Footy great Bryan Fletcher has reportedly landed himself a big chunk of money after taking a punt on the Newcastle Knights this weekend After this weekend's Magic Round, the Fox Sports presenter is set to walk away from The Suncorp Stadium with his pockets brimming, after winning $7,500, according to NewsCorp's Phil Rothfield. The 51-year-old, who played for both the Roosters and Rabbitohs before joining up with Wigan to play in the Super League, is understood to have been given a tip by his old pal Matty Johns. Johns said that 21-year-old five-eighth, Fletcher Sharpe, would dot down three times in the Knight's game against the Rabbitohs. And things got off to a great start for Fletcher, with Sharpe crossing the whitewash twice in the first eight minutes of the match, in what was a prolific start for the Knights. Newcastle would go on to keep Wayne Bennett's side scoreless in the first half, with Sharpe dotting down once more in the 61st minute to wrap up the 30-4 win. Fletcher, reportedly, had followed Johns' advice and backed the 21-year-old to score a hat-trick which was also combined with a Newcastle win. Fletcher lumped $50 on the bet at a price of $150, banking himself a nice profit of $7,500. After a solid start to the season, the Rabbitohs have slumped to suffer four defeats on the bounce. And Souths boss Bennett did not hold back on his appraisal of the Bunnies, following their 22-point drubbing, claiming his side needed to play like first-grade players. 'Not very good,' he said on the side's defeat. 'I don’t want to go into a lot of detail about it, but the start was poor, 18 points down pretty early. After that, we weren’t too bad.' While the Rabbitohs are down several key first-grade players due to injury, Bennett was keen not to use their absences as an excuse. 'If we use that as an excuse, we’re not going to get any better. That’s a fact,' Bennett said. 'We’re just going to have to live with that, and we can do better than we did today. 'I don’t want my players to use it as an excuse.  'They all get well paid, they all think they want to be first-graders, well they’ve got to play like first-graders, simple as that.' He added that his side 'needed to fix their attitude'. No one seems to have shared their thoughts on this topic yetLeave a comment so your voice will be heard first. {{message}} Serious questions about the handling of the David Fletcher abuse scandal remain unanswered after the Diocese of Oxford refused to expand on its joint statement with his former church Anglican Ink reported last month that Fletcher had Permission to Officiate (PTO) in Oxford Diocese when safeguarding concerns first emerged about his behaviour towards women the conservative evangelical flagship church in central Oxford where he had been Rector from 1986 to 1998 He held the Bishop of Oxford’s PTO until July 2018 Fletcher therefore had PTO in Oxford Diocese for the first two years of Croft’s episcopate In February following the Channel 4 News revelations that Fletcher was an abuser of women and girls Oxford Diocese and St Ebbe’s issued a joint statement This followed an earlier statement by St Ebbe’s which said: ‘Since 2017 by which time David Fletcher was very unwell and had ceased doing any ministry St Ebbe’s received reports from two women about him having been inappropriately tactile with them These were referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team {DST} No other concerns have been reported to St Ebbe’s in relation to him.’ The Oxford Diocese-St Ebbe’s joint statement said that in 2017 Fletcher was told ‘to avoid physical contact that had any possibility of being considered inappropriate’ following a report of him ‘being inappropriately tactile with a member of the church’ It also said that in 2019 ‘David Fletcher’s behaviour was again raised when a report of inappropriate tactility was passed to St Ebbe’s via a third party’ ‘who confirmed that the appropriate action had been taken in 2017 and advised that the report did not meet the threshold for further action.’ The joint statement added that a further concern about Fletcher emerged in 2021: ‘St Ebbe’s heard indirectly of a couple who had approached David Fletcher to confront him about his behaviour some years previously The couple were contacted and encouraged to make a report to the Diocese David Fletcher was seriously ill at this point and In March Evangelicals Now ran a news story in which an Oxford Diocese spokesperson was quoted clarifying how St Ebbe’s handled the disclosures: ‘The 2017 complaint was handled by St Ebbe’s when first reported Anglican Ink last week contacted Oxford Diocese in the light of the news that Fletcher had PTO in 2017: ‘We know that Fletcher had PTO during the first two of years of Bishop Croft’s episcopate and that the St Ebbe’s leadership handled the initial disclosure about Fletcher themselves ‘Would Oxford Diocese be prepared to issue a statement on the handling of the 2017 disclosure about a minister holding the Bishop’s licence at the time and about the fact that the Bishop was not informed until at least two years later that there were safeguarding issues around Fletcher What is Oxford Diocese’s position on this delay?’ AI also asked for further details about the handling of the 2017 disclosure by St Ebbe’s Who told Fletcher to ‘avoid physical contact that had any possibility of being considered inappropriate’ Roberts’s clerical number two at the church Was the church’s safeguarding officer present Oxford Diocese responded: ‘The diocese and St Ebbe’s actions in light of complaints made about David Fletcher’s behaviour have been detailed in this statement, on St Ebbe’s website Following the Channel 4 News investigation more women have come forward with disclosures about their abuse by Fletcher It is to be hoped for the sake of all his victims that there is full transparency from both Oxford Diocese and St Ebbe’s about the scale of the scandal the culture that enabled him to abuse his position of trust is an evangelical journalist based in the UK UN relief chief Tom Fletcher warned on Thursday that the global aid system must undergo a “humanitarian reset” becoming significantly more efficient and exploring new sources of funding as major donors – including the United States – sharply reduce their contributions where he has been witnessing the severe impact of funding shortfalls on civilians the Emergency Relief Coordinator said he had raised with Taliban officials the importance of women’s participation in humanitarian efforts and their right to education He expressed hope that the discussions would lead to meaningful progress UN News: You have said that policymakers who signed off on aid cuts should come to Afghanistan to see the effect they're having on the population You said the effect of aid cuts is that millions die Do you use this kind of blunt language when you’re talking to these policymakers in private there is a bit of a time lag before you really see the impact of the cuts That has a real-world impact and it's become much more real for me on this trip The local NGO's that we're keen to protect in the midst of all this We try and find different ways to communicate this in slightly gentler terms That's the great tragedy at the heart of it now You've got politicians who are doing this really reluctantly forced to make really tough decisions because their economies are struggling and because of pressures from taxpayers to do things differently They know the importance of humanitarian efforts and they're very sad about the choices they're having to make Then there is another group of politicians who They seem to boast about – and take credit for – aid cuts That’s the group that I would love to bring to sit with a mother who has lost her child because she was forced to cycle pregnant to a hospital three hours away You show leadership on the world stage by being out there helping countries to deal with these challenges at source I don't know which of those arguments work with which constituencies so we have to adapt and be creative in how we make the case We also have to be firm in defending what we do and take pride in the fact that the humanitarian community has taken millions out of poverty and saved hundreds of millions of lives UN News: You’ve become the UN emergency relief chief at a particularly tough time in terms of ensuring the UN’s ability to help the most vulnerable In February you announced 20 per cent cuts to your department How will you make those cuts in a way that doesn’t make the job even harder Really brutal choices are being made and the sector will probably shrink by one third The money that’s been cut isn't going to come back anytime soon and trying to convince the sceptics to bring the private sector in and change the public conversation around solidarity We have to work with the money that we have not the money that we need or the money that we wish we had I'm really positive about the way that Marco Rubio has talked about the need to protect life-saving aid  I’m not giving up and I'm really positive about the way that Marco Rubio has talked about the need to protect life-saving aid I really want to get into that conversation with him and see what his vision is for America's role in saving lives around the world are we going to have to completely rethink what aid entails and how it's funded Tom Fletcher: We're going to have to change We have to preserve the best of what we've learnt and have confidence in what we’ve delivered so far but we're going through a process now that we call the “humanitarian reset” we're becoming smaller and we're trying to do that in a way that does as little damage as possible and minimises the hit to the essential life-saving work we do The IASC has backed that up and actually taken it to the next level in terms of taking the layers out of the system and making sure we end the turf wars and focus on what we each do well and ensure that we do much more at a local level UN News: Do many Member States still believe in the importance of international aid A number of donors are staying solid despite the funding crises that they're all facing We've got more innovative ideas about how to bring in the private sector and also I believe really strongly in the role of individuals in finding ways to ensure that we're reaching wider movement beyond governments and Member States the de facto authorities [The Taliban] have severely reduced access to education and employment prospects for women and girls Are you able to have a constructive discussion about this with the regime There are two really core issues here for us One is the role of women in humanitarian work: we simply cannot deliver without them we rely on them completely and we couldn't be here without them And the second is the wider issue around rights for women and girls including education and the fact that millions of girls have had that right stolen from them over the last three years who believes in respect and trust and listening and in recognizing that we have different cultures different heritages and different beliefs that I don't hold that you want to achieve before the end of your mandate as the head of humanitarian affairs Tom Fletcher: The average head of OCHA lasts about three years The travel schedule is very hectic and you're dealing with the world's worst crises so there's a bit of wear and tear along the way It's our job to save hundreds of millions of lives and to define everything we do against that yardstick my number one objective was to survive as long as possible because I think it's traumatic for an organization to get new people in learning from the organization and from those we serve and then putting that into action is a serious objective in itself I did come into it with an objective around the reform of the humanitarian sector Elon Musk and others started talking about efficiency and prioritization and cuts I do believe that we can do this much more effectively and much closer to those we serve and so I was already determined to deliver that the big one is ultimately about saving lives I believe it's our job to save hundreds of millions of lives and to define everything we do against that yardstick.  