JUST IN: Chet Holmgren Reflects on Costly Game 1 Loss, Responds to Gordon’s Accusations
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren opened up about the heartbreaking ending to Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, where OKC’s late-game fouling strategy fell apart after Holmgren missed two critical free throws.
Adding fuel to the fire, Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon accused the Thunder of using illegal tactics to neutralize MVP Nikola Jokić. Holmgren didn’t shy away in response, offering a sharp rebuttal.
Ryles Dismisses Gould’s Concern Over Moses-Cleary Origin Pairing
State of Origin 2025 Selection Debate Heats Up
Eels head coach Jason Ryles has come to the defense of Mitchell Moses after NRL pundit Phil Gould questioned whether Moses could work in tandem with Nathan Cleary in the NSW Blues’ lineup for the 2025 State of Origin series.
NSW coach Laurie Daley is expected to select Cleary as a guaranteed starter, meaning Moses and Wests Tigers playmaker Jarome Luai are battling for the No.6 jersey.
Last year, Moses and Luai combined effectively to win Games 2 and 3 and reclaim the Origin shield for NSW. Although Moses started this season sidelined with a foot injury, he has returned strongly and is now the front-runner for selection based on form and last year’s heroics.
Phil Gould’s Doubts About Moses-Cleary Combo
Former Blues coach Phil Gould has voiced skepticism, arguing that Moses and Cleary play too similarly.
“I think it’s either Cleary and Luai or Moses and Luai,” said Gould. “I don’t think you can play both Cleary and Moses—they’d clash. It would be clunky.”
Ryles Fires Back: “Moses Can Play Anywhere”
Coach Ryles dismissed those concerns ahead of the Eels’ upcoming match against the Dolphins.
“Mitchell would be happy to play wherever he’s selected,” Ryles said. “He’s shown he can adapt and contribute immediately, just like he did for Parramatta.”
Moses was pivotal in last year’s Origin Game 2—widely considered one of his best performances—before leading NSW to a series-clinching win at Suncorp Stadium.
Daley Backs Moses-Cleary Pairing
Coach Laurie Daley also backed Moses as a suitable partner for Cleary, downplaying any chemistry concerns.
“Absolutely none,” Daley said on Sky Sports’ Big Sports Breakfast when asked if he had doubts. “We’ve got world-class halves. Whoever misses out, it’ll be a tough call—but that’s the position we’re in.”
Injury Concerns and Other Selection Dilemmas
- Zac Lomax, incumbent Blues winger, is racing the clock after fracturing a bone in his foot. While Ryles said Lomax is close to returning, he will miss the clash against the Dolphins—leaving him with just one match to make his case for Origin.
- Dylan Edwards, last year’s Blues fullback, is also under pressure. James Tedesco’s return to form has reignited debate. However, Edwards’ strong Magic Round display and his proven combination with Cleary could keep him in the No.1 jersey.
