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  • ‘That’s why he’s here’: Daly Cherry-Evans only has to look at Cooper Cronk for inspiration as he chases premiership glory at the Roosters

    ‘That’s why he’s here’: Daly Cherry-Evans only has to look at Cooper Cronk for inspiration as he chases premiership glory at the Roosters

    The Sydney Roosters are embarking on a bold experiment, hoping history will repeat itself as veteran playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans prepares for his club debut against the NZ Warriors this Friday. The high-stakes move draws direct parallels to the club’s successful acquisition of Cooper Cronk, a Queensland legend who delivered back-to-back premierships during his tenure.

    This strategic signing places Cherry-Evans, 37, in an unfamiliar five-eighth role alongside young halfback Sam Walker, creating one of the most anticipated new partnerships of the NRL season. While trial matches showed promising offensive coordination between the veterans, head coach Trent Robinson emphasizes that true validation will only come under regular season pressure.

    “That has to be seen,” Robinson stated regarding the duo’s on-field chemistry. “We’re really happy with the work that we’ve done in the pre-season with those guys and the combination that they have, but it does start with an off-field connection.”

    The veteran’s transition follows his surprising departure from Manly after 352 games as their primary playmaker. Despite changing jersey numbers, Cherry-Evans remains a potent offensive threat after setting up 24 tries last season. “I’ve been playing for a long time, so there’s a lot of my game that’s going to be very similar when it comes to the way a halfback plays,” Cherry-Evans commented. “Yeah, I’m wearing number six, but there’s a lot of things that I need to do for this team when it comes to leading the team around.”

    Meanwhile, the Roosters face additional considerations with centre Robert Toia likely sidelined due to injury and representative forward Angus Crichton committed to the club before his planned code switch to rugby in 2027.

  • Canada PM Carney says can’t rule out military participation in Iran war

    Canada PM Carney says can’t rule out military participation in Iran war

    During an official visit to Canberra, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed escalating tensions in the Middle East, acknowledging that Canadian military involvement, while not currently planned, could not be entirely ruled out under specific circumstances. The comments came alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with their bilateral discussions largely dominated by the fallout from a recent massive US-Israeli strike that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Prime Minister Carney characterized questions about direct engagement as ‘hypothetical’ but firmly stated, ‘We will stand by our allies,’ and emphasized that Canada ‘will always defend Canadians.’ This stance exists alongside his previous criticism that the strikes on Iran were ‘inconsistent with international law.’ He expressed regret over the situation, describing it as a manifestation of a failing international order, even as he reaffirmed support for non-proliferation efforts to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.

    The core of Carney’s visit, however, focused on a strategic pivot away from traditional alliances. His tour of the Asia-Pacific is explicitly designed to reduce Canadian reliance on the United States, hedging against what he termed a ‘fading US-led global order.’ In a major address to Australia’s parliament, Carney issued a rallying cry for ‘middle powers’ like Canada and Australia to collaboratively shape emerging global rules rather than submit to the compulsion of great powers or ‘hyperscalers.’

    To this end, he announced deepened cooperation with Australia, branding the two nations as ‘strategic collaborators.’ This partnership will involve pooling their vast rare earth mineral resources and enhancing collaboration in defense and artificial intelligence. Carney argued that such middle-power alliances, built on shared values and a reputation for matching words with actions, hold unique ‘convening power’ in a increasingly hegemonic world. This posture stands in sharp contrast to his frequently adversarial relationship with US President Donald Trump, who has previously threatened annexation and imposed severe tariffs on Canada.

  • War with Iran chokes flows of oil and natural gas, highlighting energy security risks for Asia

    War with Iran chokes flows of oil and natural gas, highlighting energy security risks for Asia

    BANGKOK (AP) — Escalating military conflict around the Persian Gulf has triggered severe disruptions to global energy markets, with oil and natural gas shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz facing unprecedented challenges. The strategic waterway, which facilitates approximately one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, has become a flashpoint in regional tensions, sending energy prices soaring worldwide.

    Asia emerges as the most vulnerable region due to its heavy dependence on imported energy resources. According to energy consultancy Kpler, approximately 13 million barrels of oil transited through the corridor daily in 2025, representing about one-third of all seaborne crude. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that over 80% of LNG shipments through the strait in 2024 were destined for Asian markets.

    Since hostilities began, Brent crude prices have surged by 15% to approximately $84 per barrel, reaching their highest level since July 2024. U.S. President Donald Trump announced potential naval protection and risk insurance for shippers, but the ripple effects extend far beyond the immediate region. Wealthier nations are outbidding developing economies for scarce energy cargoes, recreating patterns observed during previous energy shocks.

    Zulfikar Yurnaidi of the ASEAN Centre for Energy warned that “the crisis, with the closure of the Hormuz Strait as the latest development, would not only raise oil and gas prices but also grind global economic activity to a halt.”