The UN’s top humanitarian official on Thursday issued a stark warning over the continuing blockade of aid into Gaza, calling on Israel to lift restrictions that have left civilians without food, medical care, and hope. Lifesaving operations everywhere continue to be shut down by sweeping funding cutbacks which will result in millions of people dying, the UN’s top aid official said on Wednesday. but Knights coach Adam O'Brien said there would be a time and place for the Cessnock junior to let his hair down All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueLike the rest of the team after Newcastle's 30-4 win over South Sydney on Saturday O'Brien wanted his players' focus on the next contest The dominant six-try showing at Magic Round in Brisbane was their best performance this year but O'Brien was adamant the victory would count for little if they didn't back it up "It is one game," the coach said immediately after the win Newcastle's third in eight games this season "I'm very mindful that we need to stick at this and the opposition had a few out - let's be honest - we need to stick at this and not get carried away so I think we got back to the hotel and enjoy one or two beers together but our focus now is to make - without being a Grinch - we need to make sure we're building on this." Fletcher Sharpe celebrates a try in Brisbane making his 20th NRL appearance and playing his eighth game at five-eighth He scored twice in the opening 10 minutes and then bagged a hat-trick midway through the second half to ice the result His display came after he had a few quiet games amid Newcastle's collective attacking form slump in recent rounds and I think we're all sort of forgetting that as well," Knights skipper Kalyn Ponga said of Sharpe and it's not a position he is familiar with He puts himself in good positions through effort both on the defence side and the attack side The more opportunities he gets in that position After losing the yardage battle in each of their five prior losses Newcastle rolled through a South Sydney side missing several big names who was returning from a three-game injury layoff Fellow forwards Dylan Lucas and Tyson Frizell chimed in with about 150m each Newcastle's wingers and centres all also ran for more than 200m each "We were always confident if we could just lay a platform give ourselves a chance with both possession and completions," O'Brien said "I think we went 10 from 11 [completed sets] to set the game up I was really proud of their defensive resolve "I've felt like we've been a team that's very resilient defensively and then naturally getting some personnel back to win that middle-third of the field will help [our playmakers] The win improved Newcastle's record to 3-5 and their ladder position to 12th They now have back-to-back home games over the next two rounds against teams placed below them starting with the Gold Coast at home on Friday night before facing the Eels a week later in the same 6pm time slot A Fletcher Sharpe hat-trick on his 21st birthday has helped Newcastle end a five-game losing streak the Knights powering past a depleted South Sydney 30-4 at Magic Round in Brisbane on Saturday After a horror six weeks, falling from fourth on the NRL ladder to 15th amid an attacking form slump Newcastle produced their best performance this year to stun Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs at Suncop Stadium The Knights had barely struck a blow on the scoreboard in their past five games but it took just five minutes for them to find their first points when five-eighth Sharpe raced onto a Kalyn Ponga grubber to score behind the goalposts The Cessnock ace bagged his second five minutes later before halfback Jack Cogger crossed to help make it 18-0 after just 13 minutes Fletcher Sharpe crosses for a try on Saturday Picture by Getty ImagesA few mistakes helped South Sydney get back into the contest midway through the first half before consistent heavy rain for the last 10 minutes before the break Newcastle extended their lead after half-time via a Bradman Best try in the 46th minute and Sharpe's third in the 61st which sealed a crucial win heading into back-to-back home games over the next two rounds The victory was Newcastle's first since round two and their third this season in eight games It lifted them to 12th on the competition ladder moving ahead of the Rabbitohs who are now 13th Souths, who were missing a host of stars including Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker Sharpe's two tries in the space of five minutes set Newcastle's victory up but it was their improved go-forward that allowed the playmakers to work their magic Newcastle hadn't won a yardage battle in their past five games but by half-time they had made 1126 run-metres to South Sydney's 833m Rain set in over the ground about the 30th minute Sharpe produced another all-effort play seconds before the break he used the waterlogged field to his advantage pushing Souths fullback Jye Gray back into the in-goal area Ponga and Best combined down the left flank with the centre finishing off a 70-metre play to make it 22-0 Sharpe bagged his hat-trick from some broken play on the same side of the field 15 minutes later Souths winger Isaiah Tass crossed on the right edge in the 65th minute Newcastle had a couple of chances go begging late in the game and while they had a line-break count of 11 to South Sydney's 0 their completion rate - which only just topped 70 per cent - still remains a concern from the field five minutes before full-time Max McKinney is a sports reporter with the Newcastle Herald. He previously worked in news, covering mainly local government and transport. Max mostly reports on the Newcastle Knights, but also covers a mix of local sport. More from SportNewsletters & AlertsView allDaily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Love footy? We've got all the action covered. The latest news, results & expert analysis. Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. Get the latest property and development news here. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! WOULD former St Helens star Lewis Dodd make his starting debut for the Rabbitohs after having made only two previous appearances off the bench? That was the question English fans were asking and Dodd did indeed find himself on field at the start of the game, partnering Jayden Sullivan at halfback and playing for the full 80 minutes. But the player who stole the show was his opposite number, Knights’ stand-off Fletcher Sharpe, who celebrated his 21st birthday by scoring a hat-trick of tries in wet conditions, the first two within the first ten minutes, with Jack Cogger’s try on 13 minutes putting the Knights 18-0 ahead. The Rabbitohs were without four star players – Jack Wighton, Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and skipper Cameron Murray – and their absence was too much for them to cope with, while the Knights were delighted to return to the winner’s circle after five straight defeats, earning their third win that puts them two points outside the top eight. And the Rabbitohs’ injury worries continue to mount, with fullback Jye Gray lasting 58 minutes before coming off with a hamstring injury and hooker Peter Mamouzelos suffering what appeared to be a dislocated elbow late in the game. RABBITOHS: 1 Jye Gray, 2 Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, 3 Euan Aitken, 4 Campbell Graham, 5 Isaiah Tass, 19 Lewis Dodd, 7 Jayden Sullivan, 8 Sean Keppie, 9 Peter Mamouzelos, 10 Tevita Tatola, 11 Keaon Koloamatangi, 12 Tallis Duncan, 13 Jai Arrow; Subs (all used): 14 Liam Le Blanc, 15 Lachlan Hubner, 16 Davvy Moale, 17 Fletcher Myers KNIGHTS: 1 Kalyn Ponga, 2 James Schiller, 3 Dane Gagai, 4 Bradman Best, 5 Greg Marzhew, 6 Fletcher Sharpe, 7 Jack Cogger, 8 Jacob Saifiti, 9 Phoenix Crossland, 10 Leo Thompson, 11 Dylan Lucas, 12 Kai Pearce-Paul, 13 Tyson Frizell, 13 Mat Croker. Subs (all used): 14 Jayden Brailey, 15 Mat Croker, 16 Adam Elliott, 17 Brodie Jones Tries: Sharpe (5, 9, 61), Cogger (13), Best (47); Goals: Ponga 5/5 SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-6, 0-12, 0-18; 0-24, 0-30 Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match: Rabbitohs: Campbell Graham; Knights: Fletcher Sharpe Penalty count: 3-3; Half-time: 0-18; Referee: Liam Kennedy; Attendance: 50,638 Paul Fletcher has been the MP for Bradfield since 2009 government services and the digital economy until he announced he was quitting politics in December He's also held other roles such as minister for social services and minister for communications cities and the arts in the Morrison government including eight years on the senior management team at Optus He has dual first-class honours degrees in law and economics from Sydney University and an MBA from Columbia University in New York where he was a Fulbright Scholar O'Brien and Ponga: Round 2 Press Conference Fletcher Sharpe has credited conversations with Andrew Johns for helping instil the confidence he's needed in his switch to five-eighth at Newcastle Sharpe had his best game since moving from the outside backs to the halves as the Knights pumped South Sydney 30-4 at Magic Round on Saturday afternoon helping to dispel doubts over the Knights' ability to rely on Sharpe and halfback Jack Cogger for points All the best of Sharpe's game was on show at Suncorp Stadium: his confidence to play off