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
Fittler to be made to wait on NSW coaching future
Brad Fittler is unlikely to be told at September's NSW Rugby League board meeting whether he has retained his job as Blues State of Origin coach.
To’o and Crichton prepare for emotional last hurrah
Stephen Crichton says telling Brian To'o he'd signed with Canterbury was the hardest part of leaving Penrith, as the Panthers pair prepare to go separate ways.
Warriors must build on Knights thrashing: Webster
Warriors coach Andrew Webster knows replicating last week's winning performance against Newcastle may not be enough to seal a place in the NRL grand final.
Wearing rivals’ jerseys nothing new: Storm’s Bellamy
Melbourne players wearing Penrith jerseys at training prompted a strong reaction but Storm coach Craig Bellamy insists it's a regular occurrence for his side.
The gamble that brought Will Warbrick to NRL’s Storm
Melbourne took a chance on a towering New Zealander two years ago and now they're counting their winnings on the way to a preliminary final.
Storm star Hughes trains to push case for prelim return
Melbourne star Jahrome Hughes has trained to boost his chances of playing in the Storm's preliminary-final blockbuster against Penrith.
Luai cleared to play in Penrith’s preliminary final
The Panthers have confirmed five-eighth Jarome Luai and centre Izack Tago will return from injury in the NRL preliminary final against Melbourne.
Knights’ history lesson as NRLW dynasty beckons
Newcastle are one win away from a second-consecutive NRLW grand final but Hannah Southwell is warning they must not lose focus as fourth-placed Brisbane loom.
Fiery Bronco Flegler learns from Warriors meltdown
A "more mature" Thomas Flegler will target his aggression in Brisbane's finals showdown with the Warriors, after losing the plot against the Kiwis last year.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
Farnworth to honour Broncos ‘pact’ before Dolphins move
Centre Herbie Farnworth has no regrets about joining the Dolphins for 2024 as an unspoken commitment made three years ago drives his Brisbane title quest.
Panthers, Storm name injured stars for prelim final
Jahrome Hughes and Jarome Luai both hope to return from injury and play in Friday's Penrith-Melbourne preliminary final.
Ikin ‘more confident’ Slater will stay Maroons coach
QRL boss Ben Ikin warned the NRL not to mess with the State of Origin schedule and says negotiations with Maroons coach Billy Slater are at their "pointy end".
Coach feedback may not sway NRLW expansion plan: Abdo
Seven of the NRLW's 10 head coaches are against expanding the competition in 2024 but that won't necessarily stop the league from adding more teams.
No change to grand final time if Warriors qualify: NRL
The NRL will not consider shifting the grand final to an earlier timeslot if the Auckland-based Warriors beat Brisbane to qualify for the showpiece match.
Broncos made no approach to break contract: Ben Hunt
Dragons captain Ben Hunt insists he has had no contact about a move to the Broncos, despite reports Brisbane are being investigated by the NRL.
Ref Klein dropped as Abdo lashes NRL’s ‘blame culture’
The NRL's CEO Andrew Abdo says the sport has a problem with blame as the league drops a top-ranking match official over his performance in the semi-finals.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.