Anyone who has ever stepped foot in a gym will tell you (or will be told) that the deadlift is one of the true kings of lifting exercises. A total body burner, the deadlift is one that stands to increase your muscular strength, but your bone strength, posterior chain and grip strength. But we’re also told to perform the deadlift in a very specific way, but one man is now challenging that, and it has the internet all fired up.

Yes, the deadlift is one of the outright kings of lifting, but only if you perform it correctly. As with any lifting exercise, the deadlift does pose an injury threat if performed incorrectly, or if performed using too much weight. This isn’t exactly a secret though.

But Dr Joel Seedman, co-founder of Advanced Human Performance – and a man we’ve used as a source of fitness content on numerous occasions here at DMARGE – recently came out and said we should “stop deadlifting from the floor.”

WATCH: Dr Seedman Explains Why We Should Stop Deadlifting From The Floor

Right away, this goes against everything we’ve been told about the deadlift. The clue is in the name, after all, lift a dead weight. A weight can only be dead if it’s lifted from the floor. Instead, Dr Seedman says we should use a technique he has championed his entire career: 90-degree eccentric isometrics.

Eccentric isometrics, as we’ve touched on before, is the scientific way of saying “pause reps,” where one pauses at the top or bottom of a lift, before returning to the starting position. The 90-degree aspect, Dr Seedman has previously explained, “90-degrees maximises muscles activation, strength gains, muscle hypertrophy, joint health & athletic performance, not to mention full-body stability, mobility, symmetry & more.”

Taking to Instagram to explain his potentially controversial deadlift claim, Dr Seedman boldly says, “Unless you’re a competitive powerlifter, deadlifts from the floor (sumo or conventional) offer few physiological benefits but many potential risks.”

“Because of the emphasis on concentric & little if any emphasis on eccentric, deadlifts from the floor do very little for building functional hypertrophy or cross sectional area of the muscle.”

If you consider yourself a proper gym junkie, we imagine your blood is now starting to boil.

He does add in his Instagram post, “Periodically doing a few pulls from floor isn’t a big deal but adding them consistently focusing on frequent progressive overload for most folks is disaster waiting to happen. Do kettlebell or trap bar deadlifts if pulling from floor is the focus.”

So, he’s not necessarily saying you should never lift from the floor, but if you perform deadlifts on a regular basis, you should consider changing your technique to further minimise the risk of injury and to potentially increase the benefits they provide.

While we were initially inclined to wholeheartedly disagree with his claims, we admit we haven’t been studying the fitness industry for the past 20 plus years. The comments section of his post, however, implies many users are now out for Dr Seedman’s blood.

“Usually I don’t comment, but this is just utter bullshit.”

“Lol, don’t need to pull from the floor every week, but saying 90 degree pulls are better? Source ? Other then yourself.” To this comment, Dr Seedman says there is plenty of published evidence to support his claims, which he says he links to on his website. We’ve had a look through the website (there are a LOT of pages and posts relating to the deadlift) but so far haven’t been able to find the evidence he’s talking about.

He does provide a link to one page of his website way down in the comments, but this page talks about the benefits of a sumo-squat deadlift, which is performed by lifting from the ground, rather than providing evidence that we should stop lifting from the ground entirely. Contradictive, much?

The page on his website does further explain the potential risks of the conventional deadlift, if performed incorrectly, however. So he claims the sumo-squat stance is a much safer alternative. This we can agree with, but it doesn’t necessarily say you shouldn’t lift from the floor. If you perform the deadlift correctly, then lifting from the floor is still absolutely fine.

Other comments in outright disagreement with Dr Seedman include,

“The fact that people still pay for Joel’s services and take him seriously is sad and pathetic.”

“Shit post. Should say don’t lift too heavy with crap form.”

There are a lot of users who support Joel’s claims, saying they’ve tried either the 90-degree technique or have switched out conventional deadlifts for sumo deadlifts or trap bar deadlifts (which Joel says are fine to be lifted from the ground) to great results.

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A post shared by TOM BAILEY – MEN’S TRANSFORMATION COACH (@tombaileypt)

Others speak to the benefit of conventional deadlifts in a real-world setting, suggesting they could be considered a functional movement that helps us lift things off the ground during our daily lives, such as shopping bags or boxes. However, to this point, some other users have jumped to Dr Seedman’s defence, claiming that a deadlift doesn’t effectively mimic lifting something directly from the floor, due to the elevated height of the barbell caused by the plate weights on either end.