the cuff Sharpe said the greatest halfback of modern times Johns had been helping him find his feet in the halves - including on game day ahead of the win over Souths "He's the best halfback to play the game so to have his confidence is pretty special." It's a message that has been reiterated by Knights coach Adam O'Brien and his offsiders "The coaching staff's been really good on telling me to back my first instinct "'Adzie' said to me at the start of the year The Knights scored only 36 points across their five consecutive losses prior to the Souths game but O'Brien stuck solid with Sharpe and Cogger rather than recall out-of-favour halfback Jackson Hastings Sharpe said criticism of the halves' creativity was "part of the game" when results were lacklustre you're always going to cop a bit of that," he said we've been confident in what we're doing." Knights captain Kalyn Ponga suggested those doubting Sharpe would do well to consider his age The young gun has played only 20 games so far I think we're all sort of forgetting that as well It's only his second year in the NRL and it's not a position he's familiar with," Ponga said he puts himself in good positions through effort He's still learning that position both on the defensive side and the attack side Fletcher Sharpe grabs a hat-trick on his birthday 3 tries and it's Fletcher Sharpe's 21st birthday Lifesaving operations everywhere continue to be shut down by sweeping funding cutbacks which will result in millions of people dying the UN’s top aid official said on Wednesday “Cutting funding for those in greatest need is not something to boast about...the impact of aid cuts is that millions die,” warned Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher Speaking from an overcrowded hospital in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan where three or four patients have to share a bed Fletcher warned that the financial crisis has already forced UN aid teams to close 400 primary health centres across the country so far Back in Afghanistan, the reality of funding cuts continues to play out in its hospitals “where you can see doctors making the most horrific decisions about which lives to save and which lives not to save”, Mr. Fletcher said at Mirwais Regional Hospital The lack of investment in aid relief has also affected female Afghan health workers whose salaries are being cut by up to two-thirds The plight of women in the country is well documented and has been condemned by the international community having deteriorated following numerous prohibitive edicts issued by the de facto authorities who overran Kabul in 2021 As part of his official visit to Afghanistan Mr. Fletcher met de facto provincial governor Mullah Shirin Akhund to discuss the need to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis It comes after more than four decades of conflict that have left almost half the population - some 22.9 million people – needing humanitarian assistance to survive In earlier talks during his official visit Fletcher stressed that development was not possible without girls’ education and their full participation in the country’s economy a lack of basic services and dire economic forecasts Afghanistan has few resources to cope with the arrival of a growing number of Afghan refugees sent back by neighbouring countries including Pakistan and Iran The scale of the pushbacks is enormous, with more than 250,000 Afghans returned in April alone, including 96,000 who were forcibly deported. On Tuesday, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, voiced particular alarm over the fate of women and girls, who face increasing repression under Taliban rule. While in Kandahar, Mr. Fletcher also visited a reception centre where the UN and humanitarian partners provide support, including health check-ups and cash. He said that the closure of hundreds of health facilities in the region had denied more than three million people access to primary care. HOMENRLNRL-PREMIERSHIP‘Sliding doors’ moment behind iconic duo.. get me out of here' with Melbourne Storm stars Harry Grant Will Warbrick and Xavier Coates.","thumbnailUrl":"https://www.foxsports.com.au/pmd/images/2025/04/24/903745_640x360_large_20250424230312.jpg","uploadDate":"2025-04-24T23:04:00+10:00"}Daniel Nuttall from Fox SportsApril 30th 2025 12:07 pm“We’ve never done anything like this before!” Stream Fletch & Hindy’s Alternate Kayo Call for Magic Round’s Super Saturday: Warriors vs Cowboys & Tigers vs Dragons. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Former NRL player turned media star Bryan Fletcher doesn’t give the impression he’s a man who gets nervous but even he can’t deny there’s butterflies ahead of a commentary first with running mate Nathan Hindmarsh Adding to Fox League’s unrivalled Magic Round coverage this weekend Fletch and Hindy will be given the mic to call two games on Saturday afternoon with the feed to be broadcast exclusively on Kayo Sports “They haven’t told us what we can and can’t do We’ve been given free reign,” Fletcher told foxsports.com.au “We might need to have HR next to us on the sideline Fletch & Hindy’s Alternate Kayo Call will cover the final two games on Super Saturday: Warriors vs ”If you’re looking for cutting edge rugby league commentary and analysis Fletch and Hindy will provide plenty of humour as a lighthearted variant to Fox League’s exclusive coverage It should be right in Fletcher’s wheelhouse but the Roosters and Rabbitohs great admits there are plenty of nerves “It’s not so much excitement as much as there is trepidation,” he said FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE in 4K with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer The pair will be joined by guests throughout the day but amid the game’s controversial high shot crackdown Fletcher is excited by one special guest in particular “We will have plenty of guests throughout the broadcast We’re hoping to get Peter V’landys so we can ask him in real time which tackles are sin bins,” Fletcher quipped “He is a pretty good sport so we’d love to have him on.” Fletch and Hindy will be situated sideline on the hallowed turf of Suncorp Stadium during both games That should give them plenty of unique opportunities throughout the coverage and Fletcher is thinking big “We’ll be set up on the sideline so we’re hoping to interview players in-game after they’ve been interchanged off,” Fletcher revealed “We’d love to see (Tigers forward) Alex Twal crash over for a try and then come and talk to us … We’ll see what happens.” Not only has Fletcher been one half of Fox League’s funnyman duo with Hindmarsh for over 10 years who played 170 NRL games and 14 Origins for the Blues never envisaged for himself when he retired from the sport in 2007 That was until an impromptu public appearance during a Roosters event in 2013 caught the eye of Gary Burns “I was at a Roosters Team of the Century night at the SCG and I wasn’t meant to talk but host Andrew Voss invited me up to speak and I did,” Fletcher said He called me and left a voice message telling me to give him a call the next day Fletcher went straight into business after retiring he ran a cleaning business called FIT Services with a 2007 to keep him busy post-retirement but he couldn’t imagine how the course of his life would change when he took the mic that night at the SCG “It was a real sliding doors moment,” he said an on-air partnership with Hindmarsh was then formed as a segment that was featured on the Monday Night with Matty Johns Show The Fletch and Hindy segment was a brainchild of ex-Fox Sports Producer James Rochford until the birth of the Fletch and Hindy duo “We weren’t really mates before (Fox Sports) and during our playing days,” Fletcher said but we didn’t become close until after we had retired and were working at Fox together “We’ve created the illusion over 10 years that we are friends.” He also teased a a snippet of what their fans can come to expect towards the end of the season I’ve loved the trips away to different places “I’ve loved the stitch-ups we’ve done as well Some of the ones back in the day were hilarious we’ve got Hindy and Matty as well a couple of times “We’re in the process of stitching up another big name I won’t give any details away but you’ll hopefully see the result of that later in the year.” ‘FLETCH & HINDY’S ALTERNATE KAYO CALL’ ‘Fletch & Hindy’s Alternate Kayo Call’ will provide commentary that offers little insight straight from the field as they position themselves sideline at Suncorp Stadium with the call available to Kayo Sports customers via a dedicated feed The pair will be joined by an array of guests throughout the evening Fletch & Hindy’s Alternate Kayo Call forms part of Fox League’s 22 hours of LIVE NRL coverage throughout Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium with Fox League being the only place to watch all eight games live and ad-break free during play Sunday Night With Matty Johns will be broadcast from Suncorp Stadium in front of a live audience Fletch and Hindy joined by Melbourne Storm’s Harry Grant and Brisbane Broncos’ Corey Oates Dear Heloise: I like to use parchment paper when baking especially when something might bubble over onto a baking .. Dear Annie: My husband and I have been together for 13 years and married for 10 Dear Heloise: We travel with two young children who get bored if they don’t have a few toys to play with Copyright © 2025 Ogden News Publishing of Michigan | https://www.dailypress.net | 600 Ludington St. Knights coach Adam O’Brien has previously stated he’d love 17 Fletcher Sharpes in his side… so it’s no wonder the club was quick to extend the local junior’s deal until at least 2028 In an exclusive chat with Adam Murray – Sharpe explains how his hometown of Cessnock helped him reach the heights of the NRL Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Thanks to my local member, Paul Fletcher, I now know that I’m so ignorant that I’ve been prey to a “giant green con job” (“Coalition frontbencher says voters conned into backing independents” I voted for Nicolette Boele in the last federal election not because Paul Fletcher was part of one of the worst governments ever inflicted upon this country but apparently because I am such a stupid woman I had no idea what I was doing And I can’t learn from my mistakes because I’ll be doing it again I think you’ve just signed your own dismissal notice Politicians like Paul Fletcher miss the point entirely when they complain that there is a “giant green con job” being foisted upon electorates by the teal independents via their climate change denial and inaction have left many voters behind as they have shifted to the right That the ALP have likewise shifted right to fill the centre void means they too are losing voters who expect more to