Police Investigating Deaths of Ex-Rugby Player Rowan Baxter, Wife and 3 Children
Feb 19, 2020
WIGAN - APRIL 14: Generic view of a Rugby League ball during the Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup Semi-Final match between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens at the JJB Stadium, Wigan in England on April 14, 2002. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Former rugby league player Rowan Baxter has died along with his wife, Hannah, and their three children after a car fire in Brisbane, Australia.
Per BBC News, police have said that Rowan Baxter, 42, and the children—a son and two daughters named Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey all under the age of 10—died at the scene, while the 31-year-old Hannah Baxter died later from extensive burns at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
Hannah Baxter had reportedly jumped out of the car shouting: "He's poured petrol on me." The three children were found dead in the car.
According to Rebecca Masters of Australian outlet Nine News, "it's believed Rowan Baxter ... filled a jerry can with fuel at a local service station, before dousing the car containing his wife and children, and setting it alight," and he was found dead nearby after "a self-inflicted stab wound."
Per BBC News, Detective Inspector Mark Thompson said the circumstances of the fire had yet to be fully established:
"How the fire actually occurred has not been ascertained at the moment so for us to call it a murder-suicide or a tragic accident, it's inappropriate at this stage. I've seen some horrific scenes—this is up there with some of the [worst] of them."
A statement from Queensland Police confirmed they were alerted to the vehicle fire on Raven Street in the Camp Hill area of Brisbane just before 8:30 a.m. local time.
It added: "Preliminary investigations indicate the woman was driving the car and the man was in the front passenger seat prior to the incident.
"A man who assisted in rescuing the woman from the vehicle sustained burns and was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital for treatment."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison commented on the "devastating" news:
Devastating news out of Camp Hill. My heart goes out to the families and community going through this tragic time and the emergency responders confronting what would be a shattering scene. If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. https://t.co/qJDieLMRiN
Rowan Baxter played for New Zealand Warriors in the mid-2000s, an Auckland-based team that play in Australia's National Rugby League.
According to BBC News, he and his wife separated last year and "were trying to work out custody arrangements."
State of Origin 2019: Blues Win Thrilling Game 3 to Take Series over Maroons
Jul 10, 2019
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 10: Ethan Lowe of the Maroons is tackled during game three of the 2019 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on July 10, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
New South Wales Blues won Game 3 of the 2019 State of Origin to win the series for the second year in a row, beating Queensland Maroons 26-20 thanks to a last-minute try from James Tedesco.
Queensland had the better of play in the first half, but the score was tied at 8-8 entering the break. James Maloney opened the scoring for NSW with a penalty, then Maroons' Felise Kaufusi went over for a try. The conversion made it 6-2 to Queensland, and Ethan Lowe's penalty increased the lead to 8-2.
Blues' Paul Vaughan notched his own try after half an hour, and the conversion brought the scores level.
Tedesco handed Blues the lead in the second half with a strong solo effort, and Damien Cook's weaving run to double the advantage was even more impressive.
Josh McGuire's late try set up a thrilling conclusion, and after Josh Papalii's equalising try, the fans in Sydney had their hearts in their throats. But in the final minute, an ambitious attacking move saw Tedesco score his second try, winning his team the series.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 10: Josh Addo-Carr of the Blues celebrates after a try scored by James Tedesco of the Blues during game three of the 2019 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on July
The two teams had split the first two games of the series. Queensland won the opener 18-14, but New South Wales dominated in Game 2, winning 38-6.
It's New South Wales' third win since 2014, splitting the last six series. Queensland won eight in a row prior to the 2014 edition.
While the Blues came into the match with momentum on their side, Maroons had a dominant record in recent deciders:
New South Wales continued to give away poor penalties as their line struggled with the speed of Queensland. Maroons also dominated with the kicking game, controlling the position battle.
But while Queensland were on top, strict officiating restricted the flow of the match.
One fan was not happy about that:
10 penalties in 27 minutes including a howler to deny NSW a repeat set. This is what happens when the worst referees get given the biggest game of the year so far. #Origin
One of these penalties resulted in two more points for Maroons, but the end of the half belonged to Blues, who tied things up after a strong run from Tedesco led to a Vaughan try which was later converted.
He showed some excellent power after lowering his shoulders:
Maroons pressed to regain the lead in the final minutes of the half after a careless kick from the hosts, but the Blues didn't break and avoided more penalties.
