Craig Bellamy's return to the Blues camp for the first time in nearly 20 years has bolstered the team's spirits, despite the stormy weather. Payne Haas wasn't able to make it to Blues training camp after a quad strain, though officials say he will recover by the first State of Origin clash.

Council of the City of Sydney

The New South Wales Blues rugby league team held a training session in challenging weather conditions, with player Payne Haas unable to participate due to a quad strain. Officials indicate that Haas is expected to recover in time for the upcoming match, and he may not return to running drills until the team arrives in Brisbane. Teammates and staff expressed confidence in his ability to perform when needed, referencing his experience and professionalism.

The session marked the return of Craig Bellamy to the Blues' camp for the first time since 2007. Players described Bellamy's presence as influential, noting his reputation and the effect he has on the team's atmosphere. Some shared their excitement at having the opportunity to interact with him, while others remarked on his intimidating presence.

Media access to the training was limited, with journalists asked to leave after the initial warm-up period. This approach reflects ongoing strategies around team preparation and privacy. Meanwhile, Laurie Daley is bringing new approaches to the camp, with players reporting a positive and enjoyable atmosphere under his involvement.

Elsewhere, Kalen Ponga has joined the Queensland camp following a challenging period with the Newcastle Knights. Ponga commented on the contrast in environment and expressed his relief at being part of a different setup for the time being. The Blues are mindful of his renewed energy and potential impact.



Payne Haas misses training due to quad strain

Good weather for Ducks as they say as the Blues hit the training track on a miserable mountain day. Payne Haas rugged up and the Elements unable to train with a quad strain. As far as we know he's going to be ready to go. He's a professional, he'll get it done and he's played plenty of Origins now to know what he needs to get through. The Blues main enforcer may not run until they get to Brisbane. Yeah, he's built different that guy. You know, he could give them the whole week off and still be able to perform on game day. Laurie Daly keen to stay clear of the rain as another new face took charge. Craig Bellamy back in Blues camp for the first time since 2007 and making his presence felt. He's just got this aura on him where everyone's just like, you know, pretty uptight and straightforward for him. I'm buzzing when I get to talk to him and spend some time with him and I'll be sure to chew his ear off through the camp. He also scares those who don't know him. I wanted to say that but I didn't know how to put in those words, but yeah, he does. There may be a new coach and a new captain, a new era of sorts for New South Wales, but it's the same old secret society. After just 15 minutes of the warm-up, the media were literally kicked out of training as the Blues shut up shop. You know, Loz is bringing his own types of flavours into this camp and it's been pretty good so far and pretty fun as well. Kalen Ponga has been craving some fun with the Knights in horrible form. He's stoked to escape Newcastle for Queensland camp. Yeah, it's been tough. It's been tough at Clubland. You know, we're working hard there, but like I said, when I come into these camps, it's a different feel. The Blues will hope he's not too happy. Trent Simpson for 10 News First.

Chinese and European Union leaders have met in Beijing for their first in-person summit since 2023, addressing a range of contentious issues amidst growing trade tensions. The talks, led by Chinese President Xi Jinping and EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, highlighted the complex nature of China-EU relations.

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The United Kingdom and India have signed a trade agreement that will reduce tariffs on goods from textiles to whisky, cars and spices and allow more market access for businesses. British PM Keir Starmer hailed the agreement as a “landmark moment” for both countries.

London

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Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on Thursday at the age of 71, according to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Clearwater

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At least 12 were killed as a Thai-Cambodian border dispute escalated into deadly clashes on Thursday (July 24).

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According to preliminary data, 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members were on board.

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The Wall Street Journal reports that former Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Trump his name appeared in the Epstein files. The White House denies wrongdoing.

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Columbia University will pay $200 million to resolve federal claims it failed to stop harassment of Jewish students during campus protests. The Trump administration had suspended the school's access to $400 million in funding.