Other users are also quick to point out that the exercise being performed in the video example is essentially a Romanian deadlift, and Dr Seedman is pretty much in agreement. Romanian deadlifts, as Coach Mag says, are still a fantastic leg exercise to perform.

“The Romanian deadlift comes with the extra benefit that you can do anywhere, because you don’t need to use very heavy weights for it to be effective,” the publication says.

For us, we’re still going to continue performing conventional deadlifts as part of a structured training program. Performing them from the floor, in a controlled manner, has proven to be beneficial for us.

We understand how to perform them correctly and we also understand to leave our ego out of the equation, and only lift a weight that feels safe. This, we believe, is some of the best advice anyone who goes to the gym should take onboard. Don’t lift more than your body can physically handle. Lifting light weights with the right technique stands to offer just as much benefit as lifting too much, too soon.

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The post Fitness Trainer’s Divisive Deadlift Advice Breaks The Internet appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Scotty James is Australian snowboarder, a four-time Winter Olympian and all round legend. He is Australia’s most successful ever male snowboarder.

Specialising in the halfpipe event, he is both a silver and bronze medallist at the Winter Olympic Games. He is also a four-time gold medallist at the Winter X-Games.

So, who is Scotty James? Read on to find out more about his snowboarding career, personal life, salary and more.

Scotty James Quick Facts

Name: Scotty James
Age: 28
DoB: 6 July 1994
Birthplace: Warrandyte, Victoria, Australia
Height: 6 feet 2 inches / 188cm
Weight: 75kg
Girlfriend: Chloe Stroll
Net Worth: $1.5 million (approx.)
Instagram: @scottyjames31
YouTube: @Scotty James

Who is Scotty James?

Scotty James is a professional snowboarder from Australia.

He typically competes in the halfpipe event, having won a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics. He is also a four-time gold medallist in the event at the Winter X-Games.

In 2010, he was the youngest male competitor at the Winter Olympic Games at a staggering 15-years old. He was also Australia’s youngest male Olympian in 50 years.

He also took on the responsibility of being Australia’s flag bearer at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongyang.

Scotty James’ Early Life

Scotty James was born in Warrandyte, Victoria on 6 July 1994.

He was introduced to snowboarding at a very young age, being gifted a snowboard by his father when he was just two years old. It wasn’t quite the level of quality he rides today, as it was a $10 display board from Vancouver, the only board small enough for him to ride.

He began competing in snowboard competitions at the age of six and by 13, he was claiming victory on the Junior European World Tour in the halfpipe event.

Scotty James’ First Olympics

At the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Scotty James was brought into the Australian Olympic team, aged only 15 years old. He was a last-minute replacement, when teammate Nate Johnston was forced to pull out of the games with an injury.

James needed to achieve a top-19 finish at that year’s World Cup in Stoneham, Canada to qualify for the Games. Clearly showing his inherent talent, and his professional attitude towards the sport, Scotty was able to keep a cool head and ended up finishing 15th.

This made Scotty James Australia’s youngest male Olympian for 50 years and the youngest male competitor at the Vancouver Games.

He finished in 21st place in the halfpipe event in Vancouver – an effort well beyond his age at the time.

Scotty James’ Professional Snowboarding Career

After the 2010 Olympics, Scotty James began competing regularly on the professional circuit.

As he grew older and taller, becoming stronger at the same time – some of his workouts in recent years have been truly brutal – his results started to improve. In 2014, at the last event before the Sochi Winter Olympics, he achieved his first medal on the circuit earning himself a bronze medal at the FIS Snowboard World Cup.

In the Sochi Winter Games, Scotty once again achieved 21st place in the halfpipe. He placed better in slopestyle competition, finishing 16th.

Scotty James’ Career Success

After the Sochi Winter Olympics, Scotty James established himself as one of the best names in freestyle snowboarding.

In 2015, he won his first World Championship in Kreischberg, Austria, defeating the likes of snowboarding legend Shaun White in the halfpipe event. This resulted in him being named Snowsports Athlete of the Year in 2015.

