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2020 November
  • Wed, Nov 25, 2020
    Mid-year Origin, bush footy focus for 2021
    The State of Origin will revert to a mid-year series while six NRL games will be played in regional NSW next season to reinvigorate country rugby league.
  • Mon, Nov 23, 2020
    Broncos will adapt to changes: Walters
    Brisbane struggled to contend with new rules introduced when the NRL resumed last season but new coach Kevin Walters wants the changes retained.
  • Mon, Nov 23, 2020
    Gordon drama 'not ideal' for Titans: Coach
    Michael Gordon's arrest over the weekend on drug charges has disappointed Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook, as the NRL club began its pre-season on Monday.
  • Mon, Nov 23, 2020
    Pangai a priority for Walters' Broncos
    Kevin Walters' reign has begun at Brisbane with a vow to unleash Tevita Pangai Jnr's full potential after the backrower's forgettable 2020 NRL season.
  • Sun, Nov 22, 2020
    Titans axe ex-player Gordon after arrest
    Gold Coast's former player Michael Gordon will not continue his coaching role at the NRL club after being charged with drug offences by NSW police.
  • Fri, Nov 20, 2020
    Fifita out to make Titans an NRL force
    Gold Coast recruit David Fifita is eyeing an NRL finals berth and possibly more with the Titans as he prepares for his first training run with his new team.
  • Thu, Nov 19, 2020
    Bennett backed to juggle roles in 2021
    Wayne Bennett's return to the Queensland coaching chair after 17 years lived up to the hype and his players are hoping he sticks around next season.
  • Thu, Nov 19, 2020
    Harry Grant lauded as long-term Qld No.9
    Harry Grant left Melbourne in search of minutes Cameron Smith was taking at the Storm but has finished the year touted as his long-term Origin replacement.
  • Thu, Nov 19, 2020
    Munster, Maroons move on from 'big three'
    Cameron Munster admits it was sweet to star in a Queensland series win to silence any questions over his and the Maroons' fortunes without their "big three".
  • Thu, Nov 19, 2020
    Origin set for midseason due to TV ratings
    Despite drawing more viewers for the deciding State of Origin clash, lacklustre figures are set to see the game's showpiece return to its usual midseason slot.
  • Thu, Nov 19, 2020
    Underdog Maroons win Origin series
    Wayne Bennett has led underdogs Queensland to a State of Origin series win, defeating NSW 20-14 in game three at Suncorp Stadium.
  • Wed, Nov 18, 2020
    Arrow sorry for roughing up concussed Blue
    Queensland forward Jai Arrow insists he is "not a grub" and did not know James Tedesco was concussed when he roughed him up in the State of Origin decider.
  • Wed, Nov 18, 2020
    Home comfort key as Qld seeks Origin glory
    A full-house of Queensland fans at Suncorp Stadium and no same-day travel are key pluses for the Maroons in Wednesday's State of Origin decider in Brisbane.
  • Wed, Nov 18, 2020
    Mum's the word for Bevan French
    Australian flyer Bevan French will continue to wow English rugby league as a possible Man of Steel at Wigan - thanks to advice from inspirational mum Tiffany.
  • Wed, Nov 18, 2020
    Munster return sparks Maroons to win
    As much as he was missed in game two, Cameron Munster returned to spark Queensland to State of Origin glory at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
  • Wed, Nov 18, 2020
    Munster writes own Origin script for Qld
    Cameron Munster continues to add to the long line of star Queensland No.6s who excel at State of Origin level, claiming his first Wally Lewis Medal.
  • Wed, Nov 18, 2020
    NSW's Fittler okay with penalty-try denial
    NSW's Brad Fittler says Josh Addo-Carr would have scored if he wasn't taken out late in the State of Origin decider, but is fine with the no penalty-try call.
