Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • ‘Cleary’s their general’ – Morley’s five Australia players to watch

    ‘Cleary’s their general’ – Morley’s five Australia players to watch

    The much-anticipated Rugby League Ashes series is set to ignite the sporting world as Australia and England prepare to face off in a historic three-match Test series. The first match kicks off at Wembley Stadium on October 25, followed by games at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 1 and AMT Headingley on November 8. All matches will be broadcast live on BBC One, promising thrilling action for fans worldwide.

    Adrian Morley, a legendary figure in rugby league and a 2022 inductee into the Rugby League Hall of Fame, expressed his excitement about the series. ‘It’s been over 20 years since the last Ashes series, and this rivalry is the pinnacle of rugby league,’ Morley said. The former Leeds, Sydney Roosters, and Warrington forward, who played in the 2003 series, emphasized the significance of this historic clash.

    This year’s series features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Reece Walsh, the 23-year-old Brisbane Broncos full-back, has been dubbed the ‘Justin Bieber of rugby league’ for his star quality and massive social media following. Walsh’s electrifying performance in the NRL Grand Final, where he scored a memorable try and made a game-saving tackle, earned him his first Australia call-up. Despite his occasional off-field antics, including a viral video of him drinking water from a toilet bowl, Walsh’s on-field prowess is undeniable.

    Nathan Cleary, the 27-year-old half-back for Penrith Panthers, remains one of rugby league’s modern greats. Despite a challenging season, Cleary’s leadership and skill have been instrumental in Penrith’s recent dominance. His partner, Manchester City and Australia footballer Mary Fowler, adds to his elite sporting pedigree.

    Gehamat Shibasaki, the 27-year-old centre for Brisbane Broncos, has had a remarkable comeback season. After struggling to secure a spot in the NRL, Shibasaki’s perseverance paid off with a Grand Final title and an Ashes call-up. His story is a testament to hard work and determination.

    Isaah Yeo, the 30-year-old loose forward and captain of the Kangaroos, continues to be a cornerstone for Penrith Panthers. His leadership and work ethic have been pivotal in Penrith’s sustained success.

    Mark Nawaqanitawase, the 25-year-old winger for Sydney Roosters, has also earned his first Kangaroos call-up. Known for his incredible try-scoring ability, Nawaqanitawase’s transition from rugby union to league has been seamless.

    Morley highlighted the depth of Australia’s squad, acknowledging the challenge it poses for England. ‘They are world champs and have been the benchmark for years, but playing on home soil will be huge for England,’ he said. The series promises to be a gripping contest, with both teams vying for supremacy in one of rugby league’s oldest and fiercest rivalries.

  • British man drowns in Australia after surfboard snaps in wild weather

    British man drowns in Australia after surfboard snaps in wild weather

    A tragic incident unfolded at Frankston Beach, located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The victims, a 36-year-old British surfer and his 43-year-old friend, succumbed to the perilous conditions brought on by severe weather. Authorities were alerted to the scene after reports of two men struggling in the water. Despite a swift response from emergency services, including a police helicopter that arrived within 15 minutes, both men were pronounced dead after being winched back to shore. The officer involved in the rescue also required medical attention after ingesting water but was later released from the hospital. The identities of the deceased have not been formally released as their families are yet to be notified. Detective Inspector Melissa Nixon, who addressed the media, emphasized that the surfer had minimal experience and was likely in the early stages of learning the sport. She highlighted that the weather conditions, characterized by wind gusts of up to 130 kilometers per hour, were highly unsuitable for any water activities. The friend, who attempted to rescue the surfer after his board snapped, also fell victim to the treacherous waves. Nixon described the scene as deeply distressing and underscored that the fatalities could have been avoided. She urged the public to refrain from surfing or swimming during hazardous weather conditions to prevent similar tragedies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unpredictable natural elements and the importance of adhering to safety warnings.

  • MP names person of interest in Cheryl Grimmer disappearance case

    MP names person of interest in Cheryl Grimmer disappearance case

    In a dramatic turn of events, the identity of a key person of interest in the 1970 disappearance of three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer has been revealed in the New South Wales parliament. The man, referred to as Mercury, was named by Jeremy Buckingham, a member of the Legislative Council, using parliamentary privilege. Mercury’s identity had been legally protected until now. Cheryl vanished from Fairy Meadow beach in Wollongong, Australia, on January 12, 1970, while her family was packing up after a day at the beach. Despite extensive searches, no trace of her was ever found. In 2017, Mercury was charged with her abduction and murder based on a teenage confession from 1971. However, the case was dismissed after a judge ruled the confession inadmissible. Mercury maintains his innocence. Cheryl’s family, who migrated to Australia from Bristol as part of the Ten Pound Poms scheme, has endured decades of anguish. They have been pushing for a fresh investigation since the case collapsed six years ago. Last week, they issued an ultimatum to Mercury, urging him to reveal his identity and clarify the details of his confession. The family has also criticized the handling of the case by NSW authorities, releasing a document detailing alleged missteps. Despite a four-year review of the case concluding there was no new evidence to secure a conviction, the family remains hopeful. Recent searches using cadaver detection dogs in an “area of interest” yielded only animal bones. Meanwhile, NSW Police have defended their efforts, emphasizing that homicide detectives continue to investigate and a A$1 million reward for information remains active. In a broader context, the NSW parliament has announced an inquiry into long-term missing persons cases, including Cheryl’s, to evaluate investigative practices and improve outcomes.