    China and India face particularly significant challenges as the world’s largest and third-largest crude oil importers, respectively. While China maintains substantial strategic petroleum reserves and alternative supply routes—including discounted Iranian, Russian, and Venezuelan oil through independent refiners—the price volatility remains a concern. India’s situation appears more precarious with less than one month of crude reserves, creating potential for rapid deterioration if conflicts persist.

    East Asian economies demonstrate varying levels of vulnerability. Japan imports approximately 95% of its crude from the Middle East, while South Korea sources around 70% of its crude oil and 20% of its LNG from the region. Taiwan, despite diversification efforts, remains heavily dependent on Qatari LNG. All three economies maintain energy stockpiles but face challenges in energy-intensive industries.

    Southeast Asian nations are implementing emergency measures as developing economies risk being outbid in tightening markets. Singapore has warned of higher energy bills, Manila has restricted non-essential fuel use, and Thailand has suspended petroleum exports while boosting domestic production. The region’s reliance on spot-market LNG creates additional exposure to price volatility and geopolitical instability.

    Energy analysts emphasize that current reserves provide only temporary relief, with many nations regretting insufficient investment in renewable energy diversification that could have served as a natural hedge against such disruptions.

  • Fight over Trump’s Iran war powers comes after a long stretch of Congress yielding to presidents

    Fight over Trump’s Iran war powers comes after a long stretch of Congress yielding to presidents

    The ongoing tension between presidential authority and congressional oversight over military operations has reached a critical juncture during Donald Trump’s second term. The Republican-controlled House prepares for a pivotal vote Thursday following the Senate’s rejection of Democratic-led measures to curtail presidential war powers in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.

    President Trump has consistently asserted broad, arguably unlimited authority over military deployments, approving naval strikes near Venezuela, establishing a maritime blockade, and authorizing operations to depose Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro—actions that many legal scholars consider acts of war under international law. These maneuvers follow earlier considerations of military action in Greenland and Latin America before escalating into comprehensive bombing operations in Iran.

    While the Constitution designates the president as commander-in-chief of armed forces, it simultaneously grants significant war powers to Congress. Trump’s refusal to accept limitations on his military options demonstrates, according to constitutional experts, a fundamental shift in the balance of power away from the framers’ original vision of civilian-controlled military authority.

    Military historian Peter Mansoor, an Ohio State University professor and retired Army colonel, emphasizes that ‘the Constitution gives war powers to two different branches of government.’ He notes with concern that ‘the pendulum has swung towards the executive,’ contrary to the framers’ intention that Congress should remain the most powerful branch.

    The historical context reveals a persistent erosion of congressional war authority. Despite Article I granting Congress the power to declare war, no formal declaration has occurred since World War II, even as American troops engaged in major conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The Trump administration’s recognition of military actions against Venezuela through Medal of Honor awards—typically reserved for combat against foreign enemies—further blurs legal distinctions between authorized conflicts and presidential military initiatives.

    The 1973 War Powers Resolution, designed to reassert congressional oversight, has proven largely ineffective in practice. Recent failed attempts to limit presidential authority through legislative measures demonstrate the ongoing struggle between executive action and legislative constraint—a tension that has characterized military operations from Truman’s Korean ‘police action’ to Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the nation’s longest undeclared war.

  • Bayern and Kane gambling with house money as Gladbach come to town

    Bayern and Kane gambling with house money as Gladbach come to town

    As Bayern Munich continues its dominant march toward another Bundesliga championship, all eyes are fixed on English striker Harry Kane’s remarkable campaign to shatter Robert Lewandowski’s single-season scoring record. With 30 goals already registered in just 24 league appearances, Kane finds himself merely 11 strikes away from eclipsing the legendary Pole’s benchmark established during the 2020-21 season.

    The record-chasing narrative intensifies as Bayern prepares to host struggling Borussia Mönchengladbach at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Friday. Despite their commanding 11-point advantage with only 10 matches remaining, the Bavarian giants show no indications of reducing their offensive intensity. The team itself approaches another historic milestone, requiring just 14 more goals to break the Bundesliga’s single-season scoring record of 101 goals set back in 1971-72.

    Kane maintains a characteristically methodical approach toward his record pursuit, revealing to German publication Bild: “I break the season into distinct phases with specific targets rather than focusing solely on Lewandowski’s achievement. The probability appears reasonably balanced at present, though maintaining this performance level presents a significant challenge.”

    Meanwhile, Stuttgart’s revelation Deniz Undav emerges as an intriguing subplot to Kane’s headline-grabbing campaign. The German international has netted 14 times in 20 matches, achieving a career-best scoring rate of every 106 minutes. Remarkably, Undav’s open-play contribution nearly matches Kane’s, with just two fewer non-penalty goals than the English captain despite Kane’s 14 successful spot-kicks.

