Proving he is more than capable, Taniela Paseka will likely be a starting prop full-time next season as he re-signs with the Manly Sea Eagles.
Paseka, who has deputized for the injured and now departing Addin Fonua-Blake has been in good form all year.
His new contract extension will see Paseka remain at Manly until the end of the 2024 season.
With a total of 43 NRL games to his name since making his NRL debut in 2018, Paseka has been impressive.
He was a part of the club’s 2017 NYC premiership winning team and brings all the traits that Manly coach Des Hasler wants to see.
“Taniela has really stepped up this season and we are delighted to have secured his services until the end of 2024 with this new deal,’’ Hasler said.
“For a young player in just his third season in the NRL, I know Taniela will only further improve and will play a major role in our forward pack in the years to come.”
Equally pleased is Paseka himself, and he knows the opportunity is there for the taking to make a starting prop spot his own.
“I’m really happy here at Manly,” Paseka said.
“This year has been a real learning curve for me as a young prop in the NRL.
Despite their overall tough season, Paseka believes the club is moving in the right direction and he backs himself to get better.
“I know there is a real opportunity for me now to secure a regular starting position at prop and I feel my game is only going to get better with the more matches I play,” Paseka continued.
“It may have been a tough season for us this year but I know this club is heading in the right direction under Coach Des Hasler and I’m looking forward to playing an even greater part.”
Here we are. The final round of the 2020 season. It’s been different but exciting nevertheless.
Jostling for spots will continue as teams need a win to hold onto their spots but there will be some dead rubbers.
All games should still offer some excitement and so here are the teams for round 20 of the NRL Telstra Premiership:
Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys (#NRLBroncosCowboys); Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane; Thursday, September25. Kick-off: 7:50 pm.
Broncos:1. Darius Boyd 2. Xavier Coates 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Richard Kennar 6. Kotoni Staggs 7. Tom Dearden 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Issac Luke 10. Payne Haas 11. Jordan Riki 12. Alex Glenn 13. Patrick Carrigan (C).
Reserves: 18. Rhys Kennedy 19. Ethan Bullemor 20. Sean O’Sullivan 21. Brodie Croft.
Coach: Peter Gentle.
Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Murray Taulagi 4. Daejarn Asi 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Josh McGuire 9. Reuben Cotter 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Mitchell Dunn 13. Jason Taumalolo.
Interchange: 14. John Asiata 15. Tom Gilbert 16. Corey Jensen 17. Francis Molo.
Reserves: 18. Emry Pere 19. Jake Granville 20. Ben Condon 21. Justin O’Neill.
Coach: Josh Hannay.
Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights (#NRLTitansKnights); Cbus Super Stadium, Robina; Friday, September 26. Kick-off: 6 pm.
Titans: 1. Alexander Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Treymain Spry 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor (C) 12. Sam Stone 13. Tyrone Peachey.
Interchange: 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jai Arrow 17. Jai Whitbread.
Reserves: 18. Darius Farmer 19. Corey Thompson 20. Philip Sami 21. Nathan Peats.
Coach: Justin Holbrook.
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Mason Lino 7. Mitchell Pearce (C) 8. David Klemmer 9. Kurt Mann 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Sione Mata’utia 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Mitch Barnett.
Interchange: 14. Chris Randall 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Herman Ese’ese 17. Brodie Jones.
Reserves: 18. Matt Ikuvalu 19. Daniel Fifita 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Ryan Hall.
Coach: Trent Robinson.
Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers (#NRLBulldogsPanthers); ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park; Saturday, September 27. Kick-off: 3 pm.
Bulldogs: 1. Will Hopoate 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Reimis Smith 4. Tim Lafai 5. Jayden Okunbor 6. Jake Averillo 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aidan Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Luke Thompson 11. Chris Smith 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Josh Jackson (C).
Interchange: 14. Scott Sorenson 15. Jack Williams 16. Andrew Fifita 17. Teig Wilton.
Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias 19. Braydon Trindall 20. Bryson Goodwin 21. Daniel Vasquez.
Coach: John Morris.