  • ‘Different England taught harsh and familiar lesson by Australia’

    ‘Different England taught harsh and familiar lesson by Australia’

    In a highly anticipated Women’s World Cup match, Australia emerged victorious against England, continuing their dominance in the tournament. The game, held in Indore, saw Australia’s Annabel Sutherland and Ash Gardner deliver standout performances, guiding their team to a convincing win. Sutherland, already the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, added a crucial 98 runs to her tally, while Gardner scored a rapid 69, ensuring Australia’s triumph with nearly 10 overs to spare. England, despite showing significant improvement since their last encounter with Australia, fell short in key moments. Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont provided a strong start, but England’s middle order struggled to maintain the momentum. Alice Capsey and Charlie Dean contributed valuable runs, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Australia’s depth and resilience. This defeat marks England’s first loss in the tournament, serving as a stark reminder of the level of perfection required to topple a team of Australia’s caliber. The match highlighted Australia’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure, with multiple players stepping up to secure the win. England, on the other hand, will need to address their middle-order inconsistencies if they hope to compete at the highest level. The result underscores Australia’s status as the team to beat in women’s cricket, while England must regroup and refine their strategies as the World Cup progresses.

  • Broken jaws and smashed records – Mooney eyes more glory

    Broken jaws and smashed records – Mooney eyes more glory

    Beth Mooney, a cornerstone of Australia’s dominant women’s cricket team, has faced adversity with unwavering determination. In January 2022, she suffered severe facial injuries during a net session when a delivery from coach Matthew Mott fractured her jaw. Despite the setback, Mooney returned to the field just ten days later, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s Ashes victory. Her resilience is emblematic of her career, which boasts four World Cups, a Commonwealth Games gold medal, and three Ashes series triumphs. Earlier this year, she became the first Australian woman to score a century in all three formats of the game. Mooney’s humility shines through in a team brimming with stars like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy. She prefers to stay out of the limelight, focusing on her contributions to the team’s success. Her ability to thrive under pressure was evident in the recent World Cup match against Pakistan, where she rescued Australia from a precarious position of 76-7. Mooney’s work ethic is unparalleled, as demonstrated in the 2025 Women’s Ashes, where she scored 94 runs, including 54 non-boundary runs, a record for an Australian in T20 cricket. She attributes her success to relentless hard work and a commitment to continuous improvement. Mooney’s journey is a testament to the values of perseverance and teamwork that define Australian cricket.

  • Friendly Albanese-Trump meeting masks Australia’s creeping doubts about US

    Friendly Albanese-Trump meeting masks Australia’s creeping doubts about US

    In a significant diplomatic encounter at the White House on Monday, US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed their nations’ longstanding alliance. Trump emphasized the historical camaraderie, stating, ‘We’ve been long-term, longtime allies and I would say there’s never been anybody better.’ This meeting marked their first official dialogue, with both leaders expressing mutual respect and commitment to bolstering their strategic partnership. However, beneath the surface of this camaraderie lies a complex web of challenges. Australia, traditionally a staunch ally of the US, is beginning to scrutinize the reliability of this relationship under the Trump administration. The imposition of tariffs on Australian goods, including a 10% import tax on most products and a 50% levy on aluminium and steel, has been perceived as a breach of a decades-long free trade agreement. Albanese remarked, ‘This is not the act of a friend,’ highlighting the strain these measures have placed on bilateral ties. Additionally, the review of the Aukus defence pact, which aims to provide Australia with advanced nuclear submarine technology in exchange for support in countering China in the Asia-Pacific, has caused unease in Canberra. Despite these challenges, the meeting concluded on a positive note, with Trump praising Albanese and securing a deal for US investment in Australia’s critical minerals industry. This agreement is expected to help Australia reduce its dependence on China’s near monopoly in this sector. Furthermore, the Aukus pact received a renewed commitment, effectively ending the prolonged review process. While the tariffs remain a contentious issue, they are at the lowest rate compared to other countries, and certain Australian sectors, such as beef, have benefited from the global market upheaval. The meeting also addressed regional security concerns, particularly in light of recent tensions between Chinese and Australian military jets. Beijing’s massive military build-up has heightened anxieties in Canberra, reinforcing the perception that Australia cannot defend itself independently. Consequently, there is a growing inclination among Australian political and security experts to seek closer ties with the US, despite the unpredictability of the Trump administration. As Jared Mondschein of the United States Studies Centre noted, ‘A lot of allies and partners throughout the region are grabbing for the uncertainty of a term-limited Trump administration over the certainty of a Xi Jinping-led China.’ Thus, while the dynamics of the US-Australia relationship are evolving, the fundamental alliance remains intact, driven by shared strategic interests and regional security concerns.

