Payten ready to prove doubters wrong after tough 2025
Todd Payten has opened up on a difficult 2025 amid rumours he could be sacked as North Queensland coach, but insists the Cowboys are a different team in 2026.
rugby league
‘We’ll force rule changes’: Walkers to upset applecart
Ben and Shane Walker are set to transform rugby league again as coaches of the Western Clydesdales as they vow to exploit and change the rules of the game.
Purdue a centre for now, but still eyes future as half
Jaxon Purdue will start the 2026 season in the centres for North Queensland, but he is still eying a long-term future as an NRL half.
Holmes the US salesman as NRL takes over downtown Vegas
An estimated 16,000 fans have rolled in for the NRL's Las Vegas launch event, with Valentine Holmes the centre of attention for American broadcasters.
‘Don’t give up’: Broncos gem wants even more in 2026
Off-contract Brisbane centre Gehamat Shibasaki is a template for using hard work to rise to the top of rugby league, and he's targeting more success.
Simple mindset shift Brown must master as Knights No.7
Dylan Brown said he is ready to deal with the pressure of being the NRL's highest-paid halfback - and there is one thing that he must change when wearing No.7.
The No.1 curse Walsh must break to keep Broncos on top
Reece Walsh enters 2026 with more attention on him than any other player, but few fullbacks have been able to back up untouchable seasons year after year.
‘Big shoes’: New Storm No.1 set to do Papenhuyzen proud
Cameron Munster said new Melbourne fullback Sua Fa'alogo will "prove people wrong'" this year and be a worthy heir to Billy Slater and Ryan Papenhuyzen .
Weight of Dragons No.7 jersey no concern for Atkinson
Dan Atkinson last wore the No.7 jersey as a 21-year-old for Sunshine Coast, but the new St George Illawarra halfback says he's ready for the job in the NRL.
Sharks brace for poaching raid from cashed-up rivals
Cronulla have half of their roster off-contract at the end of 2026 and CEO Dino Mezzatesta has conceded they won't be able to stave off cashed-up rivals.
Watch and learn: Coaches go in blind on new interchange
The NRL's biggest overhaul of interchange rules this century is set to leave coaches rethinking the use of their bench during matches.
Ikin unveils plan for Slater’s future as Maroons coach
Off-contract Billy Slater is tipped to stay as Queensland coach beyond 2026 as QRL boss Ben Ikin confirmed talks have begun to make him a long-term mentor.
What happens in Vegas need not stay in Vegas for NRL
USA's Rugby League chair has urged the NRL to consider California and Texas for future matches, while pointing to the NFL model to grow the game in the US.
Veteran Bronco gets another crack after bad breaks
Stoic Jack Gosiewski has another chance at starting the season at second-row for Brisbane as he aims for a rare injury-free run and a contract extension.
Ex-Panther set for Dolphins debut as star tweaks groin
The Dolphins are set to reward Brad Schneider with a club debut and remain confident half Isaiya Katoa will recover from a niggle to play South Sydney.
‘It’s BS’: Haas reveals why he really joined Souths
Payne Haas says pressing family reasons and a rapport with Wayne Bennett were key reasons for signing with South Sydney as he shed new light on his contract.
Lomax’s Storm switch delayed further as boss eyes Vegas
Zac Lomax's NRL return will be delayed again as Melbourne Storm's boss prepares to jet off to Las Vegas right before the winger's fate is hashed out in court.
Bellamy blast has Storm primed to continue Rd 1 record
Melbourne's defensive standards were below par in their trial thrashing by the Gold Coast and Tyran Wishart says coach Craig Bellamy has the squad on notice.
Fletcher Sharpe hits the jackpot in Las Vegas
Newcastle coach Justin Holbrook has solved his conundrum in the halves, while Matt Burton's big boot is set to get the chance to shine in Vegas for Canterbury.
Parramatta, NRL investigate photo of star fullback
Parramatta are liaising with the NRL after photos were circulated online of rising star Isaiah Iongi.
Titans pocket battleship inspired by Panthers ace
Gold Coast winger Sialetili Faeamani is set to make his NRL debut and, when he does, it'll be with a nod to Penrith dynamo Brian To'o who he wants to emulate.
Lomax legal wrangle ends Storm boss’s NRL trip to Vegas
Melbourne Storm's chairman will face a courtroom grilling instead of enjoying the NRL opener from a luxury Las Vegas lounge as a battle over Zac Lomax heats up.
State of the Bears: Perth sets bold goal for first year
Perth believe they could be the NRL's biggest commercial success in their first season with a big sponsorship base and high membership interest.
Foxx out: Eels flyer grounded for start of NRL season
Josh Addo-Carr has undergone surgery on his thumb after being injured in Parramatta's pre-season win over the Sydney Roosters.
Nathan Cleary free to play NRL round one
Nathan Cleary has learned his fate at the NRL judiciary after the Penrith halfback fought to overturn a two-game ban.
Cherry-Evans to play like a halfback wearing No.6
Daly Cherry-Evans is wearing a different number along with a different jersey in 2026, but he says it's unlikely his game will change as Sydney Roosters' No.6.
Grass greener at Titans for budding criminologist Bai
Gold Coast forward and criminology student Cooper Bai leant on Tino Fa'asuamaleaui before committing to the club as he targets emulating leading NRL locks.
NRL trumpets itself as No.1 show after record year
The NRL has announced a record surplus and its biggest viewing numbers at the ARL Commission's AGM, in addition to claiming its best ever financial position.
Hynes comes out swinging against Sharks halves critics
Nicho Hynes has heard claims that he and Braydon Trindall are the NRL's most under-pressure halves pairing, and he wants it known he couldn't disagree more.
Cleary seeks downgrade on charge as Panthers roll dice
Nathan Cleary will be available to play Brisbane in round one or will miss the opening three rounds after Penrith decided to challenge his high tackle grading.
Walker wows, Fifita makes statement in Rabbitohs win
South Sydney's new signing David Fifita had a cracking club debut in a 30-6 whipping of Manly as veteran playmaker Cody Walker had a ball in Mudgee.