New York

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Israel issued a statement indicating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the Gaza negotiating team to return to Israel for ceasefire talks. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.

Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Israel brings back Gaza negotiating team for ceasefire 'consultations'

Also in the settlement is an agreement to ask prospective international students “questions designed to elicit their reasons for wishing to study in the United States,” and establishes processes to make sure all students are committed to “civil discourse.”

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There are several developments in the cases involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the migrant in ICE custody whom the Trump administration wrongly deported. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.

Nashville

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Dr. Salvador Plasencia admitted to distributing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry before his 2023 overdose. He is the fourth person to plead guilty in the case and faces up to 40 years in prison.

Los Angeles

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While both sides acknowledged progress on humanitarian issues, talks on a full ceasefire remain stalled. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for "result-oriented negotiations" to end the devastating war.

Istanbul

Ukraine Invasion

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A passenger plane has crashed in southeastern Russia with up to 49 people onboard. Emergency services say the An-24 aircraft took off from the city of Khabarovsk and was heading to the town of Tynda. Wreckage was found on a mountainside around 15 kilometres from the flight's intended destination.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed to retain the independence of anti-corruption agencies, bowing to pressure from the first wartime street protests and rare rebukes from European allies.

Kyiv

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U.S. President Donald Trump's name is among the many appearing in the Epstein files, according to the Wall Street Journal, and he was told as much earlier this year by the U.S. Justice Department.

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Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the doctor accused of supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine in the month leading up to his death, has pleaded guilty to four counts  of distribution of ketamine. Plasencia is the fourth of the five people charged in connection with Perry's death to plead guilty.

California

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Russia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners following the latest round of talks in Istanbul. The swap, involving dozens of soldiers — some severely wounded and held since the war’s start in 2022 — took place on Wednesday night. While the prisoner exchange marks a rare point of agreement, both delegations remain divided on ceasefire terms.

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After reviewing the Epstein files, Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Trump his name appears alongside many others, according to a new report in the Wall Street Journal. CNN’s Paula Reid details what we know.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill reducing the autonomy of two Ukrainian anti-corruption bureaus. Ukrainians protested in Lviv and Kyiv, concerned that the bill could lead to more corruption and threaten Ukraine’s chances of entering the European Union.

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A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia's release as a second judge barred ICE from taking him into custody. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.

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A judge on Wednesday (July 23) sentenced Bryan Kohberger to four life sentences without the possibility of parole after he pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022.

Boise

Bryan Kohberger sentenced to life in prison

House Speaker Mike Johnson is sending lawmakers home early for their August recess amid a continued push to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Taurean Small has the latest.

Speaker Johnson sends House lawmakers home early

Venezuela Attorney General Tarek Saab's office will investigate El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele and two other officials for the alleged abuse of Venezuelans who were detained in the Central American country.

Caracas

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U.S. President Donald Trump touted new trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines ahead of his looming August 1 global tariff deadline. CBS News' Natalie Brand has the latest from the White House.

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As Bryan Kohberger faces sentencing for the University of Idaho murders, families and investigators are breaking their silence. The gag order has been lifted, prompting emotional impact statements and new revelations from officials involved in the case.

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U.S. President Donald Trump accused former President Barack Obama of "treason" on Tuesday, accusing him, without providing evidence, of leading an effort to falsely tie him to Russia and undermine his 2016 presidential campaign.

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President Donald Trump announced a long-awaited trade agreement with Japan on Tuesday night, a framework between the allies and major trading partners that appeared elusive just weeks ago.

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The Syrian defense ministry said it was aware of reports of "shocking violations" by people wearing military fatigues in the country's predominantly Druze city of Sweida, and said it would launch an investigation. That came after fighting between Druze militia and government forces sent to the city to quell the unrest has led to hundreds of people killed.

As Suwayda

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The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee changed its eligibility rules on Monday, effectively barring transgender women from competing in Olympic women's sports. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston has more.