  • From Hollywood to horticulture: Cate Blanchett on a mission to save seeds

    From Hollywood to horticulture: Cate Blanchett on a mission to save seeds

    Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett has taken a surprising detour from her Hollywood career to immerse herself in the world of botanical conservation. Partnering with Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) at Wakehurst Botanic Garden in Sussex, Blanchett has become an ambassador for the project, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The MSB, home to over 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 wild plant species worldwide, serves as a critical safeguard against biodiversity loss. Blanchett, who lives locally, expressed her awe at the seed bank’s mission, describing it as ‘inspiring’ and ‘uplifting.’

    The seed bank, initially conceived as a ‘doomsday vault’ to protect plant species from extinction, has evolved into a hub for ecological restoration. Seeds are meticulously processed, dried, and stored at -20°C, ready to be reintroduced into threatened habitats. Dr. Elinor Breman of the MSB emphasized the importance of returning seeds to their natural environments, citing ongoing projects like the restoration of rare chalk grasslands on the South Downs in Sussex.

    Blanchett, who hails from Australia, highlighted the significance of the MSB’s work in the wake of devastating wildfires that swept across her homeland in 2019. With nearly 9,000 Australian plant species stored at the MSB, she finds solace in knowing that these seeds serve as an ‘insurance policy’ against future ecological disasters. The actress has also embraced hands-on involvement, joking about her efforts to ‘turn her brown thumbs green’ and improve her seed management skills.

    In a special episode of Kew’s podcast, ‘Unearthed: The Need for Seeds,’ Blanchett joined The King (formerly the Prince of Wales) to discuss the urgency of plant conservation. The King voiced concerns about rainforest destruction and species extinction, underscoring the critical role of initiatives like the MSB. Blanchett, meanwhile, described the seed bank as the UK’s ‘best-kept secret’ and expressed optimism about its growing importance in the face of global environmental challenges.

    As the MSB looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to restore and protect the planet’s biodiversity. Blanchett’s involvement not only amplifies the project’s visibility but also serves as a reminder that positive change is possible. ‘You come here, you visit the seed bank, you walk through such a biodiverse landscape, and you leave uplifted,’ she said. ‘You know change is possible, and it’s happening.’

  • Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat

    Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat

    In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne have successfully completed a six-month, unsupported rowing journey from Peru to Australia. The duo shared their remarkable story with the BBC, detailing how they navigated the vast Pacific Ocean in a small boat, relying solely on their resourcefulness and resilience. Throughout the arduous expedition, they sustained themselves by catching fish and cultivating their own vegetables, showcasing their ability to adapt to the challenges of life at sea. This incredible journey not only highlights their physical and mental fortitude but also serves as an inspiring testament to human perseverance and the spirit of adventure.

  • Cummins will play ‘major part’ in Ashes

    Cummins will play ‘major part’ in Ashes

    Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Ashes series against England, according to George Bailey, the chair of selectors. Despite concerns over a lingering back stress injury, Bailey expressed optimism about Cummins’ participation in the five-Test series, which begins on November 21 in Perth. Cummins, who has a storied history of back issues, was sidelined from recent limited-overs matches against New Zealand and India after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress. However, Bailey emphasized that Cummins is ‘building up’ and remains a key figure in Australia’s plans. ‘We are really confident that he’s going to play a major part,’ Bailey stated, adding that Cummins’ recovery is progressing positively. Should Cummins not be fit for the first Test, former captain Steve Smith is poised to lead the team. Meanwhile, all-rounder Cameron Green, who was withdrawn from the ODI series against India due to side soreness, is expected to be ready for the Ashes after participating in the Sheffield Shield. Bailey described Green’s injury as ‘minor’ and expressed confidence in his readiness. The Ashes series, a historic rivalry between Australia and England, promises high stakes and intense competition, with Cummins’ fitness being a critical factor for Australia’s success.

  • Family of missing British girl give ultimatum to key person of interest

    Family of missing British girl give ultimatum to key person of interest

    The family of Cheryl Grimmer, a British girl who vanished from a New South Wales beach in 1970, is intensifying its quest for justice. Cheryl was just three years old when she disappeared from Fairy Meadow beach in Wollongong. The case, which has haunted the family for over five decades, took a dramatic turn in 2017 when a man in his 60s was charged with her abduction and murder. However, the trial collapsed in 2019 after a confession made when the suspect was a teenager was deemed inadmissible in court. The suspect, known only as Mercury, denies any involvement in the crime.