Analysis
NRL 2023
Expert breakdown of NRL round 23 matches
A couple of heavyweight derby clashes could have a huge bearing on who features in the finals action next month - and that’s before we talk about the Panthers-Storm blockbuster.
- by Christian Nicolussi, Adam Pengilly, Dan Walsh and Nick Wright
Latest
NRL players back down on covering logo as future protests planned
The demonstration of hundreds of players running out with strapping and electrical tape over the governing body’s logo will be abandoned after one week. But it won’t be the end of the demonstrations.
- by Adam Pengilly
Sydney’s biggest horse races lose multimillion-dollar sponsor
The Golden Slipper and Queen Elizabeth Stakes have long been associated with a luxury brand – but they won’t be the next time they’re held.
- by Adam Pengilly
If the NRL and players can’t strike a deal soon, the salary cap might not be enforceable
The cap has been used to even out the competition for 30 years, but there are fears the game could descend into chaos if a new agreement is not reached before November.
- by Adam Pengilly
Dragons weigh up rare hip-drop judiciary fight for de Belin
The controversial tackle has been in the headlines all year, but few have been willing to challenge it at the judiciary. But St George Illawarra might buck the trend.
- by Adam Pengilly
Is golf’s 47-year-old new cult hero coming to Australia?
Michael Block became an almost overnight sensation at the PGA Championship - and Australian officials have held talks about bringing him Down Under for the summer of golf.
- by Adam Pengilly
True Brit: How hole-hearted Nikora is running a fine line to lift Sharks
No forward has scored more tries in the NRL this year than Briton Nikora. But he’s become so marked, Cronulla have started using him as a diversion.
- by Adam Pengilly
‘No one should ever give up’: The teacher’s aide whose NRL debut is a message of hope
Dan Russell would have been forgiven for long giving up on his NRL dream. But at 27, he finally got his chance in the NRL and the red-headed Papua New Guinea international wants to help others struggling for a shot.
- by Adam Pengilly
Bulldogs roster shake-up continues as Knights land utility
Having trumpeted Liam Knight’s signing earlier this week, the Bulldogs have made space on their roster to accommodate him with Newcastle to get help before the finals.
- by Adam Pengilly
Godolphin will have ‘underdog’ mentality for spring after Anamoe’s retirement
James Cummings stood a few metres from the Melbourne Cup trophy he’s desperately trying to win - but his next phase after Australia’s best horse is at the forefront of his mind.
- by Adam Pengilly
Analysis
NRL 2023
Expert breakdown of NRL round 22 matches
The race for the finals is on in earnest with some crunch clashes likely to have some bearing on who takes the field come September.
- by Nick Wright, Christian Nicolussi, Adrian Proszenko, Adam Pengilly and Billie Eder