He won his first Winter X-Games Gold Medal in 2017 in Aspen, Colorado. In total, he has won four X-Games gold medals, which have contributed to his total medal tally to date of 8.

In 2018, at the Pyeongyang Winter Olympics Games, Scotty James won his first Olympic medal, a bronze in the halfpipe event. That year, he was also Australia’s flag bearer for the Games.

He followed this up in 2022 with a silver medal in the same event at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. He once again knocked Shaun White off of the podium only to lose at the last minute to Japan’s Hirano Ayumu.

Since 2010, he has amassed 24 FIS, X-Games and Olympic medals, making him the most decorated male snowboarder in Australia’s history.

Scotty James’ Fiancé

Scotty James is dating Canadian musician Chloe Stroll, whom he has been with since April 2019.

She is the sister of Aston Martin Formula One driver Lance Stroll. Lance introduced the two in Park City, Utah while Scotty was competing there.

In November 2021, the couple announced on Instagram that they were getting married. Scotty popped the question while the pair were on holiday in Switzerland.

Scotty James’ Business Ventures

In 2018, cryptocurrency exchange OKX announced that James would work for them as an influencer.

Scotty has also worked closely with the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia and Mt Buller to secure Victoria the best possible national training facility for halfpipe.

He also played a key role in the National Park and Pipe Program targeting young athletes who have the potential to be medal contenders.

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The post Scotty James Net Worth, Height, Girlfriend & Fun Facts appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Have you ever returned from a holiday, only to feel crushed by reality? Don’t worry: you’re not alone. In fact, according to the experts, this is common, and there are ways to counter it.

You may think “post travel depression” is just a way to brag on social media about your latest boozing and cruising exploits, but guess what – it’s a thing.

DMARGE recently spoke to The Australian Psychological Society’s President, Tamara Cavenett, who told us, though “post holiday depression” is not a clinical term, it is “completely normal to experience a dip in your mood after a holiday.”

I think I am experiencing post-Europe depression…..

— Maxine (@maxine_colvin) April 28, 2016

As one Reddit user, who recently shared their experience of “post-travel depression” put it: “I just had the best week of my entire life in Paris… Arrived on Friday and I’m still super depressed about coming back and having to work again.”

“I’ve been planning this trip for the past 6 months and everything went perfectly! But now, I fill emptiness in my heart as I can’t stop thinking about how much I would enjoy having these experiences every month for the rest of my life.”

Before you break out the world’s smallest violin listen to this: Ms Cavenett, who is a clinical psychologist, told DMARGE: “For anyone who is currently experiencing a mental health issue it could actually potentially turn into depression when you get back from a holiday.”

Why? “Because a holiday is often something you’ve really been looking forward to. When you’re there you’re often in a rush; being stimulated by a range of different colours, places and social connections.”

“Losing all that and then returning back to your quiet apartment by yourself, going to the job that you’ve done before is a stark contrast.”

Tamara Cavenett

“A lot of people in that instance feel quite sad because they’ve essentially returned to the monotony of everyday life. It’s certainly something people can clinically experience if they already have a pre-existing mental health condition, but that would be in the context of other issues.”

“I think that little mood dip when you lose all of that can be quite hard. The other element of returning from holidays often is that a lot of people will actually put it on a credit card or will have spent more than they intended so they’re back in the mode of either saving for the next one or having to pay the price for the holiday they just went on.”

bc post-Europe depression pic.twitter.com/GC5RrwVlTT

— Mary Jo McBride (@maryjomcbride) October 17, 2016

“When you’re on a holiday you’re either in a group or you’re staying with other people or you’re on tours and all of those provide large social moments.”

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“The brain is most stimulated by social activity, so when you return back to your house and you’re having a lot less social interaction, from a brain stimuli point of view that can be quite disconcerting.”

Post europe depression is hitting hard

— María (@_mariafrios) June 29, 2016

Well, that’s “post travel depression” defined then. But what can you do about it? According to Ms Cavenett, you should keep a healthy social life when you get back, look after yourself and plot your next getaway. You can also try to maintain a good sleep pattern while you’re away, but that is unlikely for most of us.

that post travel depression is hittin rn. I miss my friends <\3

— sofeeyahh (@whatsofi) October 11, 2022

“When you’re on holiday, I usually say to most people: ‘Try and keep your sleep regulated.’ It’s even better if you can keep it regulated on your home destination rather than where you are (though it can be difficult with time zone changes).”

