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Two transgender netball players banned after knocking opponent to the ground
Two transgender netball players have been banned from competing in Australia’s Riddell District Football Netball League after video footage emerged showing one player knocking an opponent to the ground. The incident involved Melton Central player Manawa Aranui sending a member of the Romsey team crashing to the court during play. There was no foul called […]
Two transgender netball players have been banned from competing in Australia’s Riddell District Football Netball League after video footage emerged showing one player knocking an opponent to the ground.
The incident involved Melton Central player Manawa Aranui sending a member of the Romsey team crashing to the court during play.
There was no foul called during the incident. Aranui, who previously played elite men’s netball before transitioning, was seen offering to help the fallen opponent to her feet.
The footage prompted a host of complaints from rival teams, leading to the league’s decision to exclude both transgender players from competition.
Melton Central player Manawa Aranui sent a teenage opponent tumbling to the floor
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Following the complaints, Victoria’s Riddell District Football Netball League announced that both transgender Melton Central teammates were excluded from competition for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Melton South Netball Club had threatened to boycott matches against Melton Central due to safety concerns.
The league acknowledged the pair “exhibit superior stamina and physique” in their official statement.
“After lengthy consideration and consultation, the RDFNL has ruled that the two transgender participants be excluded from the RDFNL Netball Competitions for the remainder of the 2025 season on the premise that both participants exhibit superior stamina and physique over their competitors deeming Section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act relevant,” the statement said.
Netball Victoria has confirmed it is investigating the issue by engaging an independent expert to assess concerns.
Aranui had already faced bans from other governing bodies after transitioning, with the Ballarat Football Netball League deeming her ineligible for their women’s competition in April after obtaining legal advice citing the Sex Discrimination Act.
Manawa Aranui used to play men’s netball at an elite level
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Despite these previous bans, Aranui continued to play for Melton Central. She was recently named best on court in a Division 1 grand final.
Melton South’s netball coordinator Melissa Dawson told News Corp reporters she would support her players if they chose to forfeit games over safety concerns.
“One of the players is six foot something – it’s ridiculous,” she said. “Netball Victoria needs to put the safety of biological females first.”
Netball Victoria allows non-binary and transgender players to register and play in female competitions based on self-identified gender, not legal sex. This contrasts sharply with protections for women’s sport in the UK.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Footage has emerged of a female netballer being knocked to the ground after clashing with a trans identified male player who used to play elite men’s netball.
It comes after Netball Victoria launched a review into whether these male players pose a risk to female players.… pic.twitter.com/uCDM7m6rDH
— Rachael Wong (@RachaelWongAus) May 27, 2025
England Netball was among organisations to immediately ban all transgender women from competing in the female category following the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.
The court determined that the word “woman” applies to biological females.
This ruling has established clear protections for women’s sport across Britain, creating a marked difference in approach between Australian and British sporting governance on transgender participation.
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Jake Paul Just Called Ronaldo One of the Most Overhyped Athletes Ever
Jordan OMalley July 9, 2025 at 7:19 AM Jake Paul isn’t new to controversy, but his latest move lit up the sports world like few others. In a clip that went viral, the social media star rattled off a list of athletes he believes are, in his words, “overrated.” Shockingly, the names included legends, champions, […]
Jake Paul isn’t new to controversy, but his latest move lit up the sports world like few others. In a clip that went viral, the social media star rattled off a list of athletes he believes are, in his words, “overrated.” Shockingly, the names included legends, champions, and household favorites.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Credit: Instagram
Paul knew this pick would upset millions. He even said so before dropping Cristiano Ronaldo’s name. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored over 800 goals, won titles in England, Spain, and Italy, and just helped Portugal win another Nations League. Yet Paul shrugged all that off. To him, Ronaldo is overhyped. He didn’t elaborate, but calling one of the sport’s most consistent icons overrated? That did plenty on its own.
Anthony Joshua
Credit: Instagram
Once a unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has lost steam lately. Paul didn’t waste time calling him out, especially after Anthony’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024. While Anthony hasn’t fought since the Dubois bout, Paul believes the boxer’s name still carries more weight than his recent performances justify.
