Time zones, turnarounds cause finals headaches for NRL
The NRL could be forced into a finals first in week one, while plans to play matches on Friday and Sunday in weeks two and three also have hurdles.
Sport
‘Wasn’t space’ for out-of-sorts batter in ODI squad
Marnus Labuschagne's hopes of featuring in Australia's one-day World Cup defence in 2027 have dipped after he was dropped for this month's tour of South Africa.
‘He wants great’: why Rafter is in de Minaur’s corner
Former world No.1 and two-time US Open champion Pat Rafter wants countryman Alex de Minaur to block out the hype and stay cool in his New York title quest.
Cleary on brink of greatness with Brad Fittler Medal
Nathan Cleary has added another individual gong to what is already proving a massive season, after being voted NSW's best in State of Origin.
Mitchell lauds Pendlebury’s seismic AFL move to Suns
Scott Pendlebury's switch to Gold Coast mirrors how Hawthorn great Sam Mitchell ended his playing career and transitioned into coaching at West Coast.
Major MND move must go nationwide for research boost
Experts hope a fresh development in the battle against motor neurone disease will become a national priority, as a state helps researchers develop better care.
‘Be effective, win games’: new Reds chief wants results
Vern Cotter, a title winner in France and with Auckland's Blues, has seen enough to think he can elevate the Queensland Reds after his unprecedented move.
Roosters lean on Cherry-Evans to end premiership wait
Daly Cherry-Evans was brought to the Sydney Roosters to end their wait for an NRL premiership. But can he do it without Sam Walker?
Lions legend’s query on Freo flag hopes
The Brisbane Lions are proven performers at the MCG but there are still doubts over minor premier Fremantle's ability to stand up on the game's biggest stage.
Broncos want Haas back after Rabbitohs stint
Brisbane have not given up hope of Payne Haas one day returning to the Broncos, as CEO Dave Donaghy also weighed into coach Michael Maguire's future.
Aussies ready to handle hostile crowds in South Africa
Hostile crowds likely await Australia on their first Test tour of South Africa since 2018, but Josh Hazlewood says there is a reason why it won't worry players.
Gesture, nod, record: a case for marathon on 2032 menu
Michael Roeger broke his own marathon world record and then declared his ambition to get the race back on the schedule at the 2032 Brisbane Games.
‘Change things up’: Crows take different finals mindset
A key Adelaide forward says the Crows have a different mindset entering this year's finals after crashing out of the playoffs in straight-sets last season.
Reason to believe but Blues face ‘tough gig’: Voss
Michael Voss has admired Carlton's turnaround since leaving as coach and says there's every reason for Blues fans to believe they can go deep into September.
Knights prop ruled out of NRL finals with mammoth ban
Jacob Saifiti's sole hope of playing in the NRL again in 2026 relies upon the Newcastle prop successfully contesting a reckless high contact charge.
Chief reasons why superstar Panther signed up with PNG
For the first time, four-time premiership winner Brian To'o has opened up on his decision to swap Penrith for PNG.
Tiger-like Scheffler reigns, Scott rises at PGA finale
Scottie Scheffler has joined Tiger Woods with a second FedEx Cup and surpassed the 15-times major winner on the money list, with Min Woo Lee fourth on debut.
‘No malice’ as Volkman faces Dragons for first time
Ronald Volkman is not holding any grudges as he prepares to play against St George Illawarra for the first time since they bungled his contract.
‘Special’: wildcard to the Aussie rescue in New York
Ambitious young wildcard Taylah Preston was Australia's only winner on day one of the US Open, with Talia Gibson, Storm Hunter and Adam Walton all bowing out.
‘Idiots’: Webster slams critics as Wahs eye first place
Centre Adam Pompey was involved in a social media pile-on during the week, but coach Andrew Webster insists he wasn't affected by any hate.
Australian boxing great Tony Mundine dead at 75
Former champion Indigenous boxer Tony Mundine dead at 75.
Sharks squander top-four hopes with shock loss to Eels
Cronulla are set to finish the regular season in either fifth or sixth place after a shock loss to Parramatta at CommBank Stadium.
Cats defy AFLW injury carnage to see off youthful Suns
Geelong have improved to 2-1 after a fighting win over Gold Coast, while Kiara Bowers was left to rue a late miss in Fremantle's tight loss to Carlton.
Hawks ready for toughest trip in footy
Hawthorn are ready to stare down one of the toughest trips in the AFL and cause an almighty qualifying final boilover against Fremantle.
Dragons stun Warriors, Brigginshaw’s Broncos thump Eels
St George Illawarra have picked up a rare win, and five-eighth Ali Brigginshaw has returned to help Brisbane get their NRLW season back on track.
Injuries bite as Demons, Power, Hawks win in AFLW
Melbourne have thrashed Brisbane, while Port Adelaide snatched a thrilling win over GWS and Hawthorn beat Collingwood on an AFLW weekend full of injuries.
Former javelin hurler smashes Sydney Marathon record
Addisu Gobena, a 21-year-old from Ethiopia whose chief athletics pursuit was javelin until 2023, has stormed to victory in a record time at the Sydney Marathon.
Dolphins’ relief as stars dodge bans before finals
The Dolphins have received good news from the match review committee so will have a trio of important forwards on deck for their first finals campaign.
Birrell weeds out wedding concerns for US Open push
Now that a bumper French Open win over the world No.5 has paid for her wedding expenses, Australian Kim Birrell can swing freely at the US Open in smelly NYC.
Scott turns back clock in Tour Championship title tilt
At age 46, Australia's Adam Scott is in the mix to claim a second Tour Championship title two decades after his first and become the oldest FedExCup winner.
‘Step up and do some damage’: Demon fired up for Open
Alex de Minaur is brimming with optimism after returning to his happiest grand slam hunting ground as a blissfully happy married man with high hopes.