Evening Football News: City Hit Five, Raiders and Roosters Play Hardball

A big Monday for contract news in the NRL, plus a busy Carabao Cup week coming up.

City put Sydney FC to the sword
Melbourne City won 5-0 away at Sydney FC in round two of the A-League Women. Cortnee Vine, Momo Hayashi and Deven Jackson all scored, there was a Charlotte McLean own goal, and Melina Ayres finished it off from the spot. The Central Coast Mariners also kept their perfect start going with a 5-1 win over Canberra United, with Talia Kapetanellis scoring twice.

Rest of the ALW round
Western Sydney Wanderers came from behind to beat Brisbane Roar 3-1. Sofia Palywoda, Talia Younis (penalty) and Brooke Miller scored for the Wanderers. Adelaide United and Perth Glory drew 0-0, and Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory drew 1-1, with goals from Makala Woods and Holly Furphy.

Raiders pull Hudson Young offer
Canberra have withdrawn their latest contract offer to Hudson Young, reported to be about $4.4 million over four years and the biggest in the club’s history. The club wanted an answer before the end of October. Young is still contracted for 2027, and the PNG Chiefs are now seen as favourites to sign him.

Roosters walk away from Walker talks
Hours later, the Roosters said they had withdrawn their offer to extend new Kangaroos halfback Sam Walker beyond 2027, after the two sides couldn’t agree on terms. The latest offer was reported at $1.3 million a season. Rival clubs can start talking to him from 1 November.

World Cup run home
Two players from Sunday’s games face Grade 1 careless high tackle charges: Tonga’s Latu Fainu and Fiji’s Mitchell Prest. The Kangaroos play the Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday, and the Kiwis play Fiji on the Gold Coast to decide the other Pool A semi-final spot. The semi-finals are a Jillaroos–Kangaroos double-header at Allianz Stadium on 8 November.

Palmer misses Anfield cup clash
Cole Palmer’s red card against Spurs means he misses Chelsea’s Carabao Cup fourth-round match at Liverpool, which kicks off at 7am AEDT on Thursday. Supporting the Reds or the Blues? The Liverpool FC 14" Mesh Ball ($20) and the Chelsea FC 2pk Stadium Sign ($28) are both in stock. Elsewhere, Arsenal visit League Two side Fleetwood on Wednesday morning AEDT, and Man City host Brighton early Thursday.

Fiji make their pitch for Nawaqanitawase
Fiji Rugby chairman John Sanday is trying to win over former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is heading to Japan’s Wild Knights on a two-year deal. Nawaqanitawase says he won’t decide which country he’ll play for until next year.

Overnight in Europe
PSG host Lyon in Ligue 1 early Tuesday morning AEDT. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce meet in the Istanbul derby, and Sevilla host Osasuna.

Gear up for the week
Arsenal fans can get the Arsenal FC ‘Colour In’ Mini Football Set ($32) for the young Gooners. Football Heaven is a proudly Australian store that has sold officially licensed football and rugby merchandise since 2006. Browse more than 250 brands at footballheaven.com.au.