolition of the district-grade rugby field, grandstand, North Ryde RSL Sports Club and Guardian Childcare Marsfield, a 78-place centre operating within the site. It is understood families were informed in January that the centre would cease operating in December 2026 and families would be supported to transition to alternative nearby services.

Development plans lodged with the council describe the project as a “garden neighbourhood” designed to balance housing supply with open space. The proposal includes a new public park and the planting of 456 trees, offsetting the loss of 253 existing trees that would be removed during construction works.

The unveiling of the plans is the latest chapter in the fraught history of the site, which has served as the home of Eastwood Rugby and generations of its members and supporters since 1950.

In more recent decades, however, the club has faced increasing financial pressures as participation in local rugby union declined and the club’s players, members and sponsors increasingly shifted towards Sydney’s rapidly growing north-west.

Planning documents to the council stated suburban development around the fields has also created ongoing conflicts over parking, lighting and match-day crowds, limiting opportunities to expand operations.

As ageing facilities became increasingly expensive to maintain, Eastwood Rugby and North Ryde RSL – which acquired the site in 2017 – ultimately opted to relocate to a new Centre of Excellence at Fred Caterson Reserve, almost 20 kilometres away in Castle Hill.

To help fund the move, TG Millner Reserve was sold to TGM Landowner Pty Ltd in December last year.

Ryde Council has consistently opposed residential development of the site, arguing the loss of TG Millner would worsen a shortage of sporting fields as housing development accelerates across surrounding suburbs including Macquarie Park and North Ryde.

Between 2018 and 2020, the council explored heritage listing the site but abandoned the effort after independent studies found it lacked sufficient local heritage significance.

It later set aside $15 million and sought state approval to compulsorily acquire the land. However, the bid collapsed when Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig rejected the request, citing concerns about the council’s ability to fund both the purchase and ongoing maintenance of the site.

The council has continued to campaign against the redevelopment. Last month, Mayor Trenton Brown described TG Millner as critical community infrastructure and launched a $40,000 council-funded campaign urging the community to support efforts to save the fields and pressure Planning Minister Paul Scully to reject the rezoning.

But councillor Lyndal Howison, who is Labor’s candidate for Ryde at next year’s state election, warned the campaign risked creating false hope, noting the Sydney North Planning Panel had already determined the proposal had strategic merit and should proceed through the planning system.

In its 2025 ruling, the panel found the redevelopment would help deliver much-needed “missing middle” housing – a decision welcomed by North Ryde RSL chief executive Joe Kelly, who said redevelopment would help secure the long-term future of both the RSL and Eastwood Rugby.

In a statement, Winston Langley executive director David Hynes said: “Ryde Council has opposed the proposal at every stage and has spent over $100,000 of ratepayers’ money and passed over a dozen mayoral minutes seeking to devalue the privately-owned land, confuse the public, and bleed the community clubs into submission.”

“Winston Langley and Abadeen are committed to delivering a project that provides meaningful community benefits through 106 low-rise homes for families and extensive publicly accessible open space,” he said.

Ryde state Liberal MP Jordan Lane has backed the council’s renewed campaign and accused the NSW government of failing to properly support the reserve.

“The government has laid out the red carpet for the redevelopment of this site but should not allow this proposal to be approved,” Lane said.

“For a site of this size to yield fewer than 300 homes is an abysmal use of land that will achieve very little in terms of housing supply while coming at the cost of a huge expanse of open space that our community is already short of.”

Three-time World Cup player Leone Nakarawa is returning home to Fiji to play for the Drua in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific competition.

One of the most storied Flying Fijians of all time, Nakarawa is set to bring much-needed experience to the young Drua squad.

As well as being a part of three Rugby World Cup campaigns, including 2015 when he was selected in the official team of the tournament, the 38-year-old was part of their gold medal-winning sevens squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The offload specialist has made 132 professional appearances across stints at the Glasgow Warriors, Racing 92, Toulon and Castres, and won 68 Test caps.

The quietly spoken Nakarawa said he was looking forward to playing for the Drua and being back in Fiji.

Fijian Drua general manager rugby Baden Stephenson welcomed a favourite son home.