be done to combat the threat People are voting for greener politicians because they want the issue taken seriously.Andrew Brown Paul Fletcher seems to have really relied on the fact he is (or was) in a safe Liberal seat and never bothered to find out what the non-stuck-on Liberal voters think many years and visited him on occasion with my concerns about climate change He never once voted against the majority far right of his party on anything dealing with climate change Maybe there are more intelligent voters in his electorate who do care about the environment and climate change than he realises and they are not just being “duped” into voting for those trying to do something about it If this is Paul Fletcher’s view of the world he lives in then the next election bodes well for the disenfranchised Liberal voters who have drifted towards the teals They are tired of the Liberals’ broken promises mismanagement and ties to yesterday’s world I am part of the disbanded North Sydney electorate that has been consigned to the Bradfield constituency We are a band of successful campaigners with deep experience and eagerly await the day the PM pulls the trigger for the next election We look forward to the big celebration that brings home Nicolette Boele the teal independents are primarily the result of the Liberal Party’s longstanding attitude that politics is primarily a man’s occupation These competent women are hard at work to keep their seats The Greens are likely to gain more seats as well leaving the so-called two-party system struggling to survive Perhaps the time has come to consider proportional representation The New Zealanders and South Africans changed that misconception in 1996 Paul Fletcher’s outburst claiming the teal independents had a “deliberate plan” against the Liberal Party in the 2022 elections shows how paranoid the Liberals are about the teals in next year’s federal ballot He claims the teals duped the voters in the seats they won thus insulting the intelligence of anyone who supported them including the 20 per cent of voters who voted for Nicolette Beale in his own electorate “majority government is a good thing for Australia” but he conveniently overlooks the fact that every Coalition government is actually a minority Liberal government supported by the Nationals By blaming the last Liberal federal thrashing on “a giant green con job” Paul Fletcher reveals the Liberals learnt nothing from that electoral whipping The NSW Liberals demonstrated precisely the same incompetence in the run-up to recent local byelections and received precisely the same rejection from voters voters resent being taken for fools by their elected representatives and won’t vote for people who need to demonstrate they can run their own party before they ask to run the country Just when I thought that politics had lost its entertainment value along comes a politician accusing other politicians of conning the public Paul Fletcher’s main concern seems to be that it worked in some places It’s good to start the morning with a laugh Paul Fletcher and the Liberal Party have got it wrong The voters of Bradfield want strong action on climate change integrity in politics and effective gambling advertising reform We have been taken for granted for years by the Liberals Nicolette Boele is a true community-appointed independent who will take Bradfield’s concerns to Canberra can I suggest that trying to woo back disaffected Liberal voters in your electorate by saying they were duped by a teal is rather insulting of their intelligence They gave you a big scare in 2022 and may just repeat that in 2025 to teach you a lesson in humility the teal candidates in the 2022 election emphasised their Liberal family connections That’s how they managed to attract so many voters who would never vote Labor or Green But those voters also realised that if they voted for the official Liberal candidate then there’d be a continuation of the climate inaction that had bedevilled us for the prior decade Voting independent allowed them to choose someone who truly represented their values – conservative but without being beholden to the far-right views of the Coalition on climate change Targeting Labor electorates wouldn’t have worked Labor was already promising more on climate change and the other teal policies wouldn’t have encouraged people in those electorates to change their vote instead of seeing the threat posed by the teals as a “giant green con job” Paul Fletcher should seek to change the policy of the Coalition on climate change That way he might attract traditional Liberal voters back into the tent Or he could go the next step and claim that the 2022 election was rigged but is it too late to add Paul Fletcher’s name as a nominee for Sook of the Year The community-backed independents’ success at the 2022 election was due solely to voters’ disenchantment with being taken for granted for far too long by incumbent MPs in so-called safe seats and there is no better proof of people-power calling the duopoly to account than Fletcher’s statement that the teals constitute the most serious threat to majority government in 80 years To paraphrase Don Chipp: long may the teals keep the bastards honest That Paul Fletcher thinks teal independents “duped traditional Liberal voters” into voting for them at the 2022 election is another indication of how out-of-touch the Liberal Party is An educated constituent will vote for whoever they think the most suitable local candidate is The Liberal Party may need gullible voters who are influenced by the soundbites fed by the Coalition to shock jocks and various media but their lack of concern for the environment and for those less fortunate in society will continue to resonate with many voters who prefer to elect grown-ups who can have a civilised debate in parliament for the good of all Australia (not just the Coalition and their mates) Paul Fletcher thinks voters are tricked into voting for independents those independents who grew up in politically aware families are likely to be interested in politics but not follow blindly as some “traditional” party supporters do think for themselves and have been brilliant Nicolette Boele - the teal independent candidate for Bradfield Paul Fletcher is clearly suffering a delusion if he thinks Liberal voters are being duped into supporting independents He needs to ask those disillusioned Liberals why they have turned away and he will soon learn they believe the Liberal Party has deserted them It has moved so far to the right that it no longer represents true liberal values and the independents have moved in to fill the void and Paul does himself no credit by not facing reality Paul Fletcher still doesn’t get it after almost three years and a 15 per cent swing against him Vicky Marquis suggests that the cure for compulsive writing of letters to the Herald is not to get published (Letters, December 2) Google informs me that there are actually several different forms of compulsive writing – hypergraphia I have identified a few frequently published correspondents who must suffer from the third of these compulsions.John Payne It sounds suspiciously misogynistic for George Brandis to describe Kamala Harris as “an awful candidate – hectoring, annoying, a platitude-mongering avatar of political correctness” (“Don’t try the Trump card on Dutton” It confirms my feelings that America will never elect a woman president of any colour There are too many who are threatened by strong women Brandis rages that attacking a person rather than a policy is weak yet that is what he perpetrates in his battering of Harris many others saw her as congenial and nuanced Brandis mistakenly argues that Anthony Albanese and his able ministry underestimate the possibility of Peter Dutton becoming PM Their alleged attacks on the divisive opposition leader have focused on the lack of detail in his proposed policies especially those concerned with his expensive nuclear plans what his team will do to alleviate cost-of-living pressures and his preparedness to slash international student numbers and undercut aspects of the permanent migration program Labor can keep trying to convince voters that Peter Dutton is unelectable but Kamala Harris made that mistake with Donald Trump.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen No doubt the ALP is deeply grateful for his little pro bono campaign expertise but does he even bother to read his own streams of consciousness Dutton has spent months road-testing every personal attack on Albanese that Coalition focus groups can come up with Not a scintilla of policy from Dutton and not a whimper of protest from Brandis The Australian government, in banning social media for children, clearly doesn’t understand how it feels to be a teenager (Letters Tell a kid they can’t do something and they’ll want it all the more Social media is inevitable in today’s society; instead of banning it teach teens to use it safely and responsibly A 16-year-old can drive or work but can’t use social media to feel the sense of rebellion they so desperately crave It shouldn’t be the government’s choice but the parents’ it also helps teens find community and belonging during their lonely teenage years Children will always say mean stuff in the playground The issue starts with parents and what kids hear at home I feel the most important thing the social media ban can achieve is to empower the parents it’s against the law” as my parents did when I wanted to drive the family car into town to buy a packet of smokes One of your correspondents suggests extending the social media ban to TV and certain video games I suggest we ban them from watching the Australian men’s cricket team playing the remaining four Tests against the visiting Indians How weak are our politicians when both sides are shown to bow to the pressure of the greyhound racing and gambling industry rather than confront the actual cruelty to the dogs (“The plot to close tracks that ‘would have started World War III’” Time and again over the past seven years the industry has been shown to be horrendously cruel but politicians are more interested in their political futures than the welfare of the dogs It’s just one more reason why I choose to vote independent Joe Biden has reneged on his previous declaration to not pardon his son, Hunter (“Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to”, smh.com.au I assume he is now fit to be nominated to Trump’s cabinet or receive a plum ambassadorship Sydney urbanites are beginning to realise the type of housing environment they have created (“‘Swimming in Double Bay’: Flash flooding leaves suburb submerged” Cramming ever larger dwellings onto 300 square metre blocks with no old-style verandahs all contribute to a heat-absorbing environment once a