“That can be really important because the sleep disturbance that comes with travel can often be one of the triggers for something like this [‘post travel depression’] because you are more tired. I often encourage people to put a few things on the horizon for when they come back – a lot of people could start planning their next event or their next holiday.”

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Planning your next holiday can take away from that thing [of feeling sad] and general self-care (eating healthy, exercising, getting your sleep, not drinking too much alcohol) when you get back is a good idea too, as is “making sure your social interaction on your return isn’t too low,” Ms Cavenett told DMARGE.

She also pointed out that in the wake of the last few travel-restricted years, “post-travel depression” may be felt more widely because “finally getting back to travel felt like such a huge thing” and because a lot of us now work from home and are less social than we used to be.

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The post Hating Life? You Could Be Suffering From ‘Post Travel Depression’ appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There are few television series that are considered iconic and groundbreaking. But Seinfeld, the Emmy award-winning sitcom, is definitely one of them.

The series that stars Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards first aired in 1989 and yet, over thirty years later, it’s still laugh-out-loud hilarious. Therefore, it’s understandable that you want to find a show that’s of the same calibre – but that’s easier said than done.

Never fear, we’ve done the hard work for you and have found five TV shows like Seinfeld – all of which will make you say, “Giddyup!”

Arrested Development

8.7 IMDb score, stars Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia de Rossi & Will Arnett, Comedy, released in 2003, 5 seasons

Seinfeld is often considered one of the best sitcoms of all time. And Arrested Development is too. Sharply funny, the series follows Michael Bluth as he attempts to look after his wealthy, spoilt and dysfunctional family after they’re suddenly broke.

If you’re a fan of Seinfeld’s black comedy moments, Arrested Development takes those elements to the next level.

Where To Watch: Disney+

Curb Your Enthusiasm

8.8 IMDb score, stars Larry David, Cheryl Hines & Jeff Garlin, Comedy, released in 2000, 11 seasons

In Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David – who co-created Seinfeld and is the real-life inspiration for George Constanza – plays a fictionalised version of himself. Essentially, the series follows David’s life after Seinfeld. Like Seinfeld, the show is very meta, witty and somewhat a show about nothing…

Anyone who considers themselves a Seinfeld fan must watch Curb Your Enthusiasm; you won’t regret it.

Where To Watch: Binge and Foxtel Now

Frasier

8.2 IMDb score, stars Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves & David Hyde Pierce, Comedy, released in 1993, 11 seasons

If it’s the 90s nostalgia you love most about Seinfeld, Frasier is an extremely smart sitcom from that era. Following Dr Frasier Crane, a successful therapist with a radio talk show, the show has intelligent dialogue and wonderfully developed characters.

While Frasier and Seinfeld sure do have some differences, there are some similarities. And because Frasier is simply good, Seinfeld fans will enjoy it.

Where To Watch: Stan and Paramount+

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

8.8 IMDb score, stars Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney & Danny DeVito, Comedy, 15 seasons

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia once ran an advertisement self-claiming it was “Seinfeld on crack” and honestly, that’s a great way to describe the show. The main group of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are much more selfish and deplorable, and find themselves in absurder situations than the Seinfeld gang – but the comedy is extremely similar.

It must also be said that while Season One of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is good, the show gets even better from Season 2 when DeVito joins the cast.

Where To Watch: Disney+

The Larry Sanders Show

8.5 IMDb score, stars Garry Shandling, Jeffrey Tambor & Wallace Langham, Comedy, released in 1992, 6 seasons

The Larry Sanders Show aired around the same time as Seinfeld, and yet it’s relatively unknown. This is a damn shame because it’s a hilarious show – definitely in the same league as Seinfeld.

We guarantee that Seinfeld fans will enjoy The Larry Sanders Show’s style of humour and 90s setting both of which are similar to Seinfeld‘s; making it a must-watch.

Where To Watch: Binge and Foxtel Now

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The post 5 Shows Like Seinfeld That Are Equally Bingeworthy appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Daniel Faalele is an Australian professional American football player for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.

He was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft and is the heaviest player in league weighing a whopping 172kg!

But who is Daniel Faalele? And how did he wind up in the NFL?

