Titans rookie finds comfort in top grade
Highly regarded by his teammates and the Titans coaching staff, King is still eligible for the Holden Cup this year but impressed everyone with his work ethic during the pre-season and positive attitude around the playing group.A fourth generation first grader, King was thrust into the senior squad to make his debut in Round 3 but after five games he suffered a broken hand that kept him out for six weeks and had the potential to delay his NRL progression.But rather than get down about the timing of the injury King concentrated on how he could return a better player and will start at lock for the third week in succession when Gold Coast host Cronulla at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.With Chris McQueen (neck) out indefinitely King has been able to secure the No.13 jersey and provide valuable contributions to two victories, the Newcastle junior crediting his stint on the sidelines for feeling more comfortable in open company.”Coming back I definitely felt a lot calmer,” King said of his layoff. “I felt in the early games that I was very adrenaline-pumped and anxious which is normal but it just took a lot of energy out of me on the field.”Now I feel calm as if I’m playing an under-20s game.”I feel like I’m calm, relaxed, I’m just playing football and that’s definitely saved me a lot of energy.”I feel like I can go back to playing 40 or 50 minutes. I feel like I’ve got that in my lungs now whereas first game 10 minutes in I was shot.”That experience for the first couple of games, having a break from it and then coming back it has slowed everything down and eased my perspective up a bit.”In the weeks that I have been playing in the NRL I think I’ve doubled as a player in terms of learning and being around the blokes so it has been such a great experience for me thus far.”In wins over the Wests Tigers and Dragons in the Titans’ past two games King has averaged 98.5 metres and 26.5 tackles, well up on his season average of 61 metres and 21 tackles.He has quickly become something of a favourite of Gold Coast coach Neil Henry who knows that despite the significant progress he has made already, there is still much more to come from King.”Max has really worked hard for his opportunities,” Henry said.”He’s still learning all the time and I think he and Morgan Boyle have really taken it upon themselves to do the best they can each week.”He’s got a tremendous work-rate and he’s getting better all the time.”In addition to looking inward for improvement King also used his six-week layoff to add three kilograms to a frame that has grown dramatically after coming through the junior ranks as a hooker.Now standing 190 centimetres and weighing 104 kilograms, King knows that he will add more weight in the coming year or two but took the opportunity to add a couple of kilograms as his broken hand recovered.”I told myself that I wanted to come back a better player than what I was before so it wasn’t a bad opportunity for me for a couple of weeks not to worry about football,” said King. “Just worry about gaining a couple of kilos – I put on two or three more kilos – and getting my body right.”I’m a massive pasta fan and the boys always get stuck into me about my ham sandwiches.”I’m a bit lazy when it comes to my preparation. I wake up in the morning and I wouldn’t have cooked anything so it’s just a ham sandwich. For breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’d probably do five or six a day.”It’s always been hard me to gain so any gain I get I can take it.”King believes in time that his playing weight will get up to near 110kg but concedes with the speed of the modern game that any weight gain can’t come at the expense of mobility around the field.”Weight isn’t that much of an issue for me right now, it’s just getting all the things right that the coaching staff are after like body position and leaning into tackles and technique,” said King, who is playing his 11th game of the season on Saturday.”There are not too many boys in our squad that creep over that 110 mark and if they are they’re generally trying to bring them down.”The game is getting faster so I don’t think it’s the be-all and end-all between five kilos.”There’s a lot that goes into it in terms of how long you can last on the field and technique and things.” Photo by: Brendan Esposito. Copyright: NRL Photos. (Titans lock Max King is finding his way in first grade).
