The Brisbane Broncos receive a significant boost for Friday night’s blockbuster clash against the Sydney Roosters, with Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo returning from injury to slot into the starting line-up. Broncos vs Roosters kicks off 8:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The club’s six-game winning streak at home will be on the line as they seek redemption against the side that defeated them in the historic Vegas opener.
Cobbo’s comeback from a shoulder issue sees him reclaim the centre position, pushing Jesse Arthars back to the wing and omitting Corey Oates from the 17-man squad. Meanwhile, Mam’s recovery from a finger injury allows him to slot back into the pivotal number six jersey, replacing Jock Madden.
The Broncos enter the contest brimming with confidence after their 34-10 thumping of the Wests Tigers last weekend. Captain Adam Reynolds displayed a masterclass in playmaking, while the forward pack led by Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Kobe Hetherington laid the platform.
Despite the Tigers’ sin-binning and sustained pressure, Brisbane’s resolve was unwavering. Their efforts were rewarded with two tries on both sides of the break, including Reece Walsh’s long-range effort after a pinpoint Reynolds kick.
The Broncos have made Suncorp Stadium a formidable fortress, winning their last six games at the venue. However, they faced a stern test against the Roosters in the season’s curtain-raiser in Las Vegas, going down 20-10 in a clash mired with controversy.
While emotions could run high given the racial abuse incident in the previous game, Reynolds insists the Broncos have moved past it. “It’s another game for us,” he said. “We have moved past it and addressed it as a club. I’m sure [the Roosters] have too. It is another opportunity to play our brand of football and get better.”
As the home fans rally behind their side, the stage is set for an enthralling encounter, with the Broncos eager to maintain their winning ways and avenge their opening loss to the Roosters.
The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for the Anzac Weekend Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Blues on Saturday, April 26. Josh Flook’s timely return at outside centre is the headliner, with the experienced campaigner replacing the injured Jordan Petaia. Reds vs Blues kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
In addition to Flook’s inclusion, Angus Blyth comes into the second row for Cormac Daly. Daly is sidelined with minor soreness following the 31-0 win over the Highlanders.
Head coach Les Kiss has also handed 20-year-old speedster Tim Ryan his first run-on opportunity on the wing, with Mac Grealy making way.
Connor Vest and Floyd Aubrey are set for potential debuts, providing cover in the forwards and backs.
Anzac Weekend commemorations
The team will don their special khaki Anzac jerseys for the occasion, paying tribute to the 60 Queensland Reds who served in five wars, with 11 making the ultimate sacrifice.
Introducing the 2024 Queensland Reds Anzac commemorative jersey
The jersey commemorates the strong connections between the Reds and the Australian men and women who served in our armed forces.
Limited stock is available for this one-of-a-kind jersey. Don't miss out, get yours… pic.twitter.com/xiXRiWZXsq
An Anzac service featuring military personnel will be held pre-match, with the Ode read by Wallaroos prop Bree-Anna Browne.
“The boys love the jersey…there is depth of understanding of something bigger than the game,” Kiss said.
Reds vs Blues battle for momentum
Kiss knows his side faces a formidable challenge against the in-form Blues, who thumped the Brumbies last round. “We know the task ahead of us on Saturday,” he said.
While satisfied with recent efforts against Kiwi opposition, Kiss wants an 80-minute display at Suncorp Stadium, where “the boys love it.”
How the Reds will fare against the high-flying Blues remains to be seen, but the substitutions have injected freshness into the starting side for a pivotal Anzac encounter.
A year after collapsing from a heart attack at an NRL game, a footy fan has emotionally reunited with the Suncorp Stadium staff whose timely intervention and first aid skills saved his life.
In 2023, Douglas Burke, a devoted fan of the Redcliffe Dolphins, experienced a life-threatening emergency during a game against the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium. Mr Burke was on his way to the restrooms when he collapsed at the bottom of a stairway.
Medical Emergency Response
Stadium staff, including Stand Manager Deb and Errol Phillips, responded quickly. Realising the severity of the situation, they administered CPR and used a defibrillator until emergency services arrived.
