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The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks have unveiled a significant leadership restructuring for the 2025 NRL season, appointing homegrown talent Blayke Brailey and veteran enforcer Cameron McInnes as co-captains. This decision marks a strategic return to the dual-captaincy model previously implemented by coach Craig Fitzgibbon.

The announcement comes amid challenging circumstances for McInnes, who sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament just prior to the 2025 finals series. This injury will sideline the former sole captain for a substantial portion of the upcoming season, necessitating the appointment of a leadership partner.

Brailey, a lifelong Sharks devotee who recently extended his commitment to the club until 2030, emerged as the natural successor. The star hooker demonstrated his leadership capabilities during McInnes’ absence last season, steering the team to a preliminary final appearance while maintaining an impeccable attendance record.

The 25-year-old’s appointment carries profound sentimental significance, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the club. Brailey and his brothers spent their formative years as spectators on the hill at Sharks matches, witnessing legendary captains like Paul Gallen and Wade Graham command the team with fearless determination.

“Growing up, I witnessed the exceptional leadership of club icons like Gal and Wade,” Brailey expressed. “To now receive this trust from Fitzy and stand alongside Cam represents an incredibly special honor that I’m profoundly grateful for.”

McInnes, despite his injury setback, embraced the shared leadership responsibility with characteristic professionalism. The 32-year-old forward praised his co-captain’s calming influence and authentic leadership style, noting: “Blayke’s approach brings genuine composure to the group. True leadership stems from embracing your authentic self to positively influence others.”

The veteran’s future with the Sharks remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract. McInnes acknowledged the reality of NRL roster management, stating: “I want to remain with the Sharks, but recognize the salary cap constraints and the deserving younger players seeking contract extensions. After undergoing a second ACL reconstruction, I understand clubs will want to assess my performance before making commitments.”

The Papua New Guinea NRL expansion franchise has encountered its first major setback after failing to secure the services of four-time premiership-winning coach Ivan Cleary. Newly appointed General Manager Michael Chammas confirmed that despite substantial financial incentives and the unique challenge of establishing a new club, Cleary has declined the opportunity to become the inaugural coach of the PNG Chiefs when they enter the competition in 2028.

Chammas, who recently transitioned from a distinguished two-decade career in rugby league journalism to football administration, revealed that approaching Cleary was a necessary due diligence exercise given the coach’s contract situation at Penrith Panthers expires in 2027. “We asked the question of Ivan Cleary, but unfortunately Ivan has made it clear that it’s not in his plans to coach the PNG Chiefs, so we move on,” Chammas stated during an interview with SEN radio. “With someone like Ivan off contract at the end of 2027, I think it would have been negligent of us to not ask the question.”

The rejection also effectively eliminates any possibility of the franchise acquiring Cleary’s son, star halfback Nathan Cleary, through a speculated package deal that would have substantially exceeded other club offers. This development forces the organization to redirect its attention toward alternative coaching candidates, with former South Sydney mentor Jason Demetriou and experienced campaigner Adrian Lam emerging as the leading contenders.

Chammas’s own career transition from media to management represents a subplot to the coaching saga. The newly appointed executive detailed how an immersive experience with the Sydney Roosters during their 2024 Las Vegas campaign ignited his desire to move from reporting on the sport to actively participating in football operations. “I sat in team meetings, was on the team bus and training sessions, so I got a first-hand look at what it’s like inside,” Chammas explained. “That was the first time that I felt like I wanted to do more than write about it – I wanted to be involved in it.”

Despite his unconventional background, Chammas believes his two decades of industry knowledge and established relationships with key figures in the rugby league community provide a solid foundation for one of the most challenging roles in NRL history. He acknowledges the need to build a strong support team around him to compensate for areas where he lacks direct experience, emphasizing that his immediate priority involves assembling expert personnel to navigate the complex task of establishing a competitive franchise in a challenging environment.

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics concluded Sunday with International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry hailing the event as a transformative “new kind of Winter Games” that establishes a fresh benchmark for future hosts. The closing ceremony in Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater celebrated an Olympiad distinguished by its sustainable use of existing venues spread across the Italian Alps.

Norwegian cross-country phenomenon Johannes Klaebo cemented his legendary status during the ceremonies, receiving one of his six gold medals that set a new Winter Games record with 11 career golds. The superstar achieved an unprecedented sweep of all six events he entered.

In final competition highlights, Chinese-American freestyle skier Eileen Gu captured the halfpipe gold that had previously eluded her in these Games. The 22-year-old phenom delivered a breathtaking performance with massive air and technical precision, surpassing China’s Li Fanghui and Britain’s Zoe Atkin. This victory secured Gu’s position as the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history.

“Across all three events I demonstrated my absolute best skiing,” Gu stated. “To showcase the pinnacle of women’s skiing to the world—that’s what truly matters. I’m now the most accomplished freeskier ever, male or female.”

The men’s ice hockey final provided breathtaking drama as Jack Hughes scored 1:41 into overtime to secure Team USA’s first Olympic gold in 46 years with a 2-1 victory over Canada. The triumph evoked memories of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” and prompted enthusiastic responses from political figures, including former President Donald Trump who celebrated the win on social media.

Norway dominated the final medal standings with 18 golds among 41 total medals, followed by the United States with 12 golds, while the Netherlands and host nation Italy tied with 10 gold medals each.