New Zealand face tougher Tonga test
Stacey Jones praised Tonga's performance against Samoa last week, calling the Pacific rivals' encounter a compelling spectacle. The Kiwis coach expects another step up when New Zealand meets Tonga in...
Australia's Strange handed surprise lock role
John Strange handed his son Ethan his Australian jersey in the Townsville sheds before the 22-year-old's international debut. "My dad's not a very emotional person, so to see him in...
Cooper Votano returns to Newcastle
Cooper Votano is set to return to Newcastle's pathways in 2027, after leaving the Knights for Melbourne Storm's system at the end of 2025. His management confirmed the move, with...
Kiwis' Hughes shares Ponga comeback lesson
Jahrome Hughes, who recovered from a fractured left forearm in 22 days, says confidence is vital for Kalyn Ponga's return. Hughes feared his 2025 season was over after breaking his...
New Zealand No 9 battle reignites
Phoenix Crossland is back in contention for New Zealand after completing a four-game suspension, though coach Stacey Jones has yet to decide his role. Crossland is on the extended bench...
Kangaroos hit back over passion claims
Emotional scenes surrounding Tonga's match against Samoa have prompted calls for the NRL to take the game to the United States. The semi-final weekend is also expected to feature Tongan...
Kiwis' Nicoll-Klokstad faces friend in semi-final
Ronaldo Mulitalo's suspension has moved Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to the wing for New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga. Mulitalo received a one-match ban for a high tackle on...
Queensland Reds tour tests Pritchard's comeback hopes
Treyvon Pritchard and his brother Kadin committed to Rugby Australia in July, despite interest from the incoming PNG Chiefs and, for Treyvon, the Sydney Roosters. The younger Pritchard is contracted...
Perth Bears appoint Rea amid turmoil
The November 1 opening of the player market gives Perth Bears chief executive Tony Rea an opportunity to pursue star recruits before the club's 2027 NRL debut. The Bears, set...
Crossland's return tests New Zealand No 9
Stacey Jones has yet to decide what role Phoenix Crossland might play in New Zealand's World Cup semi-final against Tonga on Saturday. "We have got Te Maire Martin too. It...
St George Illawarra re-sign comeback hooker
After an ACL injury late in 2026, Connor Muhleisen returned for two NRL games and impressed around the ruck. He has also made 89 reserve-grade appearances since his debut in...
Samoa's 2022 final loss still burns
Australia's narrow wins over New Zealand and Fiji have attracted criticism, but Samoa prop Francis Molo expects a formidable opponent in Sunday's semi-final. "We're expecting a lot from the Australians....
Penrith's Cleary deal may squeeze Martin
Penrith will offer Moses Leota a new deal this week, manager Gavin Orr confirmed. Orr says Leota prefers staying at Penrith but is considering other clubs. Orr said: "We have...
Perth Bears appoint Rea for build phase
The Perth Bears have appointed Tony Rea as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Rea has more than 30 years' experience in professional sport and international business, including global capital markets....
Kangaroos' anthem stance raises history debate
Patrick Carrigan says the debate over the national anthem should prompt a wider discussion about Australia's history and society. "As sports people there's a focus on us as role models...
Sydney Roosters' Toia weighs Kangaroos offer
Robert Toia's choice of Tonga over Australia for the Rugby League World Cup carried a substantial reported pay gap: Australia offered players $40,000, while Tonga pays $2,550 for the group...
PNG Chiefs target injured Hudson Young
The visit nearly fell through after the NRL initially valued Hudson Young at $1.1 million, matching the amount Canberra was prepared to pay. The valuation was reduced to $1 million,...
NRL hires Mark Gasnier for participation
Mark Gasnier is understood to have taken a senior position at the NRL, with responsibility for increasing participation. Executive chairman Peter V'landys brought in the 45-year-old, a former Test centre...
New Zealand eye Ponga's miracle return
Phoenix Crossland is available again after serving a four-game suspension and could feature in New Zealand's World Cup semi-final against Tonga on Saturday night. The Newcastle hooker was suspended for...
Australia's Jillaroos wary of Fiji test
Fiji's performances have put the Jillaroos on alert ahead of their World Cup semi-final on Sunday. Fiji beat Papua New Guinea 40-4 and France 54-6, and pushed New Zealand before...
Roosters-Broncos Tokyo opener gains momentum
Buzz Rothfield told Triple M NRL that Las Vegas is expected to retain a Round 1 fixture in 2028. Tokyo is also emerging as a host that season under the...
Newcastle's Best amid million-dollar contract rumours
Bradman Best is set to start for the Kangaroos against Samoa in Sunday's World Cup semi-final. His Knights contract runs to the end of 2027, and he can negotiate with...
Kangaroos' Staggs: anthem stance honours elders
Patrick Carrigan backed players' right to express their beliefs, saying the anthem debate could prompt discussion beyond football. The issue has drawn criticism during the tournament, with Kotoni Staggs and...
Australia's fullback choice revives Ponga-Walsh rivalry
Reece Walsh has been selected ahead of James Tedesco at fullback for Australia's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa in Sydney on Sunday. Coach Kevin Walters chose Walsh after...