标签： Oceania

In a sport where the retirement of a superstar often triggers a period of decline, Brisbane Broncos icon Ali Brigginshaw is defying that narrative. As she prepares for her ninth and final season in the NRLW, the legendary playmaker has endorsed high-profile recruit Jesse Southwell as the heir apparent capable of sustaining the club’s dominance long into the future.

Brigginshaw’s career stands as a testament to her transformative impact on women’s rugby league. The four-time NRLW champion, who recently became one of the first players to reach 50 games in the competition, has been instrumental in elevating the sport’s profile and professionalism. Her influence extends beyond club football, having helped Queensland and Australia maintain supremacy at representative levels.

The veteran’s confidence in the Broncos’ continued success remains unshaken despite her impending retirement. ‘Some people suggested last year would have been the perfect time to retire on a high, but I see this team being successful every year,’ Brigginshaw stated. ‘The squad we have, the coaches we have – I definitely think we can do it again.’

Central to this confidence is the acquisition of 20-year-old halfback sensation Jesse Southwell, whose move to Brisbane represents a significant coup for the club. Brigginshaw recognizes Southwell’s exceptional talent, noting: ‘You’re always looking for quality halves in the women’s game, and she’s definitely one of the best. Seeing her combination with winger Julia Robinson at the Jillaroos level was awesome.’

The transition planning demonstrates remarkable foresight in women’s rugby league. Brigginshaw emphasized the importance of securing the club’s future: ‘I wanted to make sure the club was in a great place before I hung up the boots. Having Jesse there to take over the team is exactly what you need – a seven who will control the team.’

While broadcasting and coaching opportunities await post-retirement, Brigginshaw remains focused on her final campaign, determined to mentor emerging talents and pursue ‘unfinished business’ before passing the torch to the next generation of NRLW stars.

In a revealing press conference on Tuesday, newly appointed Manchester United interim manager Darren Fletcher disclosed he consulted legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson before accepting the caretaker position. The former United midfielder steps into the role following the abrupt dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday, after the Portuguese manager’s turbulent 14-month tenure culminated in public criticism of the club’s hierarchy.

Fletcher, who moves up from his position as under-18s coach to lead the team against Burnley on Wednesday, emphasized the significance of seeking Ferguson’s guidance. ‘I’ve spoken with Sir Alex,’ Fletcher told reporters. ‘I don’t make major decisions without consulting him—this has been my practice throughout my career at and beyond Manchester United. He was actually among the first to call, and obtaining his blessing was paramount given the respect he deserves.’

The interim manager described how Ferguson reinforced his own philosophy: ‘He echoed my longstanding belief that as a club employee, your fundamental duty is to always act in Manchester United’s best interests. Hearing him affirm this principle that guides my daily approach was profoundly comforting.’

Fletcher becomes the sixth caretaker manager since Ferguson’s celebrated retirement in 2013, which marked the end of United’s most recent Premier League title victory and the beginning of prolonged institutional instability. The club has yet to communicate with Amorim since his departure, while speculation mounts about Fletcher’s potential successors until season’s end, with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick reportedly under consideration.

Addressing the intense scrutiny from club legends like Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Paul Scholes—which often appeared to unsettle Amorim—Fletcher asserted that embracing such criticism comes with leading ‘the biggest club in the world.’ He noted: ‘You cannot ask these passionate individuals to temper their opinions. They have earned the right to voice their perspectives, and their insights are valuable.’

England’s disastrous Ashes tour in Australia has descended into further turmoil after inspirational captain Ben Stokes was forced from the field with a significant injury during the fourth day of play at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The all-rounder, who has been England’s most consistent performer throughout the series, sustained a right adductor muscle injury while bowling his 28th over under punishing conditions. Stokes immediately recognized the severity of the issue and left the field without completing the over, with Jacob Bethell completing his bowling duties. The injury represents the latest devastating blow to England’s already depleted squad, which has lost fast bowlers Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Gus Atkinson to various injuries throughout the series. Commentary teams from multiple networks expressed concern about Stokes’ condition, with former Australian cricketers Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist noting that the captain had been managing the groin issue throughout the tour. Despite the physical challenges, Stokes has delivered an exceptional individual performance throughout the series, taking 15 wickets and scoring two half-centuries while leading a team facing inevitable defeat. Fox Cricket commentator Isa Guha described Stokes as a ‘warrior cricketer’ who worked tremendously hard to achieve fitness for the series but ultimately succumbed to the physical demands of captaincy, batting, and bowling responsibilities. The injury raises serious questions about whether Stokes will be able to bat in England’s second innings as Australia’s lead approaches 200 runs, fueled by centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith.

The Perth Bears have significantly bolstered their inaugural squad with the strategic acquisition of versatile forward Josh Curran, securing his services on a substantial three-year contract. This pivotal signing marks another crucial step in building a competitive roster for their 2027 debut campaign.

Curran, a 26-year-old veteran with extensive experience across three NRL clubs including the Roosters, Warriors, and Bulldogs, brings both versatility and prime athletic conditioning to the expanding franchise. His unique ability to effectively play both edge and middle forward positions, combined with his renowned work ethic, provides the fledgling team with exactly the type of dynamic player needed to establish immediate competitiveness.

“This represents an extraordinary opportunity that I simply couldn’t decline,” Curran expressed regarding his transition. “The prospect of becoming part of the Bears’ foundational squad and having my name included among their initial signings feels remarkably surreal. I’m particularly motivated by the chance to engage with the community and help build something transformative from the ground up that could potentially inspire an entire state.”

Bears coach Mal Meninga praised the acquisition, highlighting Curran’s dual capabilities: “Josh possesses that rare combination of ball-playing finesse and defensive tenacity. He competes with exceptional intensity and demonstrates unwavering commitment to elevating his teammates’ performance. Beyond his on-field attributes, I’ve been tremendously impressed with his off-field leadership and substantial community investment efforts.”

This signing continues Perth’s deliberate recruitment strategy that has already secured talents including Toby Sexton, Liam Henry, and Harry Newman. With Curran’s addition solidifying their forward pack, the organization now shifts focus toward acquiring marquee players for key spine positions as they continue constructing their historic inaugural roster.