"Leone is a quality person, quality leader and big-game player," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We are excited to bring someone of his vast experience into the forward pack. It will be very special seeing Leone represent his family, village and country in the Super Rugby competition."

​

Ex-All Blacks coach turns down shock defection to NRL after ‘pressure’ from rugby union

Former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has turned down a four-year deal to join the Southern Orcas, with the NRL expansion club’s chairman blaming intense rugby union pressure.

The Southern Orcas say former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson rejected the fledgling club’s offer to coach in the NRL due to intense pressure from rugby union.

Robertson, who won seven Super Rugby titles as head coach of the Canterbury Crusaders, knocked back a four-year head coaching position should the Christchurch-based Orcas become the NRL’s 20th franchise.

A spokesman for Robertson said: “Scott has let the Orcas know that he has declined their offer.”

Robertson’s decision has prompted the Orcas to start searching for a replacement head coach should the club be accepted into the NRL for 2029.

While not angry, the Orcas were surprised given Robertson’s preliminary enthusiasm about the possibility of coaching in the NRL.

Orcas chairman, Sir Graham Lowe, had little doubt that Robertson - nicknamed ‘Razor’ - felt the heat from rugby union around a shock defection to rugby league.

“’Razor’ would have had a hell of a lot of pressure on him,” Lowe said.

“In many ways, he was rugby union’s ‘anointed one’ down there (on New Zealand’s South Island).

“He’s just loved by the public through his success in rugby union, his manner and connection with the public. You’d struggle to find a more popular man in rugby union.

“Even though I could tell he was excited about the Orcas, he would have had a heap of pressure on.

“It would have been like going to the dark side. I respect his decision – it (moving to league) was a big thing.

“I totally understand how big this call would have been for ‘Razor’ to make.

“The reason we were so forward with ‘Razor’ is that Peter V’landys told us to put our best foot forward and that’s what we did.

“There’s no doubt about it – we wanted to make the NRL a bigger game than rugby union.”

Robertson won 20 of his 29 Tests as head coach of the All Blacks between November 1, 2023 and January 15, 2026.

“I just think he would have been an outstanding rugby league coach,” Lowe said.

“Like players, every-now-and-then you see someone come through and you know they’re going to be something pretty special and I honestly believe that’s what ‘Razor’ would have been.

“There are more (rugby union) coaches keen on making the change (to rugby league) than I thought. I’ve spoken to a few of them but we won’t rush into any decision just yet.”

Cronulla’s premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan could be discussed by the Orcas.

“I won’t say their names but there are some people we have spoken to,” Lowe said.

“I’m not being disrespectful but there’s a sameness about coaching in the NRL and that’s why we’re cautious.

“There are bound to be coaches out there who are waiting for their chance. It’s onwards and upwards. That’s what professional sport is all about.”

​

The Sydney Morning Herald

‘The money will come’: Why Pritchard brothers turned down PNG riches to stay in rugby

Jonathan Drennan - 8 min read

Before making the biggest decision of their young professional careers, Treyvon and Kadin Pritchard thought back to two important lessons taught to them by their parents, Daniel and Brenda: never leave a job half done, and always show loyalty to those who backed you from the start.

The brothers ultimately turned down the lucrative offer tabled by the PNG Chiefs to join the NRL expansion franchise for its inaugural season in 2028, opting instead to remain at their respective rugby clubs, with Treyvon signing an extension with the Reds until 2029 and Kadin remaining at the Brumbies until 2030. Both brothers also have the opportunity to play sevens in the 2028 Olympics.

“I think from a young age mum and dad have always instilled in us the value of finishing what you’ve started and never doing a half job,” Treyvon told this masthead.

“Our parents taught us to finish what we’ve started. Loyalty does come into play, too. It’s a big part of our everyday lives and something that our parents have made us follow, and it’s led into our everyday life.

“Also, coming through from being a 15-year-old in the Reds environment to moving up and training with the older boys while I was still in school with a couple of my mates.

“We all have come through at the same time and we have those connections, and I think a big thing with footy is being able to trust your teammates. If you already have something in place, there’s no real reason to kind of change that and switch it up.

“So I think the friendships and the connections that I already have are also a big part of my reasoning to stay in Australian rugby.”