Raiders:1. Adam Cook 2. Semi Valemei 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Nick Cotric 6. Matt Frawley 7. Sam Williams 8. Dunamis Lui 9. Tom Starling 10. Iosia Soliola 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Siliva Havili.
Interchange: 14. Kai O’Donnell 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Darby Medlyn 17. Jarrett Subloo.
Reserves: 18. Ata Mariota 19. Joseph Tapine 20. Jack Wighton 21. Elliott Whitehead.
Coach: Ricky Stuart.
Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels (#NRLTigersEels); Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta; Saturday, September 27. Kick-off: 7:35 pm.
Tigers: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tommy Talau 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Asu Kepaoa 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Harry Grant 10. Thomas Mikaele 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Alex Twal.
Interchange: 14. Matthew Eisenhuth 15. Elijah Taylor 16. Shawn Blore 17. Michael Chee-Kam.
Reserves: 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Jacob Liddle 20. Josh Reynolds 21. Joey Leilua.
Coach: Michael Maguire.
Eels:1. Clint Gutherson (C) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Jai Field 7. Mitch Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown.
Interchange: 14. Will Smith 15. Andrew Davey 16. Kane Evans 17. Oregon Kaufusi.
Reserves: 18. Haze Dunster 19. Brad Takairangi 20. George Jennings 21. Daniel Alvaro.
Coach: Brad Arthur.
New Zealand Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles (#NRLWarriorsManly); Central Coast Stadium, Gosford; Sunday, September 28. Kick-off: 2 pm.
Warriors:1. Peta Hiku 2. Adam Pompey 3. Adam Keighran 4. Hayze Perham 5. Patrick Herbert 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Lachlan Burr 9. Karl Lawton 10. Isaiah Papali’i 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Tohu Harris 13. Jazz Tevaga.
Interchange: 14. Wayde Egan 15. Adam Blair 16. Jack Murchie 17. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown.
Reserves: 18. Josh Curran 19. Paul Turner 20. Gerard Beale 21. Tom Ale.
Coach: Todd Payten.
Manly:1. Tevita Funa 2. Abbas Miski 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Lachlan Croker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C) 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Corey Waddell 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic.
Interchange: 14. Albert Hopoate 15. Morgan Boyle 16. Sean Keppie 17. Haumole Olakau’atu.
Reserves: 18. Ben Trbojevic 19. Luke Metcalf 20. Toafofoa Sipley 21. Sione Fainu.
Coach: Des Hasler.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Melbourne Storm (#NRLDragonsStorm); Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah; Sunday, September 28. Kick-off: 4:05 pm.
Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Max Feagai 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Cody Ramsey 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Cameron McInnes (C) 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Jacob Host 13. Jackson Ford.
Reserves: 18. Brayden Wiliame 19. Corey Norman 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Tyrell Fuimaono.
Coach: Dean Young.
Storm:1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sandor Earl 3. Ricky Leutele 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Issac Lumelume 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Cooper Johns 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Chris Lewis 13. Max King.
Interchange: 14. Nicho Hynes 15. Darryn Schonig 16. Albert Vete 17. Aaron Pene.
Newly signed New Zealand Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake
Addin Fonua-Blake, a powerhouse prop, a Tongan international and a leading NRL forward has signed with the New Zealand Warriors.
Fonua-Blake’s deal will run until the end of the 2023 season, adding to an already solid pack.
The Warriors have re-signed Jack Murchie, signed Kane Evans and Ben Murdoch-Masila.
Adding Fonua-Blake gives the Warriors additional mongrel upfront and his combination with Murdoch-Masila should be electric.
“Addin’s signing could be one of the most important the club’s history,” said Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.
“He is exactly what we have been looking for to bring into our squad.”
O’Sullivan described Fonua-Blake as the type of prop they need and believes he will fit in well with the club.
“Addin has a big motor, power, the skill set and the body shape we were looking for to take our pack to a new level.
“He’s very close to a lot of players in our squad having cemented relationships with them over a number of years at Test level and with the Junior Kiwis.
“At 24 years of age he has the best years in front of him as a premier front rower in the NRL.”
