Tongan captain Nili Latu is to miss the opening three months of the English Premiership campaign after undergoing knee surgery, it was announced yesterday, dealing a blow to Newcastle Falcons.
The 34-year-old backrow dynamo — who captained Tonga at last year’s World Cup — suffered the injury playing for his country at June’s Pacific Nations Cup.
“Nili suffered knee ligament damage playing in Tonga’s last Pacific Nations Cup game and was operated on yesterday,” Newcastle rugby director Dean Richards told the club’s official website.
“His likely return to playing is five months from now.
“Obviously it is a disappointing blow to lose a player of Nili’s quality for that length of time, but at the same time it is an opportunity for other guys.”
Richards, a former giant of the England backrow in his prime, said there were alternatives to Latu but with their first game on September 2 against Sale he was short on possibilities if another player suffered an injury.
“We have a lot of players coming through — Harrison Orr has joined us and made a very good first impression — but with David Tameilau not yet here from America, there is no denying it has left us a little bit short in the back-row,” said the 53-year-old.
Latu, who joined the Falcons from Japanese side NEC Green Rockets, played a crucial role in keeping Newcastle up last season scoring nine tries as they finished second from bottom, seven points clear of London Irish.
NSW out to salvage pride in Origin dead rubber
New South Wales are desperate to salvage some pride and send retiring captain Paul Gallen out in style in the third and final State of Origin match of this year’s series on Wednesday against Queensland.
The Maroons have already sealed their 10th rugby league series title in 11 years after a 26-16 win in Brisbane last month, which followed a 6-4 triumph in the opener in Sydney.
After yet another failed campaign, New South Wales have added James Tedesco, Wade Graham and Josh Dugan to a freshened side as they look to avoid a series whitewash. Tedesco replaces Matt Moylan at full-back, while Dugan returns from injury. Graham has received his Origin call-up at the expense of Greg Bird, after returning from suspension.
The long-serving Gallen will line-up for his 24th and last Origin match, with a special video tribute set to be aired immediately before the game at ANZ Stadium.
Coach Laurie Daley said his captain would leave a legacy “of giving his best”.
“I don’t think anyone could ever question that. He goes out there and leaves nothing in the tank,” Daley said.
“He’s been a true warrior through difficult times but he’s aimed up every time he’s pulled on a sky blue jersey which I think the boys appreciate.
“They know how much this game means to him personally and it’ll be great for them to not only win for Gal but win for the state because it’ll give everyone a great deal of optimism.”
But Queensland captain Cameron Smith is keen to spoil Gallen’s party, adamant there will be no let up from his side with a 3-0 whitewash the aim to ensure New South Wales do not carry self belief into next year’s series.
“There is no lack of motivation. We spoke about our mindset towards this match and where it needs to be at and I don’t see any issues,” he said.
“We can’t afford not to put in a good performance because that can give them a bit of self belief and momentum into next series.”
Family roots drive Serbia’s English coach in WC quest
Serbia qualifying for the 2017 rugby league World Cup sounds far-fetched but to their new English coach Darren Higgins achieving the unlikely would be more than just simply a sporting triumph.
Higgins - also a talent development coach at Super League side Castleford - has a Serbian grandfather. “That’s part of the reason I’m doing it,” he said. “I’m really proud to be given the opportunity.
“Ten years ago, while I was working for the RFL in South Yorkshire, I tried to get something going in terms of tour exchanges but it never got off the ground.”
Higgins, who has also headed up the youth systems at London Broncos and Sheffield Eagles, is under no illusions at the task ahead of him, especially after spending nine days in Belgrade last month when Serbia lost 16-14 to the Yorkshire Lionhearts.
“It’s all run by volunteers,” said the recently appointed Higgins. There are six clubs in the top division and they’re making good progress with juniors.
“The standard is a mixed bag. Some of them could definitely play in League 1 and there are a couple of lads who have played in France.”
Higgins’ immediate target is to beat Wales and then Italy on successive weekends in October, which if they finish top of that mini group would guarantee them a place at the World Cup being hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea next year.
Serbia could end up relying on Australian players with Serbian roots to get them over the line, according to Higgins, just as other countries like Lebanon did to get to the 2000 World Cup finals.
“The federation are in contact with a lot of Australian-based players with Serbian heritage,” said Higgins.
Nili Latu
