Briefs

Brown affirms stand
SYDNEY: After a week of speculation about his teenage fullback, Warriors coach Nathan Brown has doubled down on a plea for patience with his State of Origin call up after a 6-10 loss to Newcastle. In a dour NRL game at McDonald Jones Stadium, the young Maroons hopeful raised more questions than he answered with a mixed performance that reflected his boundless talent and limited experience. In just his seventh NRL game the 18-year-old was auditioning for a Maroons spot.
place in Paul Green’s Maroons side for their must-win Origin II clash next Sunday and could not be accused of not trying to land the job.

Ponga primed
SYDNEY: The enduring groin injury that has hampered Kalyn Ponga’s NRL return is set to be tested over the next fortnight with Newcastle expecting him to play North Queensland in round 16. Ponga was a chance to play in the 10-6 win over the Warriors but failed a fitness test which then ruled him out of Queensland selection. The Knights are hopeful their star fullback can get through a full two-week block of training before their next clash.

Dufty to retain No.1
SYDNEY: St George Illawarra will return Matt Dufty to fullback after the NRL’s general bye, despite star-of-the-future Tyrell Sloan’s impressive debut. Dufty missed Saturday night’s 22-20 win over Canberra with a shoulder injury, missing a golden opportunity against one of his potential suitors for next year. Sloan, meanwhile, is considered one of the leading contenders to take the off-contract Dufty’s No.1 jersey at the Dragons next year.The 19-year-old scored a second-half try in the game.

Hunt, Norman star
SYDNEY: Dragons halves Ben Hunt and Corey Norman inspired a late 22-20 victory over Canberra that saved NRL officials from needing to decide whether to strip competition points from the Raiders for using 18 players at WIN Stadium. Canberra’s 18th man Xavier Savage was sent into the fray at the start of the second half after centre Sebastian Kris was ruled out following an incident in which St George Illawarra forward Jack Bird was placed on report.

Luai reveals reason
SYDNEY: Blues star Jarome Luai has revealed the taunting that prompted him to scream at fallen rival Felise Kaufusi in a moment that’s since been made famous in a memorable Origin photo. The skilful Panthers star now admits he has a “target on his back” after the image circulated around the Maroons setup – however he has no regrets over the moment. He’s told News Corp that he was told he was ‘soft’ by Queensland players after he went down injured early in their stunning 50-6 victory.

Trbojevic injured
SYDNEY: New South Wales prop Jake Trbojevic has been ruled out of State of Origin two at Suncorp Stadium due to a hip pointer injury sustained at Manly training on Friday. Blues coach Brad Fittler announced the news midway through commentary of the Panthers-Roosters clash, having spoken to Trbojevic earlier in the day. Fittler pointed to Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton as a potential replacement for the lock, with Crichton missing out on game one through suspension. – Agencies