productive agricultural area producing most of Sydney’s dairy Best of luck in endeavouring to reduce the impact of heat waves and flash flooding due to intense storms in summer A blanket of housing across the entire Sydney Basin to the exclusion of any agricultural production has created an environment where every road concrete footpath and dwelling has become instant runoff during heavy rain events Stills from a video posted to TikTok on Sunday.Credit: TikTok: @frosty.johnson.v2 Flash flooding rainfall can and does occur with frightening speed and life-threatening results be alert to the fact that local governments are not up to it any more especially in the older places with mature trees and established gardens Gutters and drains are choked with leaves and other rubbish that sits there undisturbed Councils gave up on street and gutter clearing decades ago When one can see camphor laurels growing out of stormwater drains be prepared to “swim” in flooded streets again and watch out when taking a dip in the harbour or a city beach: pathogens of ill-health brought to us by local government indifference will be present Just when I thought that politics had lost its entertainment value, along comes a politician accusing other politicians of conning the public. You couldn\\u2019t make it up. Paul Fletcher\\u2019s main concern seems to be that it worked in some places, and even worse, could work in his electorate. It\\u2019s good to start the morning with a laugh. Ron McQuarrie, Budgewoi Paul Fletcher and the Liberal Party have got it wrong. The voters of Bradfield want strong action on climate change, housing, integrity in politics and effective gambling advertising reform. We have been taken for granted for years by the Liberals. Bradfield deserves better! Nicolette Boele is a true community-appointed independent who, if elected next year, will take Bradfield\\u2019s concerns to Canberra. Michele Rossetto, St Ives Paul Fletcher, can I suggest that trying to woo back disaffected Liberal voters in your electorate by saying they were duped by a teal is rather insulting of their intelligence? They gave you a big scare in 2022 and may just repeat that in 2025 to teach you a lesson in humility. Peter Kamenyitzky, Castle Hill Maybe, instead of seeing the threat posed by the teals as a \\u201Cgiant green con job\\u201D, Paul Fletcher should seek to change the policy of the Coalition on climate change. That way he might attract traditional Liberal voters back into the tent. Or he could go the next step and claim that the 2022 election was rigged. David Rush, Lawson I know that 2024 is almost over, but is it too late to add Paul Fletcher\\u2019s name as a nominee for Sook of the Year? Phil Peak, Dubbo Paul Fletcher thinks voters are tricked into voting for independents. Obviously, those independents who grew up in politically aware families are likely to be interested in politics but not follow blindly as some \\u201Ctraditional\\u201D party supporters do. The independents are not a party, are not forced to vote as one, think for themselves and have been brilliant. Let\\u2019s have greater accountability. Jill Stephenson, Woolwich Paul Fletcher still doesn\\u2019t get it after almost three years and a 15 per cent swing against him. We want change. Tim Schroder, Gordon Vicky Marquis suggests that the cure for compulsive writing of letters to the Herald is not to get published December 2). Google informs me that there are actually several different forms of compulsive writing \\u2013 hypergraphia, graphomania (also known as scribomania), and graphorrhea. I have identified a few frequently published correspondents who must suffer from the third of these compulsions.John Payne, Kelso It sounds suspiciously misogynistic for George Brandis to describe Kamala Harris as \\u201Can awful candidate \\u2013 hectoring, annoying, a platitude-mongering avatar of political correctness\\u201D (\\u201C\\u201D, December 2). It confirms my feelings that America will never elect a woman president of any colour. There are too many who are threatened by strong women. Ruth Barwick, Hornsby Brandis has to be kidding. No doubt the ALP is deeply grateful for his little pro bono campaign expertise but does he even bother to read his own streams of consciousness? Dutton has spent months road-testing every personal attack on Albanese that Coalition focus groups can come up with. Not a scintilla of policy from Dutton and not a whimper of protest from Brandis. Terry Flanagan, Wagga Wagga I feel the most important thing the social media ban can achieve is to empower the parents. Social media has a positive side, but it can also be poison to a young mind. Parents will be empowered to say \\u201CNo, it\\u2019s against the law\\u201D as my parents did when, at 14, I wanted to drive the family car into town to buy a packet of smokes. Bill Young, Killcare Heights One of your correspondents suggests extending the social media ban to TV and certain video games. I suggest we ban them from watching the Australian men\\u2019s cricket team playing the remaining four Tests against the visiting Indians. Such horrors, especially the batting, should not be seen by the younger folk. John Lees, Castlecrag Joe Biden has reneged on his previous declaration to not pardon his son, Hunter (\\u201C\\u201D, , December 2). As a pardoned convicted felon, I assume he is now fit to be nominated to Trump\\u2019s cabinet or receive a plum ambassadorship? Jeremy Brender, West Richmond (SA) CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Giovanna is joined by special guests – including Jo Whiley personal stories to keep you motivated with every step Best-selling author, actress, presenter, and beloved podcast host Giovanna Fletcher is fronting a brand-new Couch to 5K podcast, launching exclusively on BBC Sounds from Friday, 25 April.   Created by BBC Sport in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care this fresh audio companion to the popular NHS Couch to 5K app is designed to inspire the nation to get moving.   personal stories to keep you motivated with every step.   Whether you're lacing up for your first run or getting back into the rhythm and real-life inspiration to help you stay on track.   Giovanna Fletcher said: “Being part of The Couch to 5K Podcast has been such a joy Running can do wonders for your mind and body and this podcast is all about offering support motivation and a friendly voice to keep you going—no matter where you are on your journey.”  Minister for Public Health and Prevention said: "Getting active isn't just good for your body – it works wonders for your mental wellbeing too clearing your mind and boosting your motivation And that's true for every single one of us we are committed to preventing ill health before it starts including breaking down barriers to exercise and getting the nation fitter “The NHS Couch to 5K App is a brilliant example of this– it offers exactly what we all need: support encouragement and a friendly voice cheering you on at every step.” reflects on how coaching for the Couch to 5K app has been one of the best experiences of her life Jo Whiley says:  “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done in my career “I have been at so many different festivals where such a variety of people of all different shapes and sizes and fitness abilities coming over to me and saying ‘Couch to 5K Also set to join Giovanna in upcoming episodes are Dr Punam Krishnan a GP who shares insight into the health benefits of running Coronation Street star Colson Smith who talks about how running helped him with weight loss and Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny.  heart and real talk to support and keep you company on your Couch to 5K journey one step at a time.    BBC Sport has long been at the heart of the nation’s most iconic sporting moments including the Women’s EURO and the Women’s Rugby World Cup The Couch to 5K Podcast reflects BBC Sport’s commitment to not just covering sport and something that brings people together.  Listen to the first episode of The Couch to 5K Podcast on BBC Sounds Friday 25 April.  Further episodes will be released weekly from 5 May.   NHS Couch to 5K is a running plan for absolute beginners It is based on the plan designed by Josh Clark in 1996 who wanted to help his 50-something mum get off the couch and start running and a different schedule for each of the 9 weeks The idea behind the programme was to gradually build endurance and stamina over the course of several weeks starting with short intervals of running interspersed with walking.   Hides preview environment warning banner on preview pages Select a theme and theme mode and click "Load theme" to load in your theme combination Cessnock Goannas junior Fletcher Sharpe is determined to keep knocking on the NRL door by extending his time with the Newcastle Knights until 2028 Head coach Adam O’Brien handed Sharpe his NRL debut in June last year He went on to score his maiden try in first grade despite the 36-28 loss to Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park Sharpe continued to impress at both fullback and wing tallying 11 tries in 12 NRL games in 2024 He also played in his first NRL Finals series playing against North Queensland in Townsville in Week One's Elimination final Sharpe was a consistent points provider for the Knights in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup scoring six tries in seven games at No.1 The new deal reconfirms his commitment to the Knights after coming through the NSWRL pathways system Sharpe scored a try in the 2022 Jersey Flegg (Under 21) Grand Final loss to Penrith Panthers (19-18) and was again at fullback in the 2023 UNE SG Ball (Under 19) Grand Final His superlative performances in NRL and NSW Cup last year caught Australian coach Mal Meninga’s eye and he was fullback for the Prime Minister’s XIII against PNG in October At the Knights’ end of season presentation night nib Newcastle Knights Head of Recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said Sharpe has managed every challenge in his young career and the Knights are excited to extend his contract with the club “I have admired Fletcher from afar for a long time,” O’Sullivan said “Watching him go about his work at the back end of last year and again in this off season he is a talented and hard-working player.” Todd knows Tamworth will rally for Magic Round The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Highlights | Round Nine - Roosters v Bulldogs The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Highlights | Round Nine - Panthers v Raiders The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Highlights | Round Nine - Rabbitohs v Knights The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Highlights | Round Nine - Magpies v Dragons