  • Wed, Nov 18, 2020
    Record COVID crowd for Origin decider
    A 49,155-strong crowd has packed into Suncorp Stadium to watch the deciding State of Origin clash on Wednesday, believed to be a post-COVID-19 world record.
  • Tue, Nov 17, 2020
    Blues and Maroons eye great Origin feats
    Brad Fittler's Blues can add their name among NSW's greatest Origin teams on Wednesday while it would take a resilient Queensland effort to stop them.
  • Tue, Nov 17, 2020
    Ex-Sharks Holmes, Addo-Carr chasing glory
    Josh Addo-Carr and Valentine Holmes were once teammates in a flying Cronulla backline, now their match-up on the wing could help decide State of Origin.
  • Tue, Nov 17, 2020
    Munster boost as Qld make Origin changes
    Queensland five-eighth Cameron Munster looks good to go for the State of Origin decider while Wayne Bennett made several late changes to his starting team.
  • Tue, Nov 17, 2020
    No warnings for Origin rivals in decider
    NSW's Payne Haas and Queensland's Tino Fa'asuamaleaui won't be getting any warnings to temper their aggression from their respective teams before Origin III.
  • Tue, Nov 17, 2020
    NQ Origin duo can fly back to Townsville
    Valentine Holmes and Coen Hess have been cleared to fly back to Townsville from Queensland State of Origin camp, saving a 14-hour drive after the decider.
  • Tue, Nov 17, 2020
    Qld unhappy about Friend KO suggestion
    Queensland coach Wayne Bennett has bristled at the suggestion his team's medical staff ignored a possible head injury to Jake Friend in last week's Origin game.
  • Tue, Nov 17, 2020
    Tigers to stand firm on Aloiai contract
    Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis says the club won't let players walk over them after he claimed prop Josh Aloiai wants to leave for more money elsewhere.
  • Mon, Nov 16, 2020
    NSW must embrace hate to repeat 2005
    Anthony Minichiello says NSW must embrace Suncorp Stadium if they are to become the first Blues team since 2005 to win a State of Origin decider there.
  • Mon, Nov 16, 2020
    Origin relief for Haas and his family
    State of Origin has helped the healing process for Payne Haas's family, who will be amog the few NSW fans in a packed Suncorp Stadium for Game III.
  • Mon, Nov 16, 2020
    Penrith centre admitted to health facility
    Penrith centre Brent Naden admitted himself into a private medical facility in Sydney to deal with a number of personal issues after a turbulent NRL season.
  • Mon, Nov 16, 2020
    Smith backs stand-alone Origin coaches
    Former Queensland captain Cameron Smith believes a State of Origin coach should be a stand alone job, rather than juggled with an NRL role.
  • Mon, Nov 16, 2020
    Storm coach just wants Smith to be happy
    Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy wants Cameron Smith to make a decision on his NRL future which brings the champion hooker and his family happiness.
  • Mon, Nov 16, 2020
    Tedesco blocks last Origin loss at Suncorp
    NSW captain James Tedesco can't remember losing the 2017 State of Origin decider in Brisbane but he's not worried about their poor record at the ground.
  • Mon, Nov 16, 2020
    Two Blues go home with NSW to be 1-17
    Brad Fittler confirmed NSW will run out as named for the State of Origin decider while Luke Keary and Reagan Campbell-Gillard have been given early marks.
  • Sun, Nov 15, 2020
    Brawling Brown matured into Origin weapon
    NSW Origin forward Nathan Brown has learned to temper his emotions in the right way since his days as a loose cannon playing for Wests Tigers under-20s side.
  • Sun, Nov 15, 2020
    Perspective a key for Qld rookie Grant
    Having overcome a life-threatening illness and serious leg injury in his youth, Harry Grant isn't about to get too overawed by a State of Origin debut.
  • Sun, Nov 15, 2020
    Smith's Storm NRL sacrifice stuns Grant
    Melbourne Storm youngster Harry Grant admits it is humbling to hear Cameron Smith reveal he didn't want to stand in his way at the NRL club.