The hosts took a blow when Michael Morgan collided with the elbow of McGuire early in the second half, forcing him off the pitch.
But their luck soon turned. Standout Tedesco spotted a gap in the lines and went for it, combining power and speed to score the go-ahead try:
Mistakes started to creep into Maroons' game, with two knock-ons ruining promising positions. Blues took full advantage, doubling their lead through Cook after 60 minutes:
The hosts wasted several good chances to close out the contest with more penalties, and Maroons started to push for more points. A try for the visitors seemed inevitable, and McGuire put the points on the board after 72 minutes, setting up a thrilling finale.
Relentless pressure eventually paid off:
Don't print the papers yet... the @QLDmaroons fire back!
With eight minutes left to play, Queensland appeared primed to steam past a tired New South Wales defence. Papalii tied things up with just four minutes left to play:
It was a fitting end to an incredible decider that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Fans at the ANZ Stadium more than got their money's worth, and got to celebrate a win for the home team on top of it.
State of Origin 2019: Date, Start Time, Live Stream for Blues vs. Maroons Game 3
Jul 9, 2019
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Blake Ferguson of New South Wales gets tackled by Jarrod Wallace and Felise Kaufusi of Queensland during game two of the 2019 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at Optus Stadium on June 23, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
New South Wales will win back-to-back State of Origin titles for the first time in 14 years if they can overcome the Queensland Maroons in Game 3 of the 2019 series on Wednesday.
The Blues recovered well from a narrow Game 1 defeat to obliterate Queensland 38-6 in the second match of this year's series, with everything still to play for as the teams travel to ANZStadium in Sydney, Australia.
One of the biggest spectacles in the rugby league calendar will come to a head in a winner-takes-all clash, with each team sealing at least one game for a record-equalling ninth State of Origin series in succession.
The Maroons lost their crown in 2018 following a run of three consecutive State of Origin triumphs, and they will aim to reclaim the title in this great Australian rivalry this week.
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 11:10 a.m. BST/6:10 a.m. ET/8:10 p.m. local time
The battle lines have been drawn ahead of a tense State of Origin decider, and squad selection will be a hotly contested subject approaching Game 3.
Much of Queensland's focus will be based on recapturing some of the defensive structure they exhibited in Game 1, when they came back from a scoreless first half to emerge 18-14 victors, via Sky News Australia:
The Maroons have been hit by the news that second-row forward Matt Gillett could miss out due to a groin injury, while centre Michael Morgan is also a doubt leading up to kick-off, per News.com.au.
Queensland will also hope to see winger Dane Gagai, 28, back to his best. The South Sydney Rabbitohs star scored two of his side's three tries in the series-opening win and has since been in scoring action for his National Rugby League team, via Fox League:
New South Wales dominated at the Optus Stadium in Perth last time out, and they will hope home advantage plays a big role ahead of their only home fixture of this series.
This year's Origin has already featured much of the talent and fierce competition that make it such a unique experience. Blues captain Boyd Cordner was subject to some underhand tactics in Game 1, via Nine News Australia:
In a sneaky manoeuvre, Ben Hunt has ripped off Boyd Cordner’s boot and launched it towards the sideline during Origin game 1, forcing the Blues captain to play with one shoe on for five minutes. #9Newspic.twitter.com/Csg2Lc3iKD
Wednesday's hosts will struggle to match their tally of six tries in the last outing but will hope Game 2 is a sign of the improvement they're making.
Manly Sea Eagles phenomenon Tom Trbojevic, 22, led from the front and scored a hat-trick in the second game to almost level the series single-handedly:
He and older brother Jake, 25, have each scored tries during this Origin series and will look to add to their accounts in Sydney on Wednesday.
Blues Hammer Maroons in State of Origin 2019 Game 2, Square Series at 1-1
Jun 23, 2019
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Tom Trbojevic of the Blues celebrates scoring a try during game two of the 2019 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at Optus Stadium on June 23, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The New South Wales Blues squared the State of Origin 2019 series at 1-1 on Sunday, producing a dominant performance to hammer the Queensland Maroons 38-6.
In inclement weather at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, the Blues were outstanding, with Tom Trbojevic scoring a tremendous hat-trick. Tyson Frizell also went over for New South Wales, while Josh Addo-Carr scored twice in the second half; the Maroons were awarded a penalty try in the first period.
The deciding clash will be played in Sydney at the ANZ Stadium on July 10.