The medical response lasted several critical minutes before Mr Burke was transported to Royal Brisbane Hospital.
The staff’s recent first aid training was crucial on the day of the incident. Errol Phillips, who played a significant role in the resuscitation effort, noted that although it was his first real-life application of CPR, the training they had refreshed just weeks earlier prepared them well.
The team’s efforts were so forceful that Mr Burke sustained a broken sternum and ribs, indicative of the vigorous and lifesaving CPR provided.
Mr Burke’s recovery was complete, and he expressed profound gratitude towards the staff for their actions that day, emphasizing the impact of their training and quick response.
After his recovery, Mr Burke returned to Suncorp Stadium to personally thank the staff who saved his life. This reunion, filled with gratitude and emotional exchanges, underscored the importance of trained first responders in public venues.
The emergence of using Recovery Boots after intense physical exercise by professional athletes has now moved into the realms of everyday people in the Milton area. It’s now rare to find pro sports teams not focusing on the recovery process and the science behind recovery boot technology has developed hugely over the last few years.
Fitstop Milton co-owners Mic Linfoot and Gigi Johnson established the first recovery room in the area to enable their clients to benefit from this technology.
“The Normantec Recovery Boots offer the very best massage you will ever have. They are proven to help lymphatic drainage, decreasing pain and soreness, allowing the lower body to recuperate far quicker. The recovery room also has an Infrared Sauna which has an abundance of health benefits and is ideal for that post work-out recovery.”
The recovery room is bolted onto the back-end of their training system which offers a unique program within a supportive community.
The Fitstop system revolves around 4 training blocks per year, each 12-week training block breaking down into 4 phases of 3 weeks each:
Base – Focus is getting back to basics and building or rebuilding a solid base and allowing a little bit of a deload and recovery.
Build – Focuses on starting to build on the foundations of the previous phase and starts to see an increase in the strength part of the programming.
Performance – This is where members start to be tested in terms of fitness and strength capacity through the trackable workouts and lifts.
Peak – The last 3 weeks are where members push their fitness, strength and endurance and see their progress over the previous 9 weeks.
Photo Credit: Fitstop Milton
Members love the Fitstop Milton Community
Mic is very proud of the community he and Gigi have built.
“We know all of the names of our members and their stories and care about what is happening in their lives. People don’t just come here and workout, they come here and make friends that will be with them for a lifetime. We take their fitness very seriously and love the privilege of helping them with their goals,” he says.
The 7.30 Run Club takes place on Sunday mornings “focus on intervals to help people improve their running through shorter run efforts.”
“We open this up to everyone in the community, not just our members as it is a great social Sunday and then we hit the markets after. Just like our gym, run club is for everyone, the pro runners, parents with prams, beginner runners, members who want a Sunday morning jog with their pups – everyone is welcome,” says Mic.
Meanwhile, the Saturday Sweat Pairs are also open to the public, enabling the community to experience firsthand what the workouts entail and join in on the fun.
An example of how much the members love Fitstop Milton was on display a few months ago, when the community bootcamp organised by Mic and Gigi, attracted 240 people, the largest turnout in the Franchise across Australia.
Photo Credit: Fitstop Milton
“All of our members are our ambassadors and have stories of how they have made improvements in their life from not exercising to now running marathons, competing in their 1st powerlifting competition, doing their first triathlon or just being able to chase their kids around and not get out of breath,” says Gigi.
Photo Credit: Fitstop Milton
Gigi was voted Business Woman of the Year for the Cooper area, receiving the award from Jonty Bush, Member for Cooper and Fitstop Milton was also voted the best gym in Inner Brisbane.
Photo Credit: Supplied
How would Mic suggest using the gym?
Mic was asked how he would best use the current special offer of 2 weeks membership for $54.
“The best way to get the most value from our two-week offer is always to start by downloading the Fitstop app and doing a free session first so they can come and meet the team, the community and check out the gym before starting the two-week trial.”