  • Sat, Nov 14, 2020
    Maroons back Tino's Origin aggression
    Queensland teammates all agree Tino Fa'asuamaleaui needs to maintain the rage against NSW's Payne Haas in next week's State of Origin decider.
  • Sat, Nov 14, 2020
    Momentum hard to shift in 2020 Origin
    Rugby league's six-again rule has made it tough to halt opposition momentum throughout 2020 and it's even harder in State of Origin.
  • Sat, Nov 14, 2020
    Papenhuyzen ready to fill Blues bench
    Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is confident he will be up to the task if he is called on to make his State of Origin debut on Wednesday night.
  • Sat, Nov 14, 2020
    Qld's Hunt pays price for poor Origin II
    He was one of Queensland's best in their game one State of Origin win in Adelaide but a poor performance in Sydney has cost Ben Hunt his spot for the decider.
  • Fri, Nov 13, 2020
    Form of Roosters pair is key for Blues
    NSW Blues players Daniel Tupou and James Tedesco have brought their power-running game to Origin after years of perfecting it with Sydney Roosters.
  • Fri, Nov 13, 2020
    Maroons hold on for women's Origin win
    Queensland have held off a late NSW surge to end the Blues' four-year women's State of Origin dominance with a 24-18 victory at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
  • Fri, Nov 13, 2020
    Maroons make changes for Origin decider
    Harry Grant will cap his breakout 2020 season with a State of Origin debut as one of several changes to Queensland's line-up for next week's series decider.
  • Fri, Nov 13, 2020
    NSWRL warned over Cordner concussion
    The NRL has issued the NSWRL a warning after determining Boyd Cordner should not have been cleared to return via concussion protocols in State of Origin I.
  • Fri, Nov 13, 2020
    Suncorp at full capacity for Origin III
    Suncorp Stadium will be at full capacity for next week's State of Origin decider with the Queensland government set to ease COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Fri, Nov 13, 2020
    Tigers hold talks with troubled NRL star
    Out-of-contract former South Sydney centre James Roberts has had talks with Wests Tigers, after the club missed out on the signature of Josh Addo-Carr.
  • Thu, Nov 12, 2020
    Cleary Origin rebound shows his growth
    Nathan Cleary endured the toughest lead-in to State of Origin II, but his efforts to keep NSW alive show much he has grown going into the series decider.
  • Thu, Nov 12, 2020
    Cook will gift doctor his Origin jumper
    Damien Cook spent Monday night in hospital with an infection in his leg before confounding his doctor's fears to play in NSW's State of Origin II win.
  • Thu, Nov 12, 2020
    Fittler tells Blues to channel past greats
    NSW will aim for a State of Origin three-peat in Brisbane, with the only other Blues teams to have pulled off the feat having also won a decider in Queensland.
  • Thu, Nov 12, 2020
    Haas apologises to Tino for Origin brawl
    Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are free to resume their rivalry in the State of Origin decider after avoiding bans for Wednesday night's brawl.
  • Thu, Nov 12, 2020
    Munster faces long road for Origin decider
    Queensland are confident Cameron Munster will overcome a head knock to play in State of Origin III but face a long process for him to confirm his fitness.
  • Thu, Nov 12, 2020
    Qld out to reclaim women's Origin shield
    The opportunity to finally host a women's State of Origin clash on home soil is an added boost as Queensland attempt to reclaim the shield off NSW.
  • Wed, Nov 11, 2020
    Cody Walker's Origin redemption story
    Recalled five-eighth Cody Walker revelled on his starting return to the State of Origin arena, helping NSW to a 34-10 thumping of Queensland in Sydney.
  • Wed, Nov 11, 2020
    Knights grant Mata'utia early NRL release
    Newcastle have granted Sione Mata'utia an early release from the final year of his contract with the NRL club to join English Super League team St Helens.