own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment University of Canberra provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU View all partners Liberal frontbencher Paul Fletcher got a big shock last election in his Sydney seat of Bradfield Teal candidate Nicolette Boele pushed the result to preferences leaving her within striking distance for next year’s poll She has been further helped by the redistribution has apparently decided no-holds-barred attack is the best form of defence as he and other Liberals fight the teal wave again But he’s at risk of alienating and insulting the voters he needs to get on side In an address to the Sydney Institute on Monday He claimed the teals “are a giant green left con job” And he maintained a minority government would be bad for the country There are arguments both ways about minority government “are very much in the tradition of front groups established by left-wing political operatives which are designed to lure votes away from the Liberal Party by tricking voters about their bona fides” The “look and feel” of the campaigns run by teal candidates and videography - “was extremely slick” and “highly consistent across multiple electorates” So too were their key campaign issues – “climate change an anti-corruption commission and the treatment of women in politics "Of course it is not an accident that these issues were deployed across multiple campaigns They were chosen through expensive polling work across the country.” Fletcher cites as compelling evidence of the teals being a “green left con job” the fact these community movements appeared in Liberal seats And evidence the teal campaign was designed to “dupe” Liberal voters was that a third of the successful new teal MPs  – that is two of six – “was the daughter or niece of a long time Liberal MP “The strategy was clear: to appeal to traditional Liberal voters who would never vote Labor but who were disenfranchised with the Coalition.” ‘That nice teal candidate could almost be a Liberal backed by big money,” according to Fletcher the teals had some big (Climate 200) money they shared some common campaign approaches they pitched to disillusioned Liberal voters The community candidates push in Liberal seats was a loose movement gaining strength from sharing experience and resources That’s different from a plot or some sort of conspiracy The specific teal geography and issues were substantially a reaction against the performance of the Liberal Party and Scott Morrison This manifestation of the community candidate movement  also grew off the back of the successful push by Cathy McGowan a regional “community candidate” elected on a different platform who dislodged an unpopular Liberal in 2013 in Indi Fletcher’s reference to the two successful relatives of one-time Liberal MPs just draws attention to the fact that in other days Kate Chaney) might well have been attracted to the Liberal Party Of course some voters thought they “could almost be a Liberal” Fletcher also claims the teals “exploited” the preferential voting system If we had first past the post voting none of the teals would have won But if we had had first past the post voting many Liberals would have lost in many elections He complains the teals were helped by Labor and Greens supporters voting “tactically” “Left wing voters saw a chance to unseat a Liberal incumbent and voted in large numbers to do so.” No doubt But if the Liberals had been a more acceptable alternative they would have had a stronger primary vote and not been so susceptible to being undermined in heartland seats Fletcher says the teals have voted with the Greens a lot in parliament because there are few times when Labor’s majority is on a knife-edge in divisions in parliament He says the teals reduce scrutiny of the government because they are allocated question time slots that cut the number of opposition questions and  shadow ministers have less opportunity for a run of questions the teals’ questions are often sharper than most of those from the opposition ground on the issue of majority versus minority government He argues minority government “leads to chaotic processes” and makes it “virtually impossible to achieve  substantive reform” “The stability of the two party system is a good thing  It has delivered many benefits to Australia  Stable majority government is a foundational requirement for achieving any serious reform and advancing our nation’s prosperity.” But critics would counter that minority government can lead to compromise and better outcomes “Majority government is at real risk in Australia – in large measure due to the cynical green left con job perpetrated by the political operatives behind the teal movement and their big money backers,” Fletcher says Majority government is at “real risk” at this election The reason is not because all those voters are “conned” but because they have become increasingly fed  up with sub-optimal performances from the major parties Support independent journalism, starting from less than $2 a week. By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy It looks like your email isn't registered yet—let’s get you set up We've sent a code to the below email.  Paul Fletcher took many local Liberal colleagues by surprise when he announced his intention to retire from Parliament at the next election The moderate MP for the federal Sydney seat of Bradfield will cap a 15-year career which Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said was marked by “commitment and courage”.  But in a media statement on Tuesday announcing his retirement he said it was simply a matter of giving someone else a chance: “Renewal is healthy and now is the right time to hand over the baton.”  Party sources who spoke to Crikey likewise tried to play down the role Fletcher’s teal challenger in Bradfield he’s just looking to take a holiday and then go into the private sector,” one Liberal said speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal party matters.  the sudden announcement struck some local party colleagues as curious.  “It was very surprising — he had already begun campaigning for reelection and has been working the local crowds very hard,” one source said “He’s invested a lot into this so it came as a shock.”  Boele managed to cut the Liberal margin in Bradfield by 12.3% at the 2022 election after the party previously held it on a very safe 16.6% margin.  Boele was described in a Capital Brief story as feeling “bullish” about her chances at the next election warning the Liberal locals were sick of the major parties and saying: “People remember Peter Dutton as Home Affairs minister” Liberal nominations for the seat opened late Tuesday night and any party members who want to nominate will have to do so before next Tuesday.  One of the people seen as a strong contender is Gisele Kapterian a former Liberal Party staffer and current Salesforce executive director who was preselected to run for the nearby seat of North Sydney a seat that is being abolished by the electoral commission.  confirmed to Crikey she intends to nominate for the seat Party sources speculated she could be a strong candidate and noted she had already gone through the party’s vetting process when she was preselected for North Sydney.  Another name being thrown around is Penny George, director of corporate affairs at the pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca and the wife of NSW Liberal upper house MP Scott Farlow. She told The Sydney Morning Herald she was “currently considering” a run for Bradfield.  I need some time to consider my options and how I can contribute to my local community in the Australian Parliament,” she was quoted as saying Have something to say about this article? Write to us at letters@crikey.com.au. Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity Moderate faction to rally behind Gisele Kapterian a Salesforce executive and former Liberal staffer in the North Sydney seat to run against independent Nicolette Boele Moderate Liberals will rally behind Gisele Kapterian in an attempt to hold the seat of Bradfield against a teal independent challenge after the resignation of Paul Fletcher. On Tuesday the manager of opposition business announced he will quit federal parliament at the 2025 election, likely to spark a contested preselection for the Liberal to run against Nicolette Boele, an independent. Fletcher’s departure is another concerning sign for the moderate faction after the Liberal Senate leader and shadow foreign affairs minister, Simon Birmingham, announced his retirement from politics in November. Read moreGuardian Australia understands the faction will rally behind Kapterian, a Salesforce executive and former staffer who had been preselected to run for the Liberals in North Sydney before the electoral commission abolished the seat Other potential Liberal candidates include Warren Mundine, who unsuccessfully contested Gilmore at the 2019 election and lives in the electorate, and Paul Nettelbeck, a conservative who previously worked for the Menzies Research Institute and contested Fletcher’s preselection At the 2022 election Fletcher held blue-ribbon Bradfield on Sydney’s north shore with a 4.23% margin after a surprisingly strong showing from Boele Boele has maintained a campaign presence since the 2022 election including winning support from MP Kylea Tink who vowed not to run against her despite large swathes of Tink’s North Sydney electorate being absorbed into Bradfield Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Boele’s campaign was contacted for comment said the retirement of a sitting MP was generally damaging for that political party’s chances of retaining the seat with the incumbent factor worth “a point or two” in polling new independent candidates had generally won seats which did not have a sitting MP contesting the vote “The teal wins last time were unusual in that they beat incumbents who weren’t particularly controversial but it used to be when a new independent would win it was when the seat was vacant,” Bonham said “I would suspect the [Climate 200] movement will probably chuck a lot of money into that seat.” Fletcher claimed “the local mood is discernibly different from 2022” Free newsletterGet the most important news as it breaks Bonham noted the potential for some number of Labor voters in 2022 to switch to the Coalition in 2025 which would make it harder for independents in previously Liberal seats to win or retain some seats “It’s always a benefit to have a seat vacant unless the sitting member was a dud In a statement Fletcher said that he expected “some outstanding people will put themselves forward to be the next Liberal candidate for Bradfield” promising the candidate “once chosen through our party processes Last week Fletcher angered supporters