“The goal during the two-week trial would always be to get to gym at least 3 times per week and if people have had a little bit of a break we would suggest having a day off between gym days to allow for them to recover. Monday, Wednesday, Friday is a great start as this lets people see all three styles of training we run and allows that rest in between.”
“We also always let people go at their own pace initially and we use the first few weeks to mainly get them back into a routine of training again and let them settle in as they learn how our sessions work.”
Darren’s Story
Darren is a 55-year-old manager in the scientific industry. He loves Fitstop Milton and what it has done for him. He answered a few questions about his journey:
What was your exercise routine 3 years ago and prior?
“I got a trainer 10 years ago for ‘middle aged spread,’ eventually migrating to group fitness in a park. The trainer was very good and I certainly increased my fitness but it’s limited in what you can do; what exercises are available and muscle groups you can work. Mainly cardio.”
What made you go to the doctors 3 years ago, and what did they find?
“Actually, the whole thing is a journey – I have a condition that was diagnosed 15 years ago. It’s fine but research indicated a potential concern of bone density so my doctor ordered a test in 2019. In a scan of my spine, it showed that I had a bad score, and was in a low bone density range, indicating a potential fracture risk, and would be defined as having osteopenia (next step below osteoporosis). So I was probably fighting the usual bone density decreases of age plus this condition.”
How did you find out about Fitstop?
“Word of mouth. In order to do more lifting and so help with the bone density issue I joined one of the large gym chains. It was OK but I found very limited support in technique or even lifting safety boring and I wasn’t getting much out of it. I was telling a friend at the same gym and she said she was leaving it to join a Fitstop in Milton and I should try out a special they had on. I hadn’t heard of Fitstop before that.”
What was the journey to recovery in terms of bone density?
“It’s great. I have been able to add squats and deadlifts and have significantly increased my lift weights. Not being silly but getting myself to work harder over the last few years.”
“This has meant that in a recent spine scan this year I no longer fell in the low bone density range and my score indicated that I would no longer be defined as having osteopenia. I was in the ‘normal’ range for my age. I am going to keep working to get it up even higher but I was stoked of course. I am not on any drugs to address this issue – it’s been driven by the gym work.”
Why do you think the Fitstop method has helped in that recovery?
“The difference was totally Fitstop. As you age, being able to lift is crucial and not just for bone density. At a regular gym, I knew basically what I wanted to do, but didn’t have the confidence or the knowledge to do the lifts and exercises I wanted safely with decent weight.”
“With the small group size of Fitstop sessions, I got genuinely useful technique instruction on doing my lifts safely. The variability in Fitstop session types and the different stations means it’s never boring so I tend to go more often.”
Are there any other improvements you have found since starting working out with Fitstop?
“Previously having just focused on boot camp/cardio I hadn’t seen much impact on body shape or muscle mass. I find the variability of exercise types and adding the lifting has meant my body shape and posture has improved dramatically and I have added a decent amount of lean muscle mass. But I haven’t neglected cardio – those condition sessions can be tough but are great.”
The Brisbane Broncos will field an unchanged lineup for Saturday’s Round 7 clash against the Canberra Raiders. Jock Madden, Fletcher Baker, Corey Oates, and Jaiyden Hunt retain their starting spots after stellar performances in last week’s win over Redcliffe. Broncos vs Raiders kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos had to dig deep against their Queensland rivals, overcoming a sloppy first half to prevail 28-14 over the Dolphins in front of a packed Suncorp. The Broncos were simply too strong, led by monumental efforts from Pat Carrigan (46 tackles, 207 metres) and Selwyn Cobbo.
Prop Corey Jensen says the Broncos are prepared for a physical battle against the Raiders (4-2, third in the league). “They’re a side that plays the long game, they don’t mind getting into a grind.” Jensen stated.
“They love getting down and dirty with teams and that’s something we’re going to have to be ready for.”
Jensen also praised the impact of Broncos (3-3, 10th) young forwards Xavier Willison and Ben Te Kura off the bench. “He’s [Willison] an awesome prospect, same with Benny Te Kura. The sky’s the limit for both those guys with their willingness to learn and get better.”