Just as pleased to sign Fonua-Blake is Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“It’s a huge coup for us and we’re thrilled to welcome Addin and his family to our club,” George said.
“Having him on board is the missing part of the puzzle as we have worked to establish a squad to compete with the best clubs in the competition.”
The Manly Sea Eagles issued a brief statement on Fonua-Blake’s early release.
“Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have today formally released prop Addin Fonua-Blake from the remainder of his contract.
Fonua-Blake was signed to the Sea Eagles for 2021-22. He asked for a release on compassionate grounds.
The 24-year-old played 97 NRL games for Manly after making his club debut in 2016.”
It was their start that got them the win, one that the Newcastle Knights can be proud of after a 42-18 rout of the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Leaping into sixth position after the win and holding a home final spot, next week’s clash with the Gold Coast Titans is crucial.
With the home final so close they can taste it, Knights coach Adam O’Brien admits it would be exciting for the club.
“I know capacity may only be at 50% but I’ve been here when the place was rocking. I know how difficult it is coming up the highway to play here,” O’Brien said.
“So it would be huge. It would be great for everyone but we’re not there yet.”
The Knights started off like a house on fire with two tries in the first seven minutes.
Makeshift hooker Chris Randall took the line on and found Kalyn Ponga who streaked away to score.
This was followed by an aerial leap from Gehamat Shibasaki off a Mason Lino crossfield kick, and the Knights were flying.
Before too long, the score blew out to 24-0, the Knights asserting their dominance.
Ponga would turn provider for the third, laying on a lovely short ball at the line for Aidan Guerra to crash over.
Daniel Saifiti then continued his good form this season, twisting in the tackle with three Dragons on him to plant the ball down.
It was a different story for the Dragons, though. Errors – and many of them – both from errant passing and predictable kicking.
It went from bad to worse when Ben Hunt was penalised and put on report for a crusher tackle.
Late in the first half, the Dragons would finally get on the scoreboard through in-form centre Zac Lomax.
Lomax, who has been a rare spark for the Dragons in 2020, jostled out of several tackles and found the try-line.
Halfback Mitchell Pearce would then combine with Enari Tuala to give the Knights a commanding 30-6 lead at the break.
The Knights dominance would continue with Jacob Saifiti joining brother Daniel on the scoreboard.
The Dragons would pull one try back, though.
Lomax and youngster Cody Ramsey combined on the right flank, before Ramsey found Norman inside to score.
That faint sniff was shortlived, however, when Tuala scored his second off a lovely short pass from Ponga.
The final try of the game would go the Dragons way and it was their best player in Lomax yet again.
Lomax leaped highest to steal the ball from Ponga and had a short run to the try-line to score a simple try.
The Knights will desperately hope they can hold onto sixth spot and secure their first home final since 2006.
The win was even more special, for it was Old Boys’ Day at the club; a tradition the Knights value highly.
Interim Dragons coach Dean Young was livid with his side’s meek effort and made it known post-game.
“It was just under-8s stuff,” said Young.
“In the end, they made 265 tackles and we made 406.
“So you’re going to get some poor defensive stuff and fundamental errors when you’re making that many tackles.
“But that’s not an excuse. We are much better than that and the players know it.”
A successful NRL career, a premiership, and representing Queensland, Tim Glasby achieved plenty in his rugby league career.
Although he would have preferred to retire on his own terms, prolonged concussion symptoms have intervened.
Glasby has been forced into premature retirement after receiving doctor’s advice not to return to full contact.
That made Glasby’s decision easier with 138 NRL games and five QLD games, the forward had time to reflect.
“I’ve had a lot of time to sit back and reflect on my career and I am truly grateful for everything the game has given me,” Glasby said.
“If you had told me when I first signed with the Storm, I would go on to win a premiership and run out for Queensland in State of Origin, I would’ve thought you were joking.”
Glasby, who enjoyed stints with both the Storm and the Knights, was quick to thank both clubs and his family.
“I am appreciative for the opportunities I have had and the support of my family throughout the journey,” Glasby continued.