In the first half, New South Wales were the stronger side, and from the off they applied pressure to the Queensland defence. Within eight minutes they were ahead, as Trbojevic leaped highest to claim a steep kick and touch down:
He's backkkk 🔥
Tommy Turbo flies high to get the Blues on the board.
The best spell the Maroons had in the match came immediately after they fell behind, as they managed to finally build some momentum and push into their opponents' half.
The Blues looked a little jaded in defence when pushed back, and their desperation ultimately resulted in the concession of a penalty try. Chambers was deemed to have been tripped by Jack Wighton as he sprinted after a grubber kick.
Darren Walton of the Associated Press wasn't enjoying Wighton's display:
Jack Wighton on fire. Two try assists for Queensland in about half an hour.
After squandering a chance to extend their lead further when Addo-Carr was deemed to have latched onto a forward pass, New South Wales did eventually get their third try of the day, with Trbojevic notching a second:
In Game 1, the Maroons produced a stirring fightback in the second half to win the game. This time, New South Wales shut the match down expertly.
Maloney kicked two penalties to extend their advantage to 16 points, before the Blues went through the gears. And once again, Trbojevic proved to be too hot for the Maroons to handle:
At this point, Queensland heads had dropped and the Blues continued to pile on the misery. Another slick passage of play saw Addo-Carr scamper behind the Maroons defence to finish, and while Maloney missed the conversion, at 32-6 the game was effectively over on the hour mark.
While the final stages fizzled out, there was still time for New South Wales to underline their stranglehold on the game, as Addo-Carr was on hand to finish an exceptional counter-attack from the Blues.
The final game in Sydney is set to be a cracker, and for the first time in the series, the New South Wales players will have the backing of a home crowd.
The Blues are the defending champions, having won Origin 12 months ago for just the second time in 13 years.
State of Origin 2019: Date, Start Time, Live Stream for Maroons vs. Blues Game 2
Jun 21, 2019
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 05: David Klemmer of the Blues is tackled during game one of the 2019 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 05, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
The New South Wales Blues will look to keep the 2019 State of Origin series alive on Sunday when they face the Queensland Maroons in their second meeting.
The two sides will face off at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, with the Blues aiming to avenge an 18-14 defeat in the series opener on June 5.
Date: Sunday, June 23
Time: 5:50 p.m. local (10:50 a.m. BST, 5:50 a.m. ET)
The Blues are the defending champions, having won the series last year for just the second time since 2005.
They looked to be on course for a strong start to this year's series when they took an 8-0 lead at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane into half-time in the first match, but Queensland battled back to draw first blood.
New South Wales have rung the changes in response to their defeat and dropped seven players—three because of injuries—including Latrell Mitchell.
Mitchell was sin-binned in the second half, and Dane Gagai scored the first of his two tries while the Blues player was off the field:
Josh Morris is also among those dropped despite scoring the Blues' opening try.
Fox Sports' Warren Smith had sympathy for him:
Josh Morris is very unlucky to miss out on the Blues team for #Origin 2, but they need to carry a halves back-up, and Wighton is it. It also lets them carry an extra forward on the bench. Can Wighton and Trbojevic defend at centre? I guess we’ll find out.
Cody Walker and Angus Crichton have also been left out, along with the injured David Klemmer (wrist), Payne Haas (hamstring) and Nick Cotric (ankle).
In their place will come Blake Ferguson, Tom Trbojevic, James Maloney, Daniel Saifiti, Dale Finucane, Wade Graham and Tariq Sims.
As for Queensland, they're keeping the same squad together following the victory, aside from replacing Joe Ofahengaue (knee) and Jai Arrow (ankle) with Tim Glasby and Jarrod Wallace.
Gagai will be hoping to add to his tally after his brace of tries in the first match took him to 11 in as many State of Origin games:
Despite their comeback, Maroons boss Kevin Walters is confident his team are capable of much better.
"With the team we have selected, we know there is improvement," Walters said, per Queensland's official website. "After reviewing the game [at Suncorp], I would probably give it a five, or maybe if I am being kind, a six out of 10, and the players are aware of this."
If that was a middle-of-the-road performance from Queensland, New South Wales will have to hope their replacements can help them produce a significantly better showing than they did in the first game, or the series will be going back to their rivals once again.
