History suggests preliminary finals aren’t predictable
The NRL's preliminary finals shape up as the most predictable in years, but history suggests both matches are rarely straight forward.
rugby league
NRLW’s Broncos doing it for teammates Hunt, Gould
Brisbane's NRLW side will have Toni Hunt and Lavinia Gould in their hearts when they run out for this weekend's semi-final.
Alexander steps down as NSW Origin overhaul looms
Brad Fittler has pitched several changes to his NSW State of Origin support staff for 2024, with Greg Alexander and Paul McGregor having already stepped down.
All Black’s kicking advice for Melbourne’s Meaney
Feedback from rugby star Jordie Barrett could help turn things around for Nick Meaney after a wayward night with the boot for the Storm No.1 in the NRL semi.
‘I needed boot up backside’: Palasia on Broncos axing
Ahead of Brisbane's NRL preliminary final against the Warriors, Broncos prop Keenan Palasia says being dropped mid-season kicked his campaign into gear.
Imitation game: Panthers admire Storm’s jersey gee-up
Melbourne's attempts to prepare themselves for Penrith have led to the club's reserves donning imitation Panthers jerseys.
Horsburgh pens long-term NRL deal with Raiders
Corey Horsburgh's long-term future is at Canberra after the lock inked a four-year extension with the Green Machine.
Iceman cometh: how Broncos’ Carrigan battled ACL tear
An ice machine and a steely mindset helped Brisbane's Patrick Carrigan battle back from an ACL injury to establish himself as one of the NRL's best forwards.
Guru, linchpin and ratbag: Reynolds loving Broncos role
Brisbane's Adam Reynolds has found the perfect combination of on-field guide and off-field mentor and larrikin ahead of the preliminary final with the Warriors.
How 2020 GF loss gave Penrith last piece of the puzzle
Penrith's ruthless attitude was born out of a grand final loss to Melbourne, with players walked over by the Storm in 2020 and taught how to play big games.
‘Gold for Gold’: The slogan pushing Titans’ title dream
Gold Coast's NRLW side has the chance to become the first team based on the Glitter Strip to hoist rugby league's top prize aloft.
Warriors keen to make life ugly for ‘pretty boy’ Walsh
The Warriors are aware of the threat electric Brisbane No.1 Reece Walsh poses in Saturday's preliminary final.
NRLW star Nathan-Wong cleared of neck damage
St George Illawarra NRLW five-eighth Tyla Nathan-Wong has been cleared of neck damage and released from hospital.
Roosters’ Hopoate faces ban, set to miss NRLW finals
Prop Pani Hopoate is set to miss the Sydney Roosters' NRLW finals tilt after receiving a two-match ban for a hip-drop tackle.
Luai firming to play in Penrith’s preliminary final
Penrith star Jarome Luai looks increasingly likely to play in their NRL preliminary final against Melbourne, as he battles to overcome a shoulder injury.
Storm’s Wishart excited for potential clash with Cleary
Tyran Wishart has started at halfback just twice this season but the Melbourne utility has no fear about a potential clash with Penrith NRL star Nathan Cleary.
Titans seal finals spot, Cronulla post record NRLW win
Gold Coast have secured a top-four NRLW finish after comfortably seeing off Canberra 30-6 as Cronulla created history in a 56-6 win over Parramatta.
Broncos’ Arthars regains mojo after Warriors loan year
Brisbane winger Jesse Arthars says a year with the Warriors in 2022 remains "a cherished memory" that also helped him find his best form on his Broncos return.
Indigenous rugby league pioneer Lionel Morgan dies
The first Indigenous player to represent Australia in rugby league, Lionel Morgan, has died aged 85.
Warriors can weaponise pressure in NRL prelim: Johnson
The Warriors are carrying the hopes of a nation on their shoulders but Shaun Johnson believes the semi-final win shows they can use that pressure positively.
Broncos academy reaps rewards with Walsh and company
The home-grown Broncos brought 14 of their 17-man side through their junior pathways academy system after identifying their talents early and nurturing them.
Crichton buoyed on by Ciraldo’s long days at Bulldogs
Stephen Crichton is happy hearing reports Canterbury players believe they are being pushed too hard, insistent it is the only way his future club will improve.
Cleary hurts finger but Penrith backs halves to play
Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary are expected to play in Penrith's NRL preliminary final against Melbourne despite injury concerns.
‘No regret’: Former Warrior Walsh paved way for Charnze
Brisbane's Reece Walsh intends to end the season of his former club but his Broncos return worked out for him and Warriors No.1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
Referee Klein’s finals fate won’t hinge on Storm errors
NRL football boss Graham Annesley can't make any promises over Ashley Klein's hopes of officiating in the preliminary finals.
Storm star Hughes hopeful of return for Panthers prelim
Melbourne star Jahrome Hughes has made promising progress as he races the clock to return for the Storm's preliminary final against Penrith.
Majority of coaches opposed to NRLW expansion in 2024
Most NRLW coaches do not believe the league is ready to go to 12 teams in 2024, fearing the competition is not ready to grow again.
Reece Walsh credits daughter Leila for Broncos success
Broncos No.1 Reece Walsh, 21, is a young father and he says his daughter Leila has helped him stay calm and grounded amid a whirlwind of adulation.
Storm centre Olam enjoying unexpected return for finals
Melbourne centre Justin Olam thought he was no chance of a return to the Storm's line-up come finals time after a brutal axing in July.
‘Blew them out of water’: Haas lethal as teen Warrior
Broncos prop Payne Haas was contracted to the Warriors as a teenager and left a lasting mark on former coach Andrew McFadden and seasoned forwards he monstered.
Leniu’s study of Melbourne prop to play out in prelim
Penrith prop Spencer Leniu describes Nelson Asofa-Solomona as Melbourne's "really big scary guy", and one he has been studying since high school.