ROAD WI SEH, racing for the first time since his unplaced effort in the June 13 Jamaica Derby, returned with a bang to win yesterday’s Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) Trophy race over 1400 metres at Caymanas Park in post-to-post fashion. Installed as a 5-2 second favourite with champion apprentice O’Brien White aboard, ROAD WI SEH, who changed stables since the derby, moving from trainer Patrick Chang to Lorne Kirlew, held on well by 13/4 lengths from the 34-1 outsider, SEEKING HOPE. ROAD WI SEH was early in the lead from 90-1 outsider BRAVE PROSPECT and soon opened up approaching the half mile. He turned for home four lengths clear of SEEKING HOPE and ACTION MAN (7-1) and, although drifting out in the straight, kept on well to hold SEEKING HOPE at bay for his second win in six career starts. Although getting him a month ago, Kirlew said he was confident of victory. “I put in a lot of hard work to straighten him out,” he emphasised. “I had to rebuild him for this race and if you noticed how he drifted out approaching the furlong pole, there are still issues to be addressed, but I think he’ll go on from here,” added the second-generation trainer. ACTION MAN, the mount of leading all-time jockey Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths, finished another five lengths third, while the 9-5 favourite TARANIS, under leading jockey Shane Ellis, was fourth. A three-year-old chestnut colt by Adore The Gold out of Dream Watcher, ROAD WI SEH is owned by Outa Road Racing Stables and bred by Ham Stables. With no favourite obliging in any of the 10 races, the programme proved a nightmare for form players. GOLDEN BULLET (4-1), ridden by Orlando Foster for trainer Anthony ‘Baba’ Nunes, outfinished his front running stable-companion and even-money favourite, BAGS OF GOLD, to win the day’s secondary feature for the Aston Commock Memorial Trophy over 1700 metres, while former champion Wesley Henry and title-chasing Robert Halledeen shared the riding honours with two winners each. programme a nightmare
Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Wayne Rooney hit by two-year ban after drink-drive guilty plea Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Kerber, seeded seventh, crashed to a shock 6-3, 6-1 first-round defeat by Osaka in New York last month as defending champion. But a repeat never seemed likely on Monday as the German quickly took control.READ: Kerber goes from champ to 1st-round loser at rainy US OpenFEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smogKerber, who has slipped back to 14th in the world since winning last year’s Australian and US Open titles, ripped forehands past her teenage opponent seemingly at will in the first set.Osaka’s game unravelled completely in the second, giving Kerber a welcome opportunity to work her way back to form after a poor run of results and to seal victory in an hour and 23 minutes. Angelique Kerber of Germany returns a shot to Naomi Osaka of Japan during the first round match of the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo. / AFP PHOTO / Toru YAMANAKAFormer world No. 1 Angelique Kerber thrashed Japan’s Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-4 at the Pan Pacific Open women’s tennis tournament on Monday to avenge a humiliating loss at the US Open.Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic suffered an epic Tokyo meltdown, meanwhile, as she was pulverised by China’s Wang Qiang, who inflicted the dreaded “double bagel” on the eighth seed to win 6-0, 6-0 and reach the second round.ADVERTISEMENT Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours “It gives me confidence that I was able to turn it around,” said Nara. “Hopefully I can take that spirit into the next match.”Two-time champion Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded sixth, pulled out of the tournament with a virus, according to organisers.Wimbledon champion and new women’s world number one Garbine Muguruza heads a strong field in Tokyo featuring several top 10 players including Karolina Pliskova, Caroline Wozniacki and Johanna Konta.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next MOST READ Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene In ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ Comedy and Drama Collide How to help the Taal evacuees “I was trying to come out, focus on every single point and make it better than last time,” said Kerber.“Naomi is a tough opponent and a great talent. For sure she will have great success in the future.”The 19-year-old Osaka, born of a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, went on to reach the third round of the US Open after stunning Kerber.But the world number 44 almost appeared to be tanking at times at the venue for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, such was her lack of gusto. She committed 38 unforced errors — including a wild forehand on match point — in a performance she will want to forget in a hurry.Elsewhere, Japanese wildcard Kurumi Nara beat Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.ADVERTISEMENT DAY6 is for everybody It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson LATEST STORIES Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Mos Burger to open in Manila; teases with a pop-up View comments