State of Origin 2019: Maroons Complete Comeback to Win Game 1 vs. Blues
Jun 5, 2019
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 05: Dane Gagai of QLD scores a try during game one of the 2019 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 05, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Dane Gagai scored two late tries to seal an 18-14comeback victory for Queensland Maroons against New South Wales Blues on Wednesday in Game 1 of the 2019 State of Origin series.
In a bruising contest at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, the Blues took an 8-0 lead into half-time after Josh Morris' 20th minute try.
A relentless second-half performance from Queensland saw them turn the match around, though.
Corey Oates got their first score of the match in the corner in the 53rd minute before Gagai's scintillating double put the Maroons 18-8 ahead with nine minutes to go.
It was a tense finish in Brisbane after Jake Trbojevic burst through the hosts' defence to score under the posts four minutes from time.
But Queensland held on, and they will now head to Perth on June 23 for Game 2 knowing another victory will seal the series.
New South Wales looked the sharper side in the breathless opening exchanges.
JamesTedescowas almost put through by a lovely NathanCleary kick in the eighth minute, and the Blues went 2-0 ahead when the halfback converted a penalty four minutes later.
It was a Queensland player who was first over the line, though, when Oates looked to have converted a brilliant finish in the corner in the 19th minute.
But it was ruled out after consultation with the video referee:
— Feed Nation x Sportsbet (@sportsbetcomau) June 5, 2019
KalynPongathen tied the scores up with a penalty after LatrellMitchell was sent to the sin bin for preventing a potential MattGillett try with an illegal tackle.
With 13 minutes to play, the Blues finally had some possession near the Queensland line and looked as though they might just sneak a try.
However, JackWightonattempted an unnecessary offload near the corner, whichGagaiintercepted and ran the length of the pitch to put Queensland ahead for the first time in the match:
The 28-year-old then went over in the corner four minutes later after Ponga's brilliant flat miss-pass took three Blues defenders out the game.
There was one more twist in the tale when Trbojevicsmashed through some tired Maroons defenders to give the Blues a glimpse of their own comeback.
But it was not to be as Queenslandcoolydefended their way to victory.
State of Origin 2019: Date, Start Time, Live Stream for Blues vs. Maroons Game 1
Jun 3, 2019
The New South Wales Blues head into the 2019 State of Origin series against the Queensland Maroons in the unusual position of defending champions after picking up just their second win in 13 years last year.
The Blues won the two opening games on their way to victory in 2018, and the pressure will be on Brad Fittler's side this time around to retain their title for the first time since 2005.
The Queensland Maroons will have home advantage on Wednesday with the first game being played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, before the action switches to the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday 23 June.
The New South Wales Blues took victory in 2018 with an inexperienced team, and Fittler has once again placed his faith in youth, naming five debutants in his squad:
South Sydney pair Cody Walker and Cameron Murray, Canberra Raiders duo Nick Cotric and Jack Wighton and 19-year-old Payne Haas have all been called up for the first time and will be out to make an impression on the big stage.
Danny Buderus at Fox Sports noted how the in-form Walker has already made a good impression with the Blues:
"The way he has given himself to the team, he feels very comfortable already" @Bedsy78 on Cody Walker in the @NSWRL team.
Fittler has also kept faith with Nathan Cleary, despite his recent struggles with Penrith Panthers. He said he is happy to stick with the 21-year-old, per Brent Read at The Australian.
"I think Nathan's game is sometimes easier to play because it is all based on effort—he tries so hard. The backbone of his game is chasing every kick, trying to make every tackle and doing everything he can. That can't be said about every player—it is quite rare. Any chance that I get to pick Nathan in a football team I am very glad."
The Queensland Maroons look to have the edge when it comes to experience which could prove vital as they look to bounce back from a rare defeat.
Coach Kevin Walters has named three debutants in his team to face NSW
Kevin Walters has named three debutants in his Queensland Maroons team for Game I.
David Fifita, Joe Ofahengaue and Moses Mbye are the three new faces in the squad. History will be made by 19-year-old Fifita:
BREAKING: It’s official. Broncos sensation David Fifita will make history as the first Maroon born in the 2000s to play State of Origin. Fifita will debut at 19 years and 100 days after just 21 NRL games. Qld bench is Mbye, Fifita, Napa and Ofahengaue
The Queensland Maroons will not lack for motivation in the opener, and their added experience and home advantage may give them the edge.
However, NSW Blues demonstrated their freedom and lack of fear on their way to the title in 2018 and can not be written off ahead of what should be an intriguing first game between the two rivals.