    The 29-year-old forward expressed frustration regarding perceptions of his playing role, stating: “Despite possessing the league’s most efficient scoring record, people persistently categorize me as a false nine rather than recognizing my capabilities as a classical striker. I’ve consistently demonstrated proficiency both in finishing and chance creation throughout my career.”

    Historical context adds intrigue to Friday’s encounter, with Gladbach having lost only six of 19 meetings against Bayern between 2014-2023, including a memorable 5-0 German Cup victory representing Bayern’s heaviest defeat since the 1970s. However, the Bavarians have since reestablished dominance with five consecutive victories against their rivals.

    With Champions League and German Cup commitments looming, manager Vincent Kompany faces strategic decisions regarding Kane’s utilization, though legendary striker Jürgen Klinsmann asserted: “Vincent would never obstruct Harry’s record pursuit. Benching him to prevent making history remains inconceivable.”

  • Thousands of Melbourne council workers threaten to strike over pay dispute

    Thousands of Melbourne council workers threaten to strike over pay dispute

    Melbourne is confronting the imminent reality of severe public service disruptions as thousands of municipal workers prepare for unprecedented industrial action. The Australian Services Union (ASU) Victorian/Tasmanian branch has officially filed for protected action ballots, setting the stage for what union leadership describes as the largest local government strike in Australian history.

    The impending work stoppage, scheduled for April, will involve critical service personnel across waste management, recycling operations, park maintenance, library services, and home care provisions. The collective action stems from an ongoing compensation dispute with the state government, with workers demanding wage increases of up to 10 percent to address escalating living costs.

    ASU Victorian Branch Secretary Tash Wark articulated the workers’ position, stating, ‘Local government workers are done being left behind. The cost of living is skyrocketing, but your pay isn’t. We’re not just pushing back, we are fighting back big.’

    The industrial action affects eight metropolitan councils—Melbourne, Hume, Darebin, Merri-bek, Yarra, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, and Greater Dandenong—all of which have been notified regarding the pending service interruptions. The Fair Work Commission will oversee the protected action ballot process, determining the final scope and timing of the work stoppages.

    Residents should anticipate significant service degradations including uncollected garbage, closed public libraries, unmaintained parks, and disrupted home care services during the strike period. The union emphasizes that this coordinated action represents a watershed moment in municipal labor relations, reflecting growing concerns about wage stagnation amid Australia’s current economic climate.

  • Israel keeps up Lebanon strikes as ground forces advance

    Israel keeps up Lebanon strikes as ground forces advance

    Israeli military operations in Lebanon have escalated into their fourth consecutive day, with ground forces advancing deeper into border territories while conducting sustained aerial bombardments targeting Hezbollah strongholds. The Iran-backed militant group has vowed to intensify its resistance against what it characterizes as existential aggression.

    Recent developments indicate a significant expansion of hostilities beyond traditional conflict zones. AFPTV footage captured substantial smoke plumes rising from southern Beirut following early Thursday strikes, while Israeli tanks were observed operating within residential areas of Khiam, approximately six kilometers north of the Israeli border. The Israeli military had previously issued evacuation warnings for specific Beirut suburbs prior to these operations.

    Hezbollah’s leadership, through deputy secretary-general Naim Qassem, has declared an unwavering commitment to continued confrontation. “We are facing aggression… our choice is to confront it until the ultimate sacrifice, and we will not surrender,” Qassem stated in his first address since hostilities resumed. The group claims to have executed at least fifteen attacks targeting Israeli positions, including areas as distant as Tel Aviv.

    The human cost continues to mount dramatically. Lebanese authorities report at least 72 fatalities, 437 injuries, and approximately 83,000 displaced persons since Monday. Israel’s military has issued evacuation directives for residents south of Lebanon’s Litani River, encompassing a substantial territory extending roughly 30 kilometers north of the border, indicating potential further military action.

    Notably, the conflict has expanded beyond Hezbollah’s traditional spheres of influence. Strikes hit the predominantly Christian Hazmieh suburb near Beirut’s presidential palace and diplomatic missions, marking the first reported Israeli attack in this area. Additional bombardments affected Aramoun and Saadiyat regions south of Beirut, with the health ministry confirming at least six casualties.

    The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has documented Israeli military movements within Lebanese territory, characterizing these actions as violations of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This development occurs despite the established truce agreement that permits only UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army to operate armed south of the Litani River.

    Israel’s military justification centers on creating a protective buffer zone inside Lebanon to safeguard Israeli civilians, deploying infantry, armored, and engineering units across southern Lebanese territories. Meanwhile, Hezbollah forces report engaging in direct clashes with Israeli troops, resulting in moderate injuries to two Israeli soldiers from anti-tank fire.