Daniel Faalele Quick Facts

Name: Daniel Faalele
Age: 22
DoB: 9 November 2022
Nationality: Australian
Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria
Height: 6 feet 8 inches / 203 cm
Weight: 27 stone 1 lb / 172 kg
NFL Team: Baltimore Ravens
Position: Offensive Tackle
Contract: $905,085 (2023 NFL Season)
Instagram: @daniel.faalele

Daniel Faalele’s Early Life

Daniel Faalele was born in Melbourne on 9 November 1999 to a Samoan Mother and a Tongan father. His father is supposedly 6 feet 4 inches and weighs upwards of 290 pounds, which goes some way to explaining where Daniel got his gigantic genes from!

Faalele played basketball and was also a standout rugby player growing up. During a game, he was scouted by a member of the University of Hawaii coaching staff, who was looking for American football prospects in Australia.

He attended a camp in the USA run by football coach, Jim Harbaugh and caught the attention of division I schools, later transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. This is despite not really knowing the rules of the game.

Telling ESPN in 2018, “I didn’t know what a first down was or anything, I didn’t know the positions or what roles they played.”

He revealed that playing Madden actually helped to accelerate his knowledge of the game, and it clearly worked, with his school going undefeated. Faalele was also invited to play in the 2018 Under-Armour All-America, the high-school equivalent to the all-star game.

Daniel Faalele’s College Career

After his emergence in high school, Daniel Faalele received offers to play for Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU and Michigan. However, in a surprise decision, he ended up committing to the University of Minnesota.

IMG Academy’s Manager of Football Properties Don Zoloty said that given Daniel Faalele was so far away from home already, having a “support system” already in place formed a “major part” of his decision. His teammates from the school Zack Annexstad and Curtis Dunlap Jr. had already committed to the university.

Faalele was at Minnesota for four season, but only played three, opting out of his junior year during the 2020 season because of the Covid-19 pandemic

In his sophomore year, he was a first-team all-Big Ten player for a Golden Gophers team that went 11-2. He started 31 out of 31 games with Minnestota, who went 23-11 over that time span.

In his final college game, he scored his first career touchdown with a two-yard run up the middle against West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Professional Career

In the 2022 NFL draft, Daniel Faalele was taken in the fourth round with the No. 110 overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens.

At the beginning of the season Faalele was largely seen as a project – someone to build up slowly in their debut season. But an injury to Patrick Mekari meant Faalele was thrust into the team at left tackle, a position he never played before, in only the second game of the season.

Playing against the New England Patriots, Faalele started off slow, but found his rhythm as the game went on, the Ravens defeating the Patriots 37-26.

After the game, Baltimore’s 2019 MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson complimented the Aussie saying, “Shout out to Faalele because he stepped up major.”

Since then, he has played every game for the Ravens, even starting in a 20-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

It is shaping up to be a successful rookie season for the young Australian.

How heavy is Daniel Faalele?

The offensive tackle stands at six feet and eight inches and weighs a ridiculous 384lbs (172kg). This makes him the heaviest active player currently in the whole NFL.

When comparing his weight to the heaviest players in NFL history, Faalele currently sits in fifth of all time, one in front of NFL legend William ‘The Refrigerator’ Perry.

Daniel Faalele’s Salary

Daniel Faalele signed a deal with the Baltimore Ravens worth $4,460,339 (AU $6,876,928) over four years.

This means for the 2022-23 NFL season the young Australian will be paid $905,085 (AU $1,395,455). Not bad for a 22-year-old!

Daniel Faalele’s Girlfriend

Daniel Faalele is currently dating American Brianna Montgomery. The pair have been dating since Faalele was at the University of Minnesota.

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The post Who is Daniel Faalele? The Australian Tank Just Drafted To The NFL appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

To the uninitiated, this 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX might not seem that rare or special – but it’s actually not only the most valuable Subaru in Australia but arguably one of the rarest Subarus in the world.

It’s all got to do with that little badge on the back that reads 22B STi. A widebody coupe variant of the already spicy first-generation WRX STi, the 22B features a bigger 2.2L engine that officially makes 206kW (but rumours say it made much more than that) plus a bigger turbo; Bilstein suspension; a unique hood, front and rear fenders; a WRC-inspired front bumper and a unique adjustable rear wing.