The brothers spoke highly of their dealings with the Chiefs, but ultimately turned down the lucrative offer because they felt they have unfinished business in rugby together – and believe the money will follow them eventually.

“Obviously, it was exciting [to get the PNG offer] and yeah, we did meet with them, and I think that was probably both our first real kind interest from league. So we tested the waters and we were trying to see what it was all about,” Treyvon said.

“But I think Rugby Australia had a lot to offer as well. Like I said before, loyalty played a big part in where we are now and that helped us to a decision on where we wanted to be for the next couple of years...

“The money is going to come, it’s probably not the biggest worry at the moment. We need to focus on establishing ourselves in our respective teams.”

Kadin said that beyond immediate financial rewards, rugby will offer the brothers a chance to travel the world while playing the game they love.

“I love rugby union and the possibilities that it can bring with the worldwide game were a big thing for me to stay here,” Kadin said.

“To travel around the world, playing international teams – and even if it’s club level, you can go over somewhere like France. The possibilities of doing that sort of thing, you don’t get that in other sports.”

The Ella brothers brought an almost telepathic understanding to the Wallabies back line in the 1980s and the Pritchards believe they can eventually replicate that synergy as a centre partnership for the Australian Test team.

“It’s definitely a dream of ours to link up at some point,” Kadin said. “We’ve been separated for a reason: to build ourselves up in our own teams and build the groups around us.

“By the time we get to the Wallabies, we’ll be set to go, because we’ve got that brother intuition ... we want to play together in the centres, with Trayvon at inside centre.

“It’s definitely been a thought in my mind becoming that 12 and 13, and you probably don’t see it too often having brothers in the centres with that connection. We’re just almost interlinked and we know how each other plays from doing it so often in the backyard.”

Having spent endless hours playing together as kids, the two brothers came up against each other for the first time last season, when the Reds faced the Brumbies in Super Rugby. But Treyvon says it is when playing together on the same side that their close relationship brings an extra edge.

“We probably don’t have to speak as much as other players would; we can communicate with our body language and trust is a big factor in the connection that we have over other players,” Treyvon said.

At 22 years old, Kadin has always felt protective of Treyvon, who is three years younger than him.

Treyvon affectionately calls Kadin the family’s “test dummy”, the older brother who had to forge the way into professional rugby before passing on the lessons learned along the way. Though separated by distance, the brothers still speak regularly and operate as a unit when it comes to making decisions on their rugby future.

The brothers have been brought up to support one another, wary that there will always be others outside the family who want to tear one or another of them down.

“We know what each other can do and why should we hate on our family when you’ve got haters outside already,” Kadin said. “The tightness of our family, it’s just been brought through by our dad.

“We’re our own biggest supporters, we’ve got to support each other and build each other up so there’s no hate coming from within, and we have a support group here.

“There’s no way I’m going to hate on what my bro’s doing. I’m just going to hype him up to be the best player in the world. What’s the point of trying to pull him down when everybody else is trying to do that?”

Both brothers are currently recovering from injuries. Kadin is nursing a hamstring strain but hopes to return to play for the Brumbies in the Super Rugby AUS competition, while Treyvon is recovering from an operation after breaking his right leg ain a hip drop tackle while representing Australia Under 20s. Treyvon’s current recovery timeline is between 12 and 18 weeks.

Both brothers are focused on establishing their positions with their respective Super Rugby clubs ahead of a new season, but Treyvon is aware there will always be future possibilities, whether in rugby or the NRL.

“We’re definitely not closed off to playing overseas, and I think once we make a decision on that, I think we would probably look to play together, I don’t see why we wouldn’t,” Treyvon said. “I think living in a different country is hard enough, so I think being with the older bro would be awesome.

“I’m [also] not closed off to the NRL. Obviously all the noise that’s been happening recently probably sparked a bit of interest for everyone, but it’s definitely an option down the track. I’m with the Reds for three years and with Aussie rugby for three years, so whatever happens after that happen.”

​

The Sydney Morning Herald

Back in blue: Cheika set to return as Waratahs coach

Jonathan Drennan, Iain Payten - 3 min read

Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is poised for a return as NSW Waratahs coach this week, 12 years after leading the team to their first Super Rugby title.

