England eye World Cup redemption as Tonga clash looms
England will start as underdogs against Tonga on Saturday, and the World Cup's cut-throat pool structure means the loser will be on the brink of elimination.
rugby league
One Raider locked in, another out as November 1 looms
Canberra have made a big off-season halfback move while Parramatta have locked down a star forward for another season.
‘Lot to re-learn’: Kiss’s shock take on code-hopper
In a development that will be music to Peter V'landys's ears, Wallabies coach Les Kiss isn't rolling out the red carpet for returning star Mark Nawaqanitawase.
‘Backing herself’: Kelleher readies for Jillaroos debut
Jess Sergis has spoken about her Sydney Roosters and now Jillaroos teammate Jocelyn Kelleher as she prepares to fill some big shoes for Australia.
World Cup blow for England as injury scuppers NRL star
England have suffered a blow to their rugby league World Cup hopes after Canberra forward Morgan Smithies suffered a tournament-ending injury.
No Moses but Conti can lead Lebanon to promised land
Lebanon are without Mitchell Moses and Adam Doueihi for this World Cup but impressive Canterbury young gun Alex Conti gets his chance at No.7.
‘All love’: the All Blacks inspiring NZ’s league aces
The All Blacks have ditched the cross-code rivalry to throw their support behind New Zealand's rugby league World Cup side ahead of a showdown with Australia.
40,000 reasons Kaufusi wants World Cup pay equality
Australian players earn $40,000 for the World Cup while players from other teams get $850 per match. RLPA General President Felise Kaufusi says that isn't fair.
Taumalolo hungry like the Woolf for Tonga’s big test
Jason Taumalolo will play his fourth World Cup for Tonga after a strong season and with an aura that has coach Kristian Woolf confident he is ready to unleash.
‘So many teams can win’: closest league World Cup yet
New Zealand coach Stacey Jones believes up to five teams, including England, Samoa and Tonga, can challenge Australia for rugby league World Cup glory.
‘Prove people wrong’: Luai warning after Tigers exit
Samoan teammate Stephen Crichton is keen to see Jarome Luai silence the haters after his PNG Chiefs move was widely blamed for derailing Wests Tigers season.
‘I will look at it’: Bai ready for PNG Chiefs approach
Gold Coast forward Cooper Bai has joined Jarome Luai in inking a sponsorship deal with a PNG-based company as he faces a huge call on his future. .
Kangaroos coach makes Tedesco vow, explains Walsh pick
The door remains open for James Tedesco to dislodge Reece Walsh as Australia's first-choice fullback, Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters says.
Tonga settle on spine for World Cup ‘Game of Death’
Tonga have named one of the most explosive benches at the World Cup, headed by Leka Halasima, as they prepare to take on England in a blockbuster.
Walsh wins Kangaroos nod as Kiwis reveal stacked pack
Reece Walsh has edged out James Tedesco for Australia's fullback role as he goes head to head with New Zealand debutant Kalyn Ponga.
How NRL’s Super League bid could revive a fallen giant
Trent Robinson is the architect of France's quest for international rugby league relevance and believes the NRL can play a major role in its renaissance.
Kids kept Kiwi Clark going through dark NRL days
Dual lock of the year Erin Clark opens up to AAP on how his children inspired a career revival from bench player to New Zealand World Cup forward.
Passion play: Twal captains Lebanon under dream team
Lebanon have assembled a cross-code coaching dream team that includes Michael Cheika, Matt King, Nick Davis, Will Genia and Robbie Farah for the World Cup.
Yeo gives verdict on Kangaroos’ fullback shootout
Captain Isaah Yeo has declared there is no wrong answer between Reece Walsh and James Tedesco as the pair fight for the Kangaroos' fullback jersey.
‘Close to my heart’: Nan put the Fiji fire inside Kurt
Fiji firebrand Kurt Donoghoe will be playing for his late grandmother when he brings his explosive talents to the table in the World Cup.
Holbrook earns reward for Knights grand final charge
Newcastle have extended the contract of coach Justin Holbrook following the club's return to the NRL grand final.
Hughes chasing redemption for Kiwis against Australia
Jahrome Hughes is channelling the lingering anguish of New Zealand's 2022 World Cup semi-final heartbreak into their opener against their trans-Tasman rivals.
Gagai eyes second World Cup title, with his second team
Nine years after winning the Rugby League World Cup with Australia, Dane Gagai is chasing a second title but this time wearing New Zealand's black and white.
Paulo to use past heartbreak to fuel World Cup charge
Samoa's co-captain Junior Paulo has offered a helping hand to four Newcastle players ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.
‘Make him proud’: all black and Whyte for Kiwi enforcer
The legacy of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves continues to drive New Zealand prop Naufahu Whyte as he eyes World Cup glory after a dream season for Sydney Roosters.
‘Pioneers’: Fiji women set to inspire at World Cup
Fiji are looking to make a splash at the upcoming Women's Rugby League World Cup but also want to keep building pathway programs in the Pacific nation.
Over before it began: Perth Bears chief executive quits
Inaugural Perth Bears chief executive Anthony De Ceglie has quit less than 18 months into his tenure at the fledgling rugby league club.
‘Tears in their eyes’: Ponga proud to represent family
Kalyn Ponga is preparing for the international rugby league arena, grateful for a rule change that allows him to chase glory with New Zealand at the World Cup.
P-plater bailed after horror crash into Newcastle fans
An 18-year-old driver has been granted bail after a car ploughed into a crowd who were farewelling the Newcastle Knights ahead of the NRL grand final.
Aussie coach reignites stand-alone World Cup talk
The coach for Australia's women's rugby league team wants a stand-alone Women's Rugby League World Cup, something that hasn't occurred in 23 years.
Tonga half cleared for World Cup as Titans prop culled
Tonga have received official clearance to play Junior Amone in the World Cup with Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika dropping out of the squad.