The 22B was only produced between March and August 1998 and was released to commemorate both Subaru’s 40th anniversary as well as the third consecutive manufacturer’s title for Subaru in the FIA World Rally Championship. Only 424 were ever made: 3 prototypes, 400 for Japan, 16 for the UK and 5 for Australia. This car is one of those 5.

“Of those 5, one is still in Subaru Australia’s museum, another car went to 555 Racing to become a WRC competitor and three went to private collectors,” sellers Road + Track explain.

“This particular car has been kept in what can only be described as still-in-the-box condition. The car has been maintained its entire life by a Subaru dealership and has travelled a mere 3,514km from new.”

Now, do you get a handle on how bloody rare this thing is? It’s effectively the holy grail of 90s Japanese performance cars. They’re calling it “The Unicorn” and we reckon that is a totally apt description.

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It’s worth getting this out of the way: some revheads might be familiar with a 22B which was recently sold by the Federal Government (and then auctioned off on Collecting Cars for over $300,000) after being seized under ‘proceeds of crime’ laws. This is not that car. That car was a Japanese import, this car was Australian delivered.

What this car is, is completely immaculate. It’s a time capsule; it looks like it has been never driven. The only discernible flaw is that there are a few dents in the top-mounted radiator’s core… But otherwise, it’s shockingly mint.

The really shocking thing about it is the price: AU$800,000. That’s an awful lot of money to spend on a 90s Japanese nugget, even one as pristine as this.

That said, there’s plenty of precedent for outrageous prices like that for JDM goodness. Rare variants of the already in-demand R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R such as the M·Spec Nür have commanded similar sales prices in Australia before, for example.

Still, 800k… That’s more than a brand-new Lamborghini Aventador, or around 17 current-generation Subaru WRX sedans. But considering how rare this 22B is, maybe it’s not silly money after all. Check it out here.

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The post The Rarest Subaru In The World Is On Sale In Australia appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

For Manly Warringah Sea Eagles fans, the last three months have been some of the worst in recent memory.

A seven-game losing streak to finish the season, reported infighting within the squad, and a very public back and forth between the head coach and the club followed a major scandal surrounding the team’s decision to wear a one-off ‘pride jersey’.

All this controversy came to a head on the 13th October, with the Sea Eagles sacking Head Coach Des Hasler, after months of turmoil.

Hasler still had one year left on his contract, supposedly worth up to $1 million per season, but this was swiftly terminated with immediate effect. He had previously won two premierships with the Sea Eagles as a player, and then repeated the feat as a coach in 2009 and 2011.

But the firing comes after Manly players were worried that the club was “imploding,” following legal threats and very public battles between coach and the club.

Former South Sydney and Broncos coach Anthony Seibold is rumoured to be taking on the coaching job, after months of speculation over whether he would be replacing Hasler.

Read on as we take you through Manly’s coaching civil war from the start to its very ugly finish.

The Manly ‘Pride Jersey’ Scandal

The Sea Eagles had come into the 2022 NRL season with high expectations. Hasler had masterminded the team to a fourth place finish the previous season, before eventually being knocked out in the preliminary final.

But in July 2022, on track to make the finals once again, Manly’s season was derailed by a scandal surrounding a one-off Sea Eagles ‘pride jersey’.

The team announced that wearing a rainbow-adorned top was intended to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity and respect in rugby league.

However, just hours after the jersey unveiling, seven players in Manly’s squad announced that they would not wear the top, citing cultural and religious reasons. The players then boycotted a must-win game against the Sydney Roosters, which the Sea Eagles lost.

In a press conference prior to the game, Des Hasler apologised and said that none of the players or coaching staff were consulted before the jersey was launched.

He criticised Sea Eagle’s management, and “the execution of what was intended to be an extremely important initiative.”

He also claimed the club would respect the boycotters, who were “strong in their beliefs and convictions.”

The controversy sparked infighting within the squad, and contributed to a seven-game losing streak to finish the season. The Eagles ultimately finished in a disappointing 11th place, missing the finals altogether.

The Manly pride jersey controversy was the first indication that tensions between Hasler and the Sea Eagles front office were fraying. But unfortunately for Manly fans, it was only the beginning of their troubles.