of community independents by arguing teal campaigns were a “Green left con job” He cited as evidence that challengers had “appeared in a range of Liberal seats and made no appearance in Labor seats” The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, praised Fletcher as “a man of superb character” and a “voice of reason” in the Liberal party “A man who believes in accountability and transparency Paul’s recent speech at the Sydney Institute was a tour de force in exposing the true colour of the teals and their track record,” Dutton said in a statement said that after a break he intends to return to the private sector with a focus on “the communications infrastructure and transport sectors where I have worked extensively in both public and private sector roles” and determined to support and serve you with kindness My first priority in this initial period is to listen The team will be sharing details of the Town Halls and other gatherings where I hope to learn from you and raise the questions I want to discuss My first calls on taking office were to humanitarian NGOs in Gaza and a volunteer in the Emergency Response Room in Khartoum Sudan: the voices of those we serve will be at the heart of all we do We have scheduled a meeting of the IASC to hear from that essential forum on where we can - collectively - add most value I will spend over half my time in Africa and the Middle East My aim is to maintain this rhythm of being present on the frontline My second priority in these early weeks is to ensure we are as efficient as we can be We are here to keep people alive and provide protection We must take on anything that is an obstacle to that including where our own processes get in the way of delivering I am grateful to Jan Egeland and Joyce Msuya for agreeing to lead a four-week mission to tackle unnecessary activity and bureaucracy I have asked them for concrete proposals to get the system leaner and faster As part of the focus on working together as a movement I will launch the Global Humanitarian Overview in Geneva in early December giving us the clearest possible analysis of where people are in greatest need: this will shape my priorities I have also asked my team to prepare a weekly Humanitarian Dashboard highlighting the most significant crises on my desk and the practical outcomes we seek to achieve We will measure impact not just by funds raised or meetings held My third priority in this initial period is to be open and outspoken about the humanitarian values for which we are fighting I know from my discussions with Executive Board colleagues how determined we all are to win afresh the argument for international solidarity We must call time on the era of impunity: end attacks on civilians and aid workers; and hold perpetrators to account We must call time on the era of indifference: support people in need I am not here to find new adjectives for the scale of the challenge I will share a weekly bulletin and video with updates as part of the effort to improve coherence and take the humanitarian message to new partners and allies My fourth priority in this first few weeks is to explore how we can be more innovative and inclusive I need your ideas on how we can be more representative of those we serve and will be modeling this in the way we convene meetings and missions I plan to recruit an adviser on the future to help explore how technology can enhance our humanitarian work and where we can get better at anticipating and preventing the next crises How do we ensure that tech and globalization reduce suffering I will say more about the ambitions for this work in early 2025 I know from you that the system is at breaking point because our movement is strong and our cause is mighty Outgoing Liberal MP Paul Fletcher has bid farewell to federal parliament using his final speech to reflect on the importance of science and technology as a driver of human progress After a political career spanning more than 15 years in parliament Mr Fletcher also used his valedictory speech to calm fears over AI and issue a warning over the fragility of telecommunications networks but we can see a clear pattern from every previous wave of new technology,” Mr Fletcher said of AI on Monday Mr Fletcher was elected as the member for the Sydney seat of Bradfield in 2009 after an extensive career outside of politics He served in numerous ministerial roles in the Abbott Turnbull and Morrison Liberal governments over the years culminating in his appointment as Communications minister in 2019 It was during his early days as Communications minister that he experienced his most challenging time as minister: the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 and the outages that followed around 150 mobile base stations were off the air across New South Wales No mobile coverage means no EFTPOS and no capacity to call or text for help,” Mr Fletcher said “It was a reminder of something we too often overlook: the sustainability of the physical telecommunications networks which underpin the internet and Mr Fletcher said that in many places the networks are “vulnerable arguing that it is both an “economic issue as well as a network design issue” “The margins made by the telcos in building and operating networks are modest while the global tech firms which write over those networks are making supernormal returns who has been a keen supporter of the local technology ecosystem during his time in opposition is overwhelmingly optimistic on technology and its potential to transform society “When I reflect on the unbelievable changes just in my own lifetime to me the evidence of scientific and technological advancement improving our lives is absolutely compelling,” he said on Monday “Do I think all applications of technology are positive But consider the internet – it has transformed the way we live do business and a hundred other things besides.” Mr Fletcher said that although “there has been alarm that [AI] would destroy jobs” “changed jobs and created new jobs while increasing prosperity” Climate change has similarly presented a challenge but “science and technology will be the way” it is eventually overcome while not discounting the need to “phase out fossil fuels” after spending two-and-a-half years as shadow minister for science researchers and businesspeople all around the country,” he added Mr Fletcher welcomed the Albanese government’s continued support of the eSafety Commissioner a position established while he was parliamentary secretary to former Communications minister Malcolm Turnbull He also backed the “more sensible approach to extending the NBN fibre rollout” referring to the government’s pledge to upgrade hundreds of thousands of NBN connections should it win government at the election now there is fibre built down the middle of the street with the connection to the customer’s home done only when the customer orders a high-speed broadband service – a much more efficient use of taxpayers’ capital.” Mr Fletcher criticised the  government for its approach to the News Bargaining Code which he worked to develop with former treasurers Josh Frydenberg and Scott Morrison The Albanese government is preparing to replace with News Media Bargaining Incentive with a News Media Bargaining Incentive, after Meta refused to renew deals to pay news publishers “It is a shame that the current government has not been able to continue our work effectively,” he said adding that the “process we designed worked as intended securing some $200 million in payments from the platforms” Mr Fletcher also used his speech to call for digital voting in parliament having formed “clear views about how this place works and how it could improve” during his time as manager of Opposition business in the House He envisions replacing the current “inefficient” process with one that uses either a smartcard or a phone and a reader to capture and tally votes in “a minute or two” once the chamber doors are locked Mr Fletcher said he was leaving parliament with a “deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve in parliament and as a Cabinet minister” “It has been a privilege to serve in this place for 15 years Keep in touch,” he told parliament for the last time Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email Wollongong hydrogen pioneer links with Saudi energy giant Defence brews up $16m mystery cloud platform PUBLIC POLICY AND BUSINESS INNOVATIONwww.innovationaus.com Watch every touch from Knights speedster Fletcher Sharpe in their Round 1 matchup against the Wests Tigers All in the family for Gagai as magic happens for milestone men Charlie Staines grabs two on his return to first grade You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Stay on current site or go to US version play'Do not snub the Auskick kids!': The key to Grand Final day (1:11)The ESPN Footy Podcast team discuss the premiership medallion ceremony and plead with Brisbane and Sydney players to not snub the Auskick kids They played a combined 527 games during their elite sporting careers through the 1990's and early 2000s but Adrian and Narelle Fletcher never enjoyed the ultimate success and Fremantle between 1989 and 2001 while Narelle and Dandenong Rangers during her 296-game WNBL career as proud parents of Brisbane Lions young gun Jaspa they are soaking up precious finals for they know better than most the 20-year-old will play in his second Grand Final in his second season and 41st AFL game "Jaspa's basically trumped his father because this week he equals the amount of finals Adrian played for his whole career (7) he trumps me because I only played in two Grand Finals and if Brisbane win the flag "You've got to take them when they're there because who knows when you'll get another chance Grand Finals are tough to make and they're tough to win," Adrian adds a year after Narelle's father put money on Adrian to win the Brownlow Medal have been on the losing end of some epic Grand Finals and Adrian Fletcher have all played professionally but never won a championship in their sports. ESPN/Getty ImagesAdrian made his league debut for Geelong in 1989 suffered a stress fracture in Round 20 and watched on from the MCG stands as the Cats and Hawthorn contested one of the greatest-ever Grand Finals he played in an elimination then semifinal for the Saints then reached a preliminary final with the Bears in 1996 Narelle's teams were also on the wrong end of history she was a key member of a Melbourne Tigers side which fell to powerhouse Adelaide Lightning who went on to complete a hat trick of titles her Perth Breakers lost to the iconic AIS team of teenagers which featured future superstars Lauren Jackson one season rolls into the next and it wasn't until I retired "Jaspa hasn't even played 50 games and he's in his second Grand Final