ANZAC round up next
Introducing our 2024 Anzac Round Commemorative Jersey 🧡
Inspired by Anzac Square, the Queensland State War Memorial, we remember all those who have served abroad and at home in conflict and peacekeeping.
Ahead of next week’s ANZAC round, coach Kevin Walters confirms a quartet of stars will return from injury for the Round 8 match against Wests Tigers.
While not ready this week, prop Payne Haas (knee), winger Deine Mariner (back), captain Adam Reynolds (hamstring), and second-rower Brendan Piakura (ankle) are all expected to play against the Tigers.
The Broncos, gunning for a sixth-straight home win, will need to be at their physical best against Canberra’s grind game. They need to hold on to the home crowd’s support before reinforcements arrive for the ANZAC round.
The Queensland Reds are dealing with a rash of injuries and suspensions as they prepare to host the Highlanders this Friday, April 19. After a narrow 17-14 loss to Moana Pasifika last weekend, the Reds have lost several key players, putting their depth to the test. Reds vs Highlanders kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
Co-captain Tate McDermott and flanker Fraser McReight both received red cards in the match against Moana Pasifika, ruling them out for the upcoming game. Adding to the Reds’ woes, promising forward Seru Uru will be sidelined for up to six weeks after undergoing thumb surgery. Outside Josh Flook (shoulder) will also miss the match.
Head coach Les Kiss acknowledged the challenges his team is facing, calling the situation “not ideal.” However, he remains optimistic about the opportunity to test the depth of the Reds’ roster.
With the absences, Kiss is likely to shuffle his lineup for the crucial clash against the Highlanders. Jordan Petaia could move to outside centre to cover for Flook’s injury, while Mac Grealy is expected to return to the wing.
In the forward pack, Angus Blyth could start in place of the injured Uru, while Cormac Daly is another option to bolster the squad. Kiss may also promote Junior Wallabies back-rower John Bryant to replace the suspended McReight, or shift co-captain Liam Wright to his preferred position at openside flanker.
Reds look to bounce back against New Zealand opposition
The Reds will be eager to bounce back from their surprise defeat against Moana Pasifika, where Queensland lost the lead with less than two minutes to go.
Despite the challenges, Kiss remains confident in his team’s ability to respond and regain their early-season form.
“The opportunity in this now is to give a little bit more exposure to players who were playing off the bench and other players in the program to step up too,” he said.
Ken Wolf has become synonymous with the historic XXXX Brewery in Milton, where he has spent more than four decades perfecting the craft of beer brewing and now leads hundreds of enthusiasts on tours, sharing the myths and magic of one of Brisbane’s most iconic brewing houses.
Ken’s relationship with beer began over 40 years ago when he first joined the Castlemaine Perkins team, a staple of Brisbane’s brewing industry. Initially starting as a brewer, Ken’s deep-seated passion for beer and brewing is evident from his long-standing tenure, culminating in his role today as a tour guide, affectionately known as the “Willy Wonka of Brewing.”
His role transitioned when he returned to the brewery after a brief retirement, spurred on by his wife’s encouragement and his enduring love for the craft. As a guide, Ken breathes life into the storied corridors of the XXXX Brewery, illuminating its rich history for visitors.
His storytelling educates and entertains, as he unveils the brewery’s technical evolution and cultural impact, making every tour a memorable journey through time.
Photo Credit: XXXX Milton/TripAdvisor
Today, Ken’s dedication to sharing the brewery’s history is as strong as ever. He sees his role as not just a job but as a crucial part of preserving and celebrating the brewing heritage that XXX represents. His tours not only cover the historical aspects but also delve into the brewery’s social and economic impacts on Queensland and Australia.
Ken Wolf remains a vital figure at XXXX Brewery, embodying the spirit of brewing tradition and the community ties of Milton. His efforts ensure that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation of the craft and history of brewing, making the XXXX Brewery a landmark not just in Brisbane but in the world of beer enthusiasts everywhere.