“I want to thank my mum and dad, my wife Casey, children Parker and Remy and all the teammates and staff at the Storm, Maroons and Knights.
“I have worked with some incredible people over the years.”
Knowing Glasby well, Knights coach Adam O’Brien praised Glasby’s work ethic and determination to succeed.
“Tim Glasby typifies exactly what hard work and determination can get you in life,” O’Brien said.
“All of his success at Club and representative level has come on the back of hard work.”
Working alongside each other in some capacity for a decade, O’Brien lauded Glasby for helping him with his coaching transition.
“I have been very fortunate to spend over a decade with Tim and share some special moments in the NRL with him,” O’Brien continued.
“He’s also been a huge help with my transition into head coaching.”
Playing at Sunshine Coast Stadium, their home away from home, the Melbourne Storm wrapped up second spot with a dominant win over the Wests Tigers.
The win sees Melbourne finish in the top two for the fifth consecutive season.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy was pleased to finish where they have and praised Penrith at the same time.
“One and two get the first home game and get a second chance,” Bellamy siad.
We don’t get the shield like Penrith have and what they have done to win the [JJ Giltinan] Shield with 14 games in a row is remarkable.”
The Storm have also been seen as the measuring stick for consistency and Bellamy is proud of their form.
“It is a really good result for us and I am really proud of the club the last five years,” Bellamy continued.
“This year has gone to another level, living away from home and a lot of things people wouldn’t know about that have been quite challenging and difficult.
The scoring started early for the Storm with Jahrome Hughes and Suliasi Vunivalu combining.
Hughes’ low, long-range kick found Vunivalu racing through and he scored with ease.
The second try went through the hands but was executed just as perfectly.
Nicho Hynes and Kenny Bromwich combined on the edge before Josh Addo-Carr nabbed the goods at the end.
The Tigers lost two men soon after when both Sam McIntyre and Matthew Eisenhuth were the casualties of a barnstorming Tino Fa’asuamaleaui run.
Not to be outdone in attack, though, the Tigers were the next ones to score.
Benji Marshall & Josh Reynolds combined to find winger Asu Kepaoa in the corner who finished acrobatically.
Kenny Bromwich would then show off his class with the ball, to find Hynes who bamboozled the Tigers defence to score.
The heart of the Tigers could not be understated, however, and Josh Aloiai powered over from close range.
Some resolute Storm defence forced Joey Leilua over the sidelines and they capitalised in attack soon after.
Vunivalu and Hughes combined again, this time through the air, with the Fijian soaring high to nab the ball and score.
Hughes then scored a try of his own when he darted through a yawning gap in the Tigers defence.
Addo-Carr would grab his second soon after, when he ran 60 m, weaving in and out of defenders to score.
The half would end with Luke Garner sent to the sin bin for a professional foul and the Storm led 32-10 at the break.
The Storm would not be strangers to casualty, however; Bromwich went off with a HIA and Vunivalu with hamstring tightness.
Harry Grant, Marshall and Reynolds would combine yet again for Kepaoa’s second try.
The Tigers would get a sniff with a quick-fire double to start the second half when Adam Doueihi sliced over.
Though the compounding factor on top of the loss was an ACL injury suffered by in-form forward Josh Aloiai.
The Storm found their mojo soon after, as the ball was spread from one side to the other with Justin Olam finishing the play off.
Cameron Smith then scored his 47th NRL try to pass Craig Bellamy that saw the two engage in some light-hearted banter.
It was Luciano Leilua’s interference in the play the ball that led to Smith’s try.
He would grubber ahead, beating Doueihi to the punch to score.
Smith would then turn provider as he grubbered for Fa’asuamaleaui to score, with the score finishing up 50-22 to the Storm.
Proud of how his side bounced back, Tigers coach Michael Maguire wants to farewell Chris Lawrence and Benji Marshall on the right note next week.
“It is a really important week for Chris Lawrence, Benji and a number of boys that will leave us,” Maguire said.
“It is a really important game for us to make sure we send everyone that is leaving off in the right manner.
“If we go out and put pressure on Parramatta we know what we are capable of doing, so we have got to go out and do that.”