Some players play a monster number of games and never make one you just can't take it for granted and I know he doesn't." Scott Pendlebury isn't the only footballer with a basketball background Jaspa was a talented junior who was coached by his champion mother Jaspa Fletcher's sporting background cuts deep; his dad played AFL and his mum pro basketball. Getty/Images"Basketball really helped his footy When you're in traffic all the time it makes you a better decision maker and Narelle will tell you that when the ball goes through him good things happen just like they did with Adrian," Narelle says Playing in big games at the MCG or at the Tigers den was nothing for Adrian and Narelle compared to the nerves they have watching their son I barely eat and never had that problem when I played If anyone tries to text me during a game there is no chance I can reply," Narelle laughs Adrian has to cross his right leg over his left when sitting in his seat That seat will be with his family on Saturday after being spooked by the victorious Magpies last year "I had my (AFL) 200 club ticket and it was all Collingwood supporters around me and that was OK when we were in front but when it got to the end and we were behind it was hard to cope," he says "I really enjoy the anticipation before the game because you don't know what's going to unfold and that's what you miss about playing You can't control what's going on out there it's like coaching and that's where that anxiety comes from." Narelle was pregnant with Jasper when the Lions last lifted the premiership cup in 2003 The Fletcher family pictured ahead of the 2022 draft Adrian Fletcher (R). Getty/ImagesIf the Lions salute this last Saturday in September ultimate glory will represent plenty for the Fletcher family It brings a little tear to my eye thinking about it My sister lives in Victoria and travels everywhere to watch Jaspa play We'll all be there on Saturday," Narelle says "I'm happy Jaspa's there and you'd love for him to get the opportunity to have some silverware as well Brisbane have given themselves the best opportunity if they play as good as they can they're a good chance." More news: Fletcher Building was one of the best-performing companies on the ASX 200 after the building products supplier outlined progress on governance and leadership changes a cost reduction program and the resolution of legacy issues Fletcher Building shares were up 4.1% to $2.95 by 12:10pm AEDT having risen by around 6% earlier in the session The company had otherwise reported a disappointing half-year result with both its net loss and revenue decline missing market estimates The news: Fletcher Building reported a net loss of NZ$134 million ($120.20 million) for the half-year 12% lower than the prior corresponding period and missing Bloomberg estimates of a NZ$39.4 million loss The numbers: Revenue fell 7% to NZ$3.58 billion CEO Andrew Reding attributed the result to “broad-based slowing of demand intense competitive forces and persistent inflationary pressures.” He said the company had been working on governance and leadership changes careful capital expenditure and resolving legacy issues He said macroeconomic pressures were expected to persist and economic activity would remain subdued this financial year What they said: “Our businesses navigated these obstacles by focusing on optimising operational performance and tightly managing the things within our control,” Reding said “Macroeconomic pressures are expected to persist and economic activity to remain subdued at below mid-cycle levels for the remainder of the financial year.” The source: ASX This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 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Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe Former international trade lawyer and political staffer Gisele Kapterian is an early front runner to contest the northern Sydney federal seat of Bradfield for the Liberal Party following the shock resignation of senior Coalition frontbencher Paul Fletcher who faced a second successive challenge from teal independent Nicolette Boele surprised colleagues by announcing he will retire from politics at the next election raising speculation his once-safe seat was in peril SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. The decline and fall of the NSW Liberal Party as the engine room of centre-right politics in Australia can be measured by the fact that as recently as three years ago there was a Sydney Liberal prime minister — the latest of three in a row and the fifth of five Sydney federal leaders in a row Now its most senior federal representatives are Angus Taylor and Paul Fletcher has managed to get through most of the parliamentary term without disgracing himself or drawing too much attention to the obvious splits between himself and his leader on issues like migration Fletcher Sharpe has shown he can make impact on the field – wherever he plays Now the young Knight has told one of the game’s greatest-ever halfbacks he’s happy to pull on the number seven jersey… if needed by Olivia Cleal | December 10 Liberal MP Paul Fletcher has announced his retirement from politics after 15 years leaving a vacancy in his seat of Bradfield ahead of the next federal election the Manager of Opposition Business and Liberal frontbencher is the second senior Liberal party figure to step away from politics in the last month following Senate leader Simon Birmingham’s announcement in the final sitting week of parliament Fletcher was first elected as the representative of Bradfield in 2009 and has held several portfolios while the Coalition was in government between 2013 and 2022 He has been a leading moderate figure in the party Fletcher announced this morning he would not contest the 2025 election and now is the right time to hand over the baton,” Fletcher said “I expect some outstanding people will put themselves forward to be the next Liberal candidate for Bradfield and to serve the people of Bradfield with energy and commitment “I will leave with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Parliament and as a Cabinet Minister; a continued (if in some places tempered and better informed) faith in Australia’s democratic system; and considerable optimism about the future of this remarkable country we all love so much.” Fletcher said his plan is to take time off to rest and to travel before he returns to a career in the private sector The Liberal party has not yet announced who will be up for preselection to run for Bradfield in next year’s election, however Salesforce executive director Gisele Kapterian is expected to put her hat in the ring, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported independent candidate Nicolette Boele ran against Fletcher in Bradfield winning nearly 47 per cent of the two-party preferred vote and turning the safe seat into a marginal one Her contest of the election resulted in Bradfield going to preferences in the count for the first time in 75 years Fletcher suffered a 15.28 per cent swing against him the largest against any Liberal incumbent in the 2022 election Boele has already announced she will run again for the seat in 2025 Earlier this month, Fletcher, addressed the Sydney Institute, describing the teal independents as a “Green left con job”. “These so-called spontaneous community movements, by apparently complete coincidence, appeared in a range of Liberal seats and made no appearance in Labor seats,” Fletcher said. “The intention was to get people to think, ‘That nice teal candidate could almost be a Liberal, I’ll vote for her.'” Following the announcement of Fletcher’s retirement Boele congratulated Fletcher on his career. “While Paul Fletcher and I may disagree with each other on many things, there is much to respect and admire in his long period of service to our community and the country,” Boele said. “I particularly want to note Mr Fletcher’s work in drafting strong vehicle emissions standards to reduce pollution from cars. It was a good move – although it was ultimately blocked by the Nationals and other climate sceptics in the Coalition partyroom.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicolette Boele (@nicolette_boele) Boele said that after 75 years of Liberal party dominance now is the time for Bradfield to change course “I’ve had thousands of conversations with members of our community this year who feel let down by the political parties,” Boele said “The supermarket shop has never been more expensive and our children and grandchildren can’t buy a home “As I continue to meet people across Bradfield they tell me they want a representative who is loyal to locals A redistribution in the area, thanks to the abolition of the seat of North Sydney has reduced the nominal margin in Bradfield for the incumbent to just 2.5 per cent by Olivia Cleal Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Linda Reynolds has labelled her party’s election loss a “comprehensive failure” and said the Liberal Party needs to look at quotas or targets for women. During the election, when asked about his legacy, the Prime Minister didn’t hesitate: universal, affordable early childhood education and care. At the election, a sweep of female politicians took over safe Liberal seats in WA, Qlds and Tasmania. Donald Trump’s hate politics is finally doing some good. It’s showing other countries what they don’t want their governments to look like. The way forward for the Liberal Party isn’t to double down on reactionary politics. It’s to rebuild with integrity. Whoever wins will be tasked with leading the party after its worst result in history, something that will be no easy feat. Women’s Agenda is published by the 100% women owned and run Agenda Media. Advertising and partnerships support our independent journalism. © Women's Agenda 2025. All rights reserved. We acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Fletcher Sharpe staked a solid claim for the number 6 jersey the troubled Auckland-based building materials giant says it expects sales volumes to slide by up to 15 per cent in Australia and New Zealand as it raises $NZ700 million ($641 million) to shore up its finances and cut debts which has lost the confidence of investors after a series of profit downgrades and operational mis-steps generates half of revenues from residential construction It said a 30 to 40 per cent downturn over the past two years had hit hard Read MoreConstructionFletcher BuildingInfrastructure SummitLatest In InfrastructureFetching latest articles Fletcher Sharpe scored two great tries for the Knights in their pre-season clash with the Roosters Birthday celebrations on hold as Sharpe shoots for more growth NRL Press Conference: Rabbitohs v Knights - Round 9 NRL Press Conference: Warriors v Knights - Round 8