Castlemaine Perkins: A Chronicle of Brewing Excellence
The Castlemaine Perkins Brewery, located at 185 Milton Road, Milton, Brisbane, was established in 1878 on the site of a former rum distillery. Founded by brothers Nicholas and Edward Fitzgerald, the brewery has become a significant landmark in Brisbane. It continues to produce beer to this day under the flagship of the XXXX beer brand. The brewery’s origins are traced back to an earlier enterprise by the Fitzgeralds in Victoria, which gives its name to the current establishment.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Over the years, Castlemaine Perkins has seen extensive technological changes that have streamlined brewing processes and reduced its workforce from over 800 employees in the 1980s to about 160 today.
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland
Ken’s tours provide insights into these changes, highlighting the evolution from a labour-intensive operation to a more automated facility while retaining the craft’s traditional essence.
The brewery has played a pivotal role in the local culture, evidenced by the enduring popularity of the ‘Fourex Man’ in Queensland’s advertising history. Ken often shares stories illustrating the brewery’s deep connections with the community, such as reactions to past ownership changes and the brewery’s role in local traditions and celebrations.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
XXXX Brewery Tour
The 90-minute tour of XXXX offers a comprehensive view of its history and brewing techniques, from its inception to its leadership in the industry.
On the brewery tour, guests will learn about the intricate brewing processes and the secrets of pouring the perfect pint of XXXX. The tour is educational and interactive, showcasing the flavors and brewing science that make XXXX a household name in Queensland.
After the tour, relax in the Alehouse with a beer tasting session. Try various XXXX brews and get a complimentary gift.
Practical Information and Booking
Pricing: The tour is priced at $37 per adult, which includes the guided tour, beer tasting session, and a free gift.
Age Restriction: Guests must be 18 years or older to participate in the tour.
Tour Schedule: Tours are available from Wednesday to Saturday. Private group tours can be arranged for groups of 15 or more upon request via email.
Safety and Accessibility: Guests are required to wear fully enclosed flat shoes and must not consume alcohol before the tour. A government-issued ID is needed for verification. For safety reasons, all bags and cameras must be stored in lockers provided at the brewery, as no loose items are allowed on the tour. Please note, the tour involves many steps and is not accessible to guests with mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs.
The Battle of Brisbane will have an extra layer of intrigue this week, as the Broncos and Dolphins clash with salary cap pressures adding extra spice to the cross-town rivalry. Broncos vs Dolphins kickoff 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12 at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos boosted by Walsh return, face tough contract decisions
The Broncos have received a major boost with the return of star fullback Reece Walsh from a facial fracture. He joins Jordan Riki (ankle) in making a timely comeback for the home side.
Their returns are a major boost for the team, especially since captain Adam Reynolds (hamstring) and Payne Haas are still sidelined.
The wealth of talent in the Brisbane side and a looming salary cap crunch could mean tough decisions lie ahead.
The Dolphins have several million dollars in cap space, giving them the financial firepower to target top Broncos players who may not fit under the tightening Brisbane budget. This could reignite contract wars between the two clubs, with names like Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs potentially in the Dolphins’ sights.
Two former Broncos, Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler, have already joined the Dolphins for this year. However, a late injury setback has forced Flegler to withdraw from the match against his former side.
Staggs doubles down on “our house” claim
Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has already fired the first shot, doubling down on his emotional “this is our house” declaration after scoring the match-winning try against the Dolphins last season.
“It wasn’t really planned,” Staggs said. “Once I scored that try it just came to me. It was the first game we ever played against the Dolphins and I just wanted to let them know who owned Suncorp.”
Broncos vs Dolphins, the battle for Suncorp
The Dolphins share Suncorp Stadium as a home ground with the Broncos, but Staggs made it clear he sees the venue as belonging to the Brisbane club. This is sure to add further spice to Friday night’s encounter.
On the field, the Broncos (2-3) will be looking to bounce back from a narrow loss to the Storm. Meanwhile, the Dolphins (3-1) are flying high at the top of the ladder after three wins out of four.