Contract Disputes

Fighting between Des Hasler and Manly’s management continued, centred around the terms of Hasler’s contract.

In the deal, finishing in the top-six in 2022 – as Manly had done the previous year – would automatically extend Hasler’s contract for the 2024 NRL season

Hasler said that pride jersey fiasco limited his chance of achieving these results and securing an automatic extension. Given that the players and coaching staff had not been consulted about the shirt, Hasler should not be blamed by the front office for the poor finish to the season.

The club disagreed, refusing to give their two-time premiership coach an extension.

Last week, it was reported that Hasler was considering a $1 million lawsuit against the Sea Eagles, blaming them for compromising his contractual obligations.

Now he’s been axed, he may well follow through on the threat and take the Eagles to the courts.

Manly’s Succession Plan

Following the back-and-forth between Hasler and the club, Manly chairman Scott Penn put into place a plan to slowly wean Hasler out of his coaching role.

Penn favoured ex-South Sydney and Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold, who was previously an assistant with the Sea Eagles.

In the succession plan, Seibold was scheduled to become Manly’s assistant head coach in 2023, with the view that he would succeed Hasler as head coach for the 2024 season.

Hasler initially refused to go through with the deal, wanting to see out his contract. However, on Wednesday, Hasler was reported to have had a change of heart and was open to having Seibold as his assistant and eventual successor.

However, less than 24 hours later, the club sacked him regardless “after careful consideration.”

What’s Next For Manly?

Hasler’s exit might not only be a legal problem for the Manly Sea Eagles. Some of the Eagles’ star players are upset with recent events at the club.

Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans is notoriously close with the coach, having given the halfback his start in NRL back in 2011. The pair ended up winning the premiership together by the end of that year.

Cherry-Evans admitted that he had contemplated leaving the club, saying that it had “crossed [his] mind” amidst Manly’s horror end to the season.

Other Eagles superstars Tom and Jake Trbojevic are also close with Hasler. They have reportedly requested a meeting with their agent today, to gauge other options after the firing.

Both Hasler and the Trbojevic brothers share the same management.

Will these superstars also follow Des Hasler out of the door at Manly?

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Lamar Jackson is an American football quarterback who plays for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). He is a former Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the league, having won the award in 2019 and is widely regarded as the best running quarterback in the NFL today.

And unlike other quarterbacks, he has a six-pack!

Read on to find out about Lamar Jackson’s College and NFL career, his salary and more.

Lamar Jackson Quick Facts

Name: Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr
Age: 25
DoB: 7 January 1997
Nationality: American
Birthplace: Pompano Beach, Florida
Height: 6 feet 2 inches / 188cm
Weight: 16 st 4 lbs / 104kg
NFL Team: Baltimore Ravens
Position: Quarterback
Contract: $23 million (2022 NFL Season)
Instagram: @new_era8

Who is Lamar Jackson?

Lamar Jackson is an American football quarterback who plays for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.

He played college football at the University of Louisville, where he won the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore year.

He was drafted by the Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft with the last pick of the first round. In 2019, in only his second season in the league, he was unanimously voted as MVP.

Known for his ability to run the ball from the quarterback position, Jackson is the only quarterback to have multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

College Football Career

Impressing at his high school at Boynton Beach in Florida, the University of Louisville recruited Jackson as a quarterback who could run and throw the ball equally well.

Jackson had a decent freshman season, accounting for 2,800 total yards and a MVP performance in the 2015 Music City Bowl. But it wasn’t until 2016 – in his second college season – that he really came into his own.

In a game against the Charlotte 49ers, Jackson set a university record for total touchdowns with eight, all of them in the first half.

When Louisville played Syracuse, Jackson demonstrated his elite athleticism for a quarterback, with an epic hurdle over a Syracuse defender.

Jackson finished the season with 51 total touchdowns and a whole slew of trophies, including the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding college player of that year.

He almost repeated the feat the next year, finishing third in Heisman voting, before declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Professional NFL Career

The Baltimore Ravens selected Lamar Jackson with the 32nd pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft.

He was selected to play in the season opener, coming on against the Buffalo Bills for starting quarterback Joe Flacco.

Lamar Jackson became the youngest quarterback to start an NFL playoff game against the Chargers, taking the field a day before his 22nd birthday. Despite throwing two touchdowns, the Ravens lost the game and bowed out of the playoffs.

