How Penrith’s awful night could come full circle
It was against Newcastle last year that Penrith realised their dynasty was showing signs of cracking. And they still haven't forgotten it 16 months on..
It was against Newcastle last year that Penrith realised their dynasty was showing signs of cracking. And they still haven't forgotten it 16 months on..
Newcastle's NRL finals run bears an uncanny resemblance to North Queensland in 2017, who reached the decider without champion halfback Johnathan Thurston.
Daly Cherry-Evans says accepting 2026 was his last year in the NRL allowed him the chance to win a second title and opened a door to finish in Super League.
Harry Wilson says the upside of an injury to in-form Wallabies lock Josh Canham is that Lukhan Salakaia-Loto gets to start against the abrasive Springboks.
Nathan Cleary is set to play through a sore right foot in Penrith's preliminary final against Newcastle. But it is not a risk-free move.
The International underdogs featuring Australians Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee have stormed to a big Presidents Cup 7-3 lead with a day-two sweep of the USA.
Phoenix Crossland was weighed down by Andrew Johns comparisons as a teen. Now free from pressure at hooker, he has become a key cog for Newcastle.
The highlight reel keeps on growing for Mark Nawaqanitawase, prolonging his stint in the NRL for another week as he targets a premiership to add to his resume.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has no doubt his side can shine even brighter in 2027 after their preliminary final loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Isaiah Dudley says Fremantle have learnt lessons that will hold them in good stead against Brisbane as they aim for a fast start in the grand final.
Brisbane ruckman Sam Draper is trying not to worry about the threat Fremantle superstar Luke Jackson poses in the AFL grand final.
Victor Radley has learnt his grand final fate after a hip-drop tackle, while Connor Watson is hoping to be cleared to play for the Sydney Roosters.
Brisbane have kicked the last four goals of a chaotic, all-time classic AFL grand final to beat Fremantle and claim their second premiership three-peat.
A sensational second-half strike from Nestory Irankunda was not enough as Australia fell agonisingly short of an upset win over mighty Brazil.
Sydney Roosters have ended the Dolphins' fairytale run with a 36-20 preliminary final win, due largely to the unbounded magic of winger Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Son-of-a-gun Max Mackinnon showed why NBA teams are circling with a match-winning display in the surprise-packet Bullets' eight-point win over Illawarra.
Gold Coast powerhouse Sienna Lofipo grew up idolising Brisbane destroyer Julia Robinson, but that regard must go out the window in the NRLW preliminary final.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been hailed as one of the best in the business at dealing with high balls as the Wallabies brace for a Springboks aerial barrage.
Liam Martin is one of the NRL's best nigglers and Francis Manuleleua is the breakout star of Newcastle's finals charge. Both are ready to go at each other.
Neil Erasmus rejected significant interest from rival clubs to sign a new deal with Fremantle and now has an AFL premiership in his sights.
Fremantle supporters outnumbered their Brisbane counterparts as fans of both clubs flocked to the MCG to see their teams complete their grand final preparation.
Brisbane gun Julia Robinson won her first two NRLW titles on the wing and her switch back there from centre has worked a treat as she eyes a fifth grand final.
Penrith's Casey McLean knows he has a job on his hands to contain ageless Newcastle centre Dane Gagai.
Brisbane ruck Sam Draper has opened up on his friendship with Lions premiership hero Joe Daniher and how much he struggled dealing with persistent injuries.
Jackson England can open lucrative doors with a win on the Gold Coast, while Sam Goodman has unfinished business in his Tokyo title fight.
Key defenders Alex Pearce and Harris Andrews will lead Fremantle and Brisbane respectively from the back in Saturday's AFL grand final.
Whether Fremantle win or lose the AFL grand final, coach and former Dockers player Justin Longmuir wants the game to be the start of an era of success.
Fremantle's key forwards delivered during the home-and-away season but have not been at their best in the lead-up to the AFL grand final.
Chris Fagan, who is unsure on his future, will become the seventh VFL/AFL "three-peat" premiership coach if Brisbane beat Fremantle in Saturday's grand final.
Oscar Allen got close to an AFL premiership eight years ago, but the Brisbane forward has revealed he is waiting until he wins a flag to touch the cup.
Newcastle haven't played in a grand final in 25 years, and a horse called Sandpaper has had a big role in the Knights being 80 minutes from a decider.