  • ‘Coloniser’: Lidia Thorpe slams Canada PM visit as First Nations racism probe established

    ‘Coloniser’: Lidia Thorpe slams Canada PM visit as First Nations racism probe established

    A significant diplomatic visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Australia’s Parliament has drawn fierce criticism from independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, who characterized the event as a ‘coloniser convention’ occurring at ‘coloniser headquarters.’ The condemnation emerged simultaneously with the Albanese government’s announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into systemic racism targeting First Nations communities.

    During his address to a joint parliamentary session in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed his Canadian counterpart, emphasizing how both nations are ‘enriched by indigenous cultures.’ This diplomatic exchange occurred as part of Carney’s multi-day official visit to Australia.

    Senator Thorpe, however, delivered a scathing assessment of the proceedings, drawing parallels between Canada and Australia’s treatment of Indigenous populations. She highlighted concerning patterns including disproportionate incarceration rates, land destruction, and child removal policies that she described as consistent across ‘colonised countries.’ Thorpe specifically noted that these nations operate as a ‘protection racket’ to avoid accountability for what she termed ‘ongoing genocide against First Nations people.’

    The timing of Thorpe’s criticism coincided with the establishment of a formal parliamentary examination by the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. This inquiry will investigate racism, hate speech, and violence directed at Indigenous groups, with particular focus on digital platforms and ideologically motivated extremism.

    Despite her instrumental role in pressuring the government to launch the investigation, Senator Thorpe expressed skepticism about its potential impact. She referenced historical precedents where extensive inquiries produced recommendations that were never implemented, questioning whether meaningful change would result from the current initiative. Thorpe emphasized the necessity of maintaining public pressure to ensure proposed solutions translate into tangible policy actions.

  • Iran says US to pay ‘heavy price’ for killing supreme leader

    Iran says US to pay ‘heavy price’ for killing supreme leader

    Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, threatening severe consequences for the alleged killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, declared on Wednesday that America would face a “heavy price” for its actions, which he characterized as an escalation of hostilities.

    In a statement published on social media platform X, Larijani accused US President Donald Trump of plunging American citizens into what he described as an “unjust” military confrontation with Iran. The Iranian official posed a provocative question regarding the strategic calculus behind the operation: “Now he must calculate: with over 500 American soldiers killed in just the past few days, does America still come first — or Israel?”

    The incident triggering this escalation occurred on Saturday when joint American-Israeli strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of Khamenei, several family members, and multiple high-ranking Iranian military commanders. In response to these attacks, Iran launched comprehensive retaliatory measures involving coordinated missile and drone assaults targeting Israeli territory and American military installations throughout the Middle Eastern region.

    This development marks a significant deterioration in Iran-US relations, with potential implications for regional stability and global security frameworks. The exchange of military actions represents one of the most direct confrontations between the two nations in recent history, raising concerns about further escalation and the potential for broader regional conflict.

  • Honduras weighs shift in China-Taiwan ties as Trump pushes for US dominance in Latin America

    Honduras weighs shift in China-Taiwan ties as Trump pushes for US dominance in Latin America

    Three years after Honduras severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of China, the Central American nation faces severe economic repercussions and potential diplomatic reversal. The shrimp farming industry, once thriving with over $100 million in annual exports to Taiwan, has witnessed catastrophic decline, with sales plummeting to just $16 million in 2025 without promised Chinese market access replacing the loss.

    President Nasry Asfura, who assumed office in January with backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump, has initiated a comprehensive review of Honduras-China agreements. This move signals potential realignment toward Taiwan amid growing U.S. efforts to counter Chinese influence in Latin America. The development occurs as Asfura prepares to attend a regional security summit hosted by Trump near Miami.

    Academic experts indicate Honduras represents the most likely candidate globally to restore diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. Professor Francisco Urdinez of Chile’s Pontifical Catholic University noted that while President Asfura campaigned on this reversal and has Trump’s support, untangling numerous agreements signed with China since 2023 presents significant complications.

    The diplomatic maneuvering reflects broader geopolitical tensions. China maintains that Taiwan constitutes inseparable Chinese territory, while the United States, despite lacking formal ties, remains Taiwan’s strongest international supporter. Currently, only twelve governments recognize Taiwanese statehood, with seven located in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The human cost of Honduras’s diplomatic shift has been substantial. Industry reports confirm the closure of at least 95 shrimp farms and one processing plant, resulting in over 25,000 job losses and millions in vanished foreign exchange earnings. Javier Amador, Executive Director of Honduras’s National Aquaculture Association, stated plainly: ‘We were deceived,’ referencing unfulfilled promises of Chinese market access.

    With 330 shrimp farming companies still operational but struggling, industry representatives urge diplomatic restoration with Taiwan to revive economic prospects. The situation presents President Asfura with a complex dilemma: fulfilling campaign promises while managing substantial Chinese investments in Honduras and potential repercussions from abandoning Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.