After the season, the Ravens went all-in on Jackson, completely scrapping the playbook previously made for Flacco and trading for players that would complement Jackson’s style.

Lamar Jackson’s MVP Season

The changes seemed to work, with Lamar Jackson clocking his best NFL season to date.

The Ravens went 14-2 in the regular season with Jackson awarded that year’s MVP award. He is the second youngest player to win the award and only the second player, after Tom Brady in 2010, to be given it unanimously.

He amassed a huge 4,000 total yards and contributed to a career-high 43 touchdowns. The season also highlighted how effective Jackson was as a running quarterback, rushing for over 1,000 yards.

Lamar Jackson also became the youngest person to start at a Pro Bowl that season, winning the offensive Most Valuable Player for the game. He’s got the knack for getting these awards, doesn’t he?

Despite his personal accolades, the Ravens once again went out in the first round of the playoffs.

Lamar Jackson’s Recent Form

Injuries have also stopped Jackson from progressing further in the most recent two NFL seasons.

He reached the second round of the playoffs in 2020, but lost to the Buffalo Bills after a concussion. In 2021, he missed the end of the NFL season with an ankle injury.

With Jackson healthy again, will this be the year Baltimore wins it all?

Lamar Jackson’s Salary

Lamar Jackson is still on his rookie contract, a four-year deal signed after he was drafted. The rookie deal is worth $9.5 million, with a signing bonus of just under $5million.

In April 2021, the Ravens exercised an option on Jackson’s contract worth a guaranteed $23 million for the 2022 NRL season.

In addition to his salary, Jackson is also sponsored by Oakley.

Lamar Jackson Relationship

Lamar Jackson is very private about his relationship with college sweetheart Jamie Taylor. The pair have been dating since 2017.

They have a one-year-old daughter together named Milan.

Lamar Jackson Business Ventures

In 2018, Lamar Jackson launched a sportswear line called Era 8 Apparel.

In May 2022, he also announced that he had entered the restaurant business, buying a soul food restaurant in his native Pompano Beach.

Jackson  featured on the cover of Madden NFL 21 video game and in September, he announced that he will be the cover star of the NFL’s first virtual reality game NFL Pro Era.

Lamar Jackson is also very popular with the Vatican. In a rather bizarre twist of events, Jackson sent a signed jersey to Pope Francis.

Didn’t take the Pope for Ravens fan!

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Social media star Hasbulla Magomedov has finally confirmed the news we’ve all been waiting for, that he has signed with the UFC.

Hasbulla Magomedov, the pint-sized social media star from Dagestan, has taken to Twitter to announce he has signed a deal with the UFC that will finally see him compete in his first ever official fight. While his first opponent has yet to be confirmed, Hasbulla has said “details will revealed by the end of the year.”

The rumors are true. I have officially signed a deal to fight in the @ufc! Details will be revealed by the end of the year. Thank you to my team for making this dream a reality. Get official Hasbulla @ufcstore merch at https://t.co/tP0lr6csNs or https://t.co/odYE41G3xf pic.twitter.com/Jv1QmkN25Z

— Hasbulla NFT (@Hasbulla_NFT) October 13, 2022

We imagine many people will be hoping Hasbulla’s first opponent will be Abdu Rozik, a man who shares the same dwarfism condition as Hasbulla, after the duo feuded in 2021. The pair even came to blows with one another at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi and since then, many UFC fans have practically been begging for someone to fund an official fight between them, to find out once and for all who has the most ferocious fists.

It’s going off between #abdurosik and #hasbulla who you got winning? pic.twitter.com/WP4AV4fCI2

— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) October 30, 2021

Hasbulla only came to serious social media attention in 2020, not only due to his dwarfism, but his bad mouth attitude, friendship with Dagestan compatriot and UFC legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov and social media feuds with Irish MMA fighter, Conor McGregor. His fiery temperament and love for the UFC have earned him the nickname, ‘Mini Khabib’.

He recently conducted a tour in Australia, which saw him show South Sydney Rabbitohs captain, Cam Murray, what for with a swift right hook to the face. Whilst that stunt was more for publicity purposes, it clearly showed Hasbulla’s penchant for vengeance. We can only hope we’ll see him square up against Rozik very soon.

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