Apartment 4 – which is expected to have 26 units – is slated to open August 1, 2015.There’s currently a wait list of 44 seniors for these units. The entire cost of Apartment 4 renovations is estimated at $1.9 million, according to Chairman of the board Gail Weber.“We do have enough reserves right now to cover – it’s going to be tight – but to cover the completion of Apartment 4,” says Weber.Weber says plans are already in the works for yet another apartment building, and she’s putting out a call for corporate and/or residential donations.- Advertisement -“We can write tax receipts, so anybody that wants to make a donation, no matter how big or how small, it’s all helping in going to a great place,” says Weber.The PRRD’s funds came from its Fair Share reserve, according to Area B director Karen Goodings – a point of contention over the past few months.“Without the assistance, it would be much more difficult for them to be able to put these apartments into good use, and they’re certainly being well used,” says Goodings.Advertisement
Please contact the organization at 250-787-9674 if you would like any more information, or to help. Staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters say they have noticed an alarming trend during the Holiday Hamper program: many families in need did not have beds for the children, and when they did, they were well-worn, ripped mattresses.To combat this issue, Big Brothers Big Sisters, along with the Fort St. John Sleep Shop, is hoping to find ‘Dream Sponsors’ who will help buy beds and mattresses at a special price.They currently need to secure:5 twin size mattresses, box springs and frames ($370 each)1 twin size mattress ($170)1 toddler bed ($125)- Advertisement -Executive Director Danielle Armstrong said this made her sad to think of children going without a bed to call their own.“This need is not something we have come across in previous years of the Holiday Hamper program, but is something our organization feels strongly about helping with,” she said.Big Brothers Big Sisters says these donations will ensure that each of the families in need have adequate beds for each member of their family this holiday season.Advertisement
160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Kings coach Andy Murray knows who will start in goal for him in tonight’s season opener in Dallas. He just wasn’t inclined to reveal who it was before boarding an afternoon flight to Dallas Tuesday following a short practice in El Segundo. Mathieu Garon or Jason LaBarbera will get the starting nod, but in an effort to prevent Dallas from preparing for one or the other Murray kept his decision quiet. Garon and LaBarbera are both relative unknowns in terms of NHL service, and Murray is hoping to take advantage of the lack of intelligence on them by delaying his announcement. “Our opponents don’t know either goalie that well and this makes their work a little tougher,” Murray said. “I don’t usually have a problem saying, but I think right now I’d prefer not to say.” Murray did inform Garon and LaBarbera of his decision; although he made it clear he wanted them to keep mum. “I just said I don’t think anyone else has to know,” Murray said. Game-day decision: Mattias Norstrom, who is eligible to come off the injured list before tonight’s game, was not expected to fly with the Kings to Dallas Tuesday while recovering from the flu. Depending on how he’s feeling, Norstrom could join the team in time to play tonight. Norstrom is fully recovered from the strained hamstring that landed him on the injured list. If Norstrom is activated, the Kings have to make a move to clear a spot on their 23-man roster. The final 23: To get to the 23-man limit the Kings placed Norstrom, right wing Valeri Bure and defenseman Richard Petiot on the injured list. Bure, out with a strained back, is eligible to be activated after the Kings’ home opener Thursday against Phoenix. Left wingers Noah Clarke and Ryan Flinn both cleared waivers and were loaned to Manchester of the AHL. Filling in: One of Murray’s concerns heading into camp was replacing emotional leader Ian Laperriere, who signed with Colorado as a free agent. But Laperriere’s loss has been softened thus far by the play of newcomer Tom Kostopoulos, one of the surprises in training camp. “We lost a great player in Ian, he was such a heart and soul guy and it was really tough to see him go,” Murray said. “But the word from our scouts was that (Kostopoulos) could come in and do some of those things and I think he’s done that. Now we just have to see if he can do it in the regular season.” Vincent Bonsignore, (818) 713-3612 vincent.bonsignore@dailynews.com AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREThe top 10 theme park moments of 2019 
LANCASTER – Antelope Valley Hospital employees showed their belief in the adage that it is better to give than to receive with their latest charitable project: a “shoe box” drive for the Grace Resource Center. Between Nov. 14 and 18, hospital employees brought in more than 100 shoe boxes filled with personal hygiene items that are often difficult for agencies like Grace Resource Center to maintain in adequate supply. Soap, toothpaste, diapers, shampoo, antiperspirant and many other personal supplies were loaded in shoe boxes and delivered to the nonprofit Lancaster center, which will distribute them to people in need throughout the Antelope Valley. “People ask us for these things every day, but we can’t afford to buy them,” Grace Resource Center executive director Steve Baker said. “Now, we can put them on a shelf and hand them out as needed. The hospital came up with this idea, and we’re very thankful for their creative thinking and generosity.” AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREBlues bury Kings early with four first-period goals Grace Resource Center provides food and other resources to the homeless or near-homeless, unemployed and needy Antelope Valley families. “There are many food drives at Thanksgiving, so we decided to collect items that are often forgotten at the holidays,” said hospital marketing coordinator Laura Young, who spearheaded the drive said. “We’re very pleased with the response, since employees only had a short window of time in which to bring their donations.” 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