According to informed sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, Cheika’s likely two-year deal is currently being finalised. The Waratahs are h to announce their new coach later this week.

Cheika is currently working as an assistant coach in the NRL with the Roosters but will make a return to the 15-man code.

His last role in rugby was in 2025 with Leicester Tigers in England, where he took the team to the Premiership Rugby final in his one season at the club, before returning to Australia.

The Waratahs have been without a coach since Dan McKellar parted ways with the club after failing to make Super Rugby finals in two seasons.

Cheika’s appointment comes after lobbying from senior Waratahs players and the realisation from Rugby Australia that his appointment can help recharge the team whose last finals appearance was 2022.

The former Wallabies coach has been in conversations with RA Chief Executive Phil Waugh for the last two weeks, with Cheika still to take charge of Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup and also keen to see out the NRL season with the Roosters.

He said last month he’d not heard from the Waratahs, or their owners, Rugby Australia, about the NSW vacancy, but after lobbying from senior Waratahs players, RA officials have come to appreciate the massive impact of a Cheika return to the Waratahs and are now exploring how it could work, according to informed sources.

The Waratahs recently announced their coaching panel for the Super AUS competition, headed by Lachie McCaffrey. He will be assisted by Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon and recently retired playmaker Jack Debreczeni.

​

The Canberra Times

Brumbies youngster knocks back NRL, rugby rivals to stay in Canberra

Melanie Dinjaski - 6 min read·

It was the sort of offer Kadin Pritchard couldn't refuse.

The ACT Brumbies locked in the rising centre on a new deal announced on Monday, keeping him in Australian rugby in Canberra until 2030.

After a stellar 2026 Super Rugby season, the 22-year-old swatted away offers from rugby league and rival union clubs to re-sign with the Brumbies.

Pritchard said his love of rugby, and his belief in what coach Stephen Larkham is building with a young squad in the capital were the deciding factors to stay.

"I'm really happy to have it sorted and to know I'll be staying in Canberra and continuing with the Brumbies," Pritchard said.

"Rugby is the sport for me. I love the game and I feel like I'm only starting to see what I can become as a player. Canberra is the best place for me to keep developing.

"To be playing in this backline and learning under Stephen Larkham, I couldn't ask for a better situation. There's so much experience around the group, and the older guys set a really good standard for the younger players coming through.

"There's also an exciting group of young players here. We're all developing together, and I think we've got a really good group with a great opportunity to make our mark on the competition over the next few years.

"Playing in front of the Canberra fans this year has been amazing. I can't wait to see that support grow over the next few years and be part of building something special here at the Brumbies."

Pritchard has had an impressive run at the Brumbies since moving to Canberra from Queensland in 2024.

The Brisbane product came out of high school into the Brumbies elite development squad, then in the Brumbies system also played for Gungahlin Eagles before quickly earning Australian U20s selection in 2024 and landing a Super Rugby Pacific contract.

In the 2025 Super Rugby season Pritchard made his debut, but when Wallabies star Len Ikitau left the Brumbies to play in England, more opportunity presented itself this year.

Despite a few injury hurdles, Pritchard has impressed in the no.13 jersey for the Brumbies, scoring a try, making eight line breaks, 16 tackle breaks, five offloads, 12 turnovers, and 91 tackles in 2026.

Even as Ikitau is set to return to the Brumbies next season, Larkham is predicting Pritchard to continue his meteoric rise in the capital.

"Kadin has taken great strides through his first full Super Rugby season, and we're delighted to have him on board for the future," Larkham said.

"He's handled the demands of this year's competition well, and we've seen clear progression in his game.

"At 13 he was a lynchpin of our defensive system and by the end of the season we saw a really good balance in attack between his physicality, energy and flair.

"He's also part of our emerging leaders group, which is helping him grow his influence beyond his own performance.

"He's an extremely talented young player, and we're really excited about where he can take his game.

"The fact he's chosen to continue his development here says a lot about Kadin, his character and what this club means to him."

Pritchard's Eagles were beaten 39-29 on Sunday in the John I Dent Cup elimination semi-final, with Canberra Royals sealing a preliminary final meeting with the Queanbeyan Whites on Saturday at Viking Park.

