Apr 23rd, 2018

Apr 23rd, 2018

Battling Broncos turn on each other

All is not well in the Broncos camp in the wake of the club’s poor start to the season, with players turning on each other in a very public arena last weekend.

The Broncos have won just three of their opening seven matches and were humbled by the Storm over the weekend at home.

The players decided to have a bonding session at Brisbane’s Little Big House on Saturday night - but it all went horribly wrong.

NRL Press Conference: Brisbane Broncos - Round 7

Things didn’t get physical - but fellow patrons were stunned to hear the Broncos players abusing and blaming each other.

Security tried to keep the patrons away - but my man on the scene tells me plenty of people heard it all as the Broncos aired their dirty linen in public.

“There was a lot of anger and finger pointing - they are clearly not a happy camp,” an eyewitness told me.

Ref to take action over racism claims

Leading referee Matt Cecchin is planning to take legal action against the Kiwi TV commentator who accused him of racism during the World Cup last November.

Kiwi TV commentator Phil Gifford was enraged by Cecchin’s decision not to use the video referee for a crucial decision in the Tonga v England semi-final - even though Cecchin’s call was correct.

Gifford unloaded on Cecchin over a decision that he believed had racial connotations.

(Getty) Referee Matt Cecchin is taking legal action over comments made during the 2018 World Cup match. (Getty)

The comments created a storm at the time - and Cecchin received a host of threats as a result.

He is now talking to his lawyers - and appears to have a good case.

Manly’s shining light to depart?

It’s been a bad time of late at Manly, but one of the few rays of sunshine has been the form of new buy Jack Gosiewski.

An off-season recruit from Souths, Gosiewski has looked solid in a struggling pack and at 23, is a player with a future.

But there is one small problem - he only signed on with the Sea Eagles for this season and several clubs are already making inquiries about him for 2019.

Ironically, Souths are leading the way - and a return to Redfern is a real chance next season.

Bulldogs snare Roosters rookie

The Bulldogs are set to begin their build-up for 2019 with Sydney Roosters forward Chris Smith.

Originally from Darwin, Smith players in the Panthers system before moving to the Roosters and standing out in their Auckland Nines win last season.

Round 7: Canterbury Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters

He hasn’t been able to secure a regular top grade spot at the Roosters, but the 24-year-old former Australian Schoolboys may have better luck at Belmore in 2019.