Conor McGregor
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Despite being one of the UFC’s most famous figures, Conor McGregor hasn’t won a fight in more than five years. That’s the stat Paul leaned on when dropping Conor’s name. Their rivalry is well-documented, and the two have teased a future clash.
Canelo Alvarez
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Paul isn’t impressed that Canelo Alvarez has held titles in four weight classes. He’s been vocal about it, especially after a rumored fight between the two fell through. Canelo instead signed a deal with the Riyadh Season series. Paul views him as a legacy fighter whose current relevance is inflated. For someone with nearly 60 pro fights, Canelo still couldn’t dodge this jab from Jake.
Ryan Garcia
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Ryan Garcia’s recent headlines haven’t helped his case. Paul criticized the boxer for his high expectations and underwhelming follow-through; even his win over Devin Haney was overturned due to a failed test. For Paul, Ryan’s image as the future of boxing never quite matched the reality in the ring.
Babe Ruth
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It’s not every day someone calls Babe Ruth overrated, but Paul did exactly that. Ruth’s seven World Series wins and 714 home runs are etched in baseball history. But Paul pointed to the era Ruth played in, long before modern training, competition, or television, as a reason to question his legacy.
Dak Prescott
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The Dallas Cowboys quarterback made the list, probably for one glaring reason: his playoff record. At 2–5 in the postseason, Dak Prescott hasn’t lived up to the hype he now earns, at least according to Paul.
Tua Tagovailoa
Credit: Instagram
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was another NFL name Paul went after. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but injury setbacks and an uneven career arc likely made him an easy pick. Tua ranked among the NFL’s top 100 players in 2023, but that didn’t stop the influencer from calling him out.
Trevor Lawrence
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Even the football star’s potential hasn’t shielded him from criticism this harsh. Trevor Lawrence came into the NFL as a can’t-miss prospect. After being drafted first overall in 2021, he led the Jaguars to one playoff win and a division title in 2022. Still, his 20-30 career record and $55 million annual salary were enough for Paul to call him “overpaid and overrated.”
Anthony Edwards
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Though relatively young, Anthony Edwards is already turning heads in the NBA. He won Olympic gold in 2024 and made history with the most single-season three-pointers in Timberwolves franchise history. But Paul still put him on blast. He didn’t go into detail, but some believe the controversial influencer is jumping the gun here. Considering he’s only 23, Edwards might make Paul regret this pick in a few short seasons.
Tommy Fury – Honorable Mention
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Jake Paul and Tommy Fury shared one of boxing’s most hyped grudge matches in 2023. The latter won by split decision, but Jake downplayed the loss, calling Tommy “basic” and “overprotected.”
Nate Diaz – Honorable Mention
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When Jake Paul fought Nate Diaz in 2023, it was more like an internet crossover than a real boxing match. Diaz, an MMA legend, looked out of place in a boxing ring. Jake won on points but later dismissed Nate’s performance as sluggish and outdated. Despite Nate’s cult following, Jake doesn’t buy the hype.
Logan Paul – Honorable Mention
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Even brothers aren’t safe. Jake has occasionally jabbed at Logan Paul’s combat credibility, especially after Logan’s exhibition with Floyd Mayweather. While Logan shifted toward WWE and PRIME hydration deals, Jake hinted that Logan’s fight record and ring skills don’t live up to the spotlight he enjoys.
Ben Askren – Honorable Mention
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Jake Paul knocked out Ben Askren in under two minutes back in 2021, but the drama didn’t stop there. The influencer often mocks Askren’s physique and downplays the win, saying it proved how overhyped the former MMA wrestler was as a striker. Askren’s decorated MMA résumé didn’t impress Jake.
Dillon Danis – Honorable Mention
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Before his boxing debut, Jake Paul called out Dillon Danis repeatedly, even pelting him with water balloons during an infamous drive-by taunt. Danis talked plenty but never signed a contract. Paul took that as proof of bluffing.
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