The winner of the Royals-Whites clash will then face the Tuggeranong Vikings on August 29 in the John I Dent Cup grand final at Viking Park.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Two-try Tupou set to stay for Pumas, Boks duty after making history in Townsville

Iain Payten - 5 min read

The Wallabies are set to have two-try tight-head Taniela Tupou available for the massive scrummaging challenges of Argentina and South Africa in the next seven weeks, but the big prop is due to return to Paris and miss the Bledisloe Cup series in October.

Tupou claimed a slice of history on Saturday in Townsville by claiming two tries in Australia’s 39-point win over Japan, becoming the first Wallabies prop to score twice in an international in 95 years. He joined “Wild” Bill Cerutti, who did it in 1931 against New Zealand in Auckland.

It was a history-making day in Townsville, with the starting Wallabies front row all scoring tries for only the second time (after Ewen McKenzie, Phil Kearns and Tony Daly scored against the USA in 1990) and Tupou’s replacement, Massimo De Lutiis, also on debut (and scoring) as Wallaby No.1000.

Tupou’s powerhouse performance showed the benefits of his move to Racing 92 in the French Top 14 competition this year, where the 148kg prop said he had found good form by enjoying a new culture and new environment – and by generally not understanding what the coaches were saying.

“Because I don’t speak French ... I don’t go into the field with a lot of information in my head, so I think the less the more for me,” Tupou said. “So when I don’t go in there thinking too much, I play a lot better.”

The flipside of Tupou now playing in France, however, is the 30-year-old is back with the Wallabies as a “Giteau Law” pick and being selected under World Rugby’s regulation 9, which covers the mandatory release of players by clubs for Test rugby.

Negotiating with French clubs for star players has proved tricky over the years, notably with Will Skelton, who played just three games in the Rugby Championship last year, with a return to his club La Rochelle wedged in between.

Under World Rugby regulations, players must be released for six of eight weeks in the Rugby Championship. That tournament isn’t being played this year, but a separate “Southern Hemisphere” window also exists, and that allows for selection for six games, rather than weeks.

Rugby Australia has sought to manage relationships with overseas clubs in the past, rather than strictly enforce their regulation 9 rights, but RA boss Phil Waugh indicated last year he wanted to firm up Australia’s approach and start leaning towards the latter.

Asked post-game if he had a date to return to France, Tupou said: “Yes and no. Actually, I don’t know how to answer that question.

“There was a date, but it is obviously with the reg 9 now, and I want to be here, obviously,” he said.

“I’ll always put my hands up to play for Wallabies, whatever it takes. And if I’m playing well enough, they pick me. If not, then I’ll have to go back to France.

“So hopefully I’ve done enough to get picked again to go to Argentina, cause I’d love to play.”

Under the different regulation 9 window in play this year, Tupou is set to not only go on tour to Argentina for Tests on August 30 and September 6, informed sources say he will also stay with the Wallabies through to the end of September and play against the Springboks in Perth on September 27.

Though Tupou could theoretically stay for the first Bledisloe Cup game on October 10 in Auckland, he will instead return to France in October, before reconnecting with the Wallabies in November.

“It’s all good, I believe, at this stage,” Kiss said of Tupou’s ongoing availability. “Reg 9 is in place, and I’ll be talking to Patrice \[Collazo\] and Teddy \[Boutaayacht\], the coach and the team manager of Racing this week again to make sure they understand how we’re looking after Nela and making sure we’re doing the right thing with him, and working him hard.

“So we’ll be talking to them and staying in touch with those guys so they can trust the process as well.”

Tom Hooper, who plays for Exeter, is also expected to be available for the Argentina tour, at least.

Kiss will name his squad for the two-Test tour of South America on Wednesday, with minimal changes expected. Len Ikitau will run on Tuesday after an ankle operation ruled him out of the Japan clashes, but he is odds-on to return.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is also expected to be available after missing the Townsville Test with a hamstring tweak, but whether a long flight to Argentina is seen as too risky remains to be seen, particularly given Isaac Henry and Hunter Paisami were excellent on Saturday.