Leroy Fer’s fabulous goal put QPR ahead at Loftus Road after Swansea had made the better start.Fer smashed home a right-footed effort from 30 yards – the Dutch midfielder’s third goal since his arrival from Norwich in the summer.Rangers had a lucky escape in the opening minutes when Gylfi Sigurdsson’s through ball carved open their defence and keeper Rob Green appeared to be outside his area when he handled the ball after racing from his line to deny Wayne Routledge.Former QPR man Routledge was involved in much of the early action, shooting wide of Green’s right-hand post as the visitors continued to threaten.But it was the home side who opened the scoring and Bobby Zamora missed a chance to double the lead when he headed Eduardo Vargas’ right-wing cross over the bar. QPR: Green, Isla, Caulker, Dunne, Hill, Vargas, Barton, Henry, Fer, Zamora, Austin.Subs: McCarthy, Traore, Ferdinand, Phillips, Onuoha, Mutch, Hoilett. Swansea: Fabianski, Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Britton, Ki, Dyer, Routledge, Sigurdsson, Gomis.Subs: Tremmel, Richards, Bartley, Carroll, Emnes, Barrow, Bony.Follow West London Sport on TwitterFind us on Facebook
OAKLAND — The Warriors were injured. They were tired. They were rushed and undisciplined.The Houston Rockets had their rivals exactly where they wanted them in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinal series Sunday afternoon at Oracle Arena.And yet the Warriors won.Nothing about Golden State’s 104-100 victory was beautiful. It was a game played on the Warriors’ court, but on Houston’s terms, which is to say that it barely passed as basketball. Flow was impossible, as the …
8 June 2015African leaders from across the continent have gathered in the capital for the 25th summit of the African Union (AU), which runs until 15 June, under the theme: “Year of women empowerment and development towards Agenda 2063.”It is being hosted by South Africa for the first time since the formation of the AU in Durban in 2002.It follows the World Economic Forum on Africa, which was held in Cape Town from 3 to 5 June. According to the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), it is an opportunity for South Africa to showcase to the world a country that embodies the spirit of partnership and commitment to Africa’s socio-economic development through Agenda 2063.The summit began with the 30th ordinary session of the Permanent Representatives Committee, convened at the International Relations and Co-operation Department offices yesterday.Agenda 2063The session was co-chaired by South African International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. The meeting discussed the agenda prepared for the 25th AU Summit, to be held later this week. It is expected that, leading to the Heads of States summit which follows, discussions at this summit will focus on the imminent adoption of the Agenda 2063 agreed by member states in 2013.Agenda 2063 is a call for action and a road map to achieve continental development goals. It represents a collective effort and an opportunity for Africa to regain its power to determine its own destiny, and is underpinned by the AU vision to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, an Africa driven and managed by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena.African countries are committed to the regional economic integration which will enable the free movement of goods, services, people and capital between national markets, according to the South African government. “This is fundamental to achieving robust and equitable growth in Africa. The regional integration agenda incorporates a range of objectives,” it says.It is about giving African producers access to regional markets and integrating them into more productive regional value chains. It includes integrating financial markets, to enable capital to flow more readily among national economies.It includes promoting the free movement of labour for more efficient regional labour markets and for improved access to skilled labour for specialist production. These objectives are believed to be essential to achieving structural transformation in African economies, boosting productivity per worker and therefore living standards.Observers have said Agenda 2063 should be seen as a new phase in efforts by Africans to catalyse development of the continent and strengthen African integration and unity.The Heads of State and Government meeting, to take place later this week, will consider the report of the commission on the Ebola crisis, the report of the ministerial retreat on the first ten-year implementation plan of Agenda 2063 and modalities for implementation of the alternative sources of financing the AU, the report of the peace and security council on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa, and progress report of the commission on maternal, new born and child health.During the summit, visitors will be invited to on tours that will profile South Africa as a country with a rich history of diverse cultures, a land of possibility and opportunity, as well as a proud heritage that continues to shape South Africa’s journey to a thriving democracy. The goal is to show South Africa’s competitive strengths including its culture, heritage, archeology, science, technology and innovation.SAinfo reporter