The Broncos have won both their matches at Suncorp this season. The Dolphins have won one and lost one away from home. This Battle of Brisbane will be the first test of who can assert their dominance over The Cauldron in 2024.
A blockbuster backrow battle awaits as the Queensland Reds prepare to host the ACT Brumbies this Saturday, March 30. The Reds vs Brumbies Super Rugby double-header kickoff 4:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
McReight focused on improvement after Reds’ collapse
Photo Credit: Facebook/Queensland Reds
Reds flanker Fraser McReight is determined to put last week’s error-riddled 40-31 upset loss to the Western Force behind him as the Reds aim to rebound from disappointing defeats for both their men’s and women’s teams.
McReight acknowledged that Queensland were far from their best in Perth. He identified their set-piece play and preparation for away games as key areas for improvement.
“It’s on the road where it’s going to be very challenging,” he says.
“We’ve got some tough opponents coming up on the road, going to NZ, going to Fiji. It’s a great test, and we’ve just got to learn how the group goes together on away trips, how we can better prepare ourselves.”
He is also eagerly anticipating the matchup against the Brumbies’ in-form loose forward unit.
“They’re very athletic, aren’t they? Brumbies have a great backrow, they always have. I think it’s going to be a great match-up on the weekend,” McReight says.
Reds vs Brumbies : Queensland seek redemption after previous blowout defeat
Photo Credit: QLD Reds Rugby
With the memory of last year’s 24-52 home loss to the Brumbies still fresh, the Reds are determined to exact revenge.
“It’s always been such a close game, fortunately for them they were able to knock us over last year at Suncorp which is probably still hurting a few of us, so really really looking forward to this weekend.”
American singer Pink, also known as Alecia Beth Moore, has expressed profound gratitude towards her Australian fans as her 20-day Summer Carnival tour in Australia shatters records and concludes in Brisbane with a grand finale at Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
Pink, 44, took to Instagram to thank her fans for their unwavering support over the past two decades, as her tour set new benchmarks in Australian music history.
Among the achievements, Pink’s tour boasted the highest ticket sales for any tour by a female artist in Australia. Notably, Pink’s tour comprised the most stadium shows ever performed by any regional artist, solidifying her status as a powerhouse performer.
With over 3.1 million tickets sold, she became the first singer to perform 20 stadium shows across Australia and New Zealand in a single tour, cementing her status as one of the most iconic international performers Down Under.
The tour also marked significant attendance records at iconic venues, including Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, and Eden Park in Auckland. Michael Coppel, Chairman of Live Nation Australasia, lauded Pink’s unparalleled talent and enduring connection with her Australasian audience, predicting even greater success in her illustrious career.
After her monumental success on stage, Pink shared glimpses of her offstage adventures with her family. Joined by her husband Carey Hart and their two children, Pink enjoyed a memorable day at a koala sanctuary.
The family indulged in close encounters with Australian wildlife, with Pink documenting the experience on social media. The visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket offered Pink’s children, Willow and Jameson, aged 12 and 7 respectively, an enriching opportunity to interact with native animals, including feeding kangaroos and holding owls.
Australian Lifestyle
Pink’s affection for Australia extends beyond her musical accomplishments. In February 2023, she hinted at the possibility of obtaining Australian citizenship, emphasising her deep connection to the country.
Her recent visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary further underscores her admiration for Australian culture and wildlife. As she considers Australia her second home, Pink’s integration into the local community reflects a genuine appreciation for the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant atmosphere.
A Testament to Resilience and Motherhood
Pink’s tour showcases her musical prowess and highlights her resilience as a working mother. Despite the challenges of touring with a family, Pink has deftly balanced her professional commitments with her roles as a wife and mother.
Her candid reflections on motherhood during interviews provide insight into the complexities of her life on the road. As she navigates the demands of stardom and family life, Pink inspires women worldwide, demonstrating that dedication and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Photo Credit: Pink/Instgram
As Pink bids farewell to her Australian fans after a whirlwind tour, anticipation mounts for her future endeavors. With two decades of career, Pink continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances and unwavering passion for music.