  • Wed, Nov 11, 2020
    Qld centres pair receive legends' approval
    Queensland makeshift centres pairing Kurt Capewell and Dane Gagai have been given ticks of approval by State of Origin legends Steve Renouf and Mal Meninga.
  • Tue, Nov 10, 2020
    Blues star cleared for women's Origin
    NSW Women's State of Origin skipper Kezie Apps has been given the all clear to return to the field for Friday night's game against Queensland.
  • Tue, Nov 10, 2020
    Crichton better for 2020 Roosters shuffle
    Angus Crichton has played all over the park for the Sydney Roosters since being dropped by NSW last year and says he knows his game better now as a result.
  • Tue, Nov 10, 2020
    Injured Titan Brimson positive about 2021
    Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson is confident he will be fit for the opening round of the 2021 NRL season after suffering a foot injury in State of Origin.
  • Tue, Nov 10, 2020
    Renouf urges Maroons to lock in Bennett
    Queensland great Steve Renouf believes it's a no-brainer for the Maroons to keep Wayne Bennett on as coach beyond the 2020 State of Origin campaign.
  • Tue, Nov 10, 2020
    Skipper Tedesco already has Blues backing
    James Tedesco is yet to script his maiden pre-game speech as NSW captain but teammates have already seen him nail the role before State of Origin Game II.
  • Mon, Nov 09, 2020
    Cleary keen to improve Origin credentials
    NSW halfback Nathan Cleary has been criticised for his lack of impact in his first six State of Origin games but he is determined to turn it around.
  • Mon, Nov 09, 2020
    Green puts off Dogs, stays at Knights
    Blake Green will stay with Newcastle in 2021 after Canterbury opted not to keep the injured five-eighth on their NRL books for next season.
  • Mon, Nov 09, 2020
    Key battles that will decide Origin II
    NSW and Queensland both have changes in key positions headed into State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium, with the Blues needing to win to keep the series alive.
  • Mon, Nov 09, 2020
    Maroons newbie keeps it simple in Origin
    There was no complex game plan behind Lindsay Collins's impressive State of Origin debut for Queensland, and he will continue keeping it simple for game two.
  • Mon, Nov 09, 2020
    Maroons' skipper wants more in Origin II
    Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has issued a challenge to his team ahead of State of Origin's Game II as the Maroons try to clinch the series.
  • Mon, Nov 09, 2020
    Yeo calmer in middle for NSW than on wing
    Isaah Yeo found himself on the wing in his last representative game so he is far less nervous preparing to play in the middle for NSW on State of Origin debut.
  • Sun, Nov 08, 2020
    Arrow better prepared for bench role
    Jai Arrow wants to be a Queensland starting middle but a more well rounded game and changed mindset on the bench paid off in the State of Origin series opener.
  • Sun, Nov 08, 2020
    Munster out to avoid Origin 'pants-ing'
    Queensland five-eighth Cameron Munster only has to go back to last year's State of Origin campaign to know how little a 1-0 lead can ultimately mean.
  • Sun, Nov 08, 2020
    Walker call-up won't change Blues attack
    Brad Fittler wants NSW to adopt the same attacking structure as State of Origin I and says little needs to change to adapt to Cody Walker's inclusion.
  • Sat, Nov 07, 2020
    Capewell brings 'Walker-ball' to Origin
    Kurt Capewell has long been taught to back his instincts and that's exactly what he did to set up Queensland's first try in Wednesday's State of Origin opener.
  • Sat, Nov 07, 2020
    Carpool buddy's Qld debut thrills Arrow
    He's a quiet soul but Moeaki Fotuaika is being backed to make some noise when he debuts in next week's State of Origin by Queensland teammate Jai Arrow.
  • Sat, Nov 07, 2020
    Gagai plays down Origin specialist tag
    Online wits suggest Dane Gagai in a Queensland State of Origin jersey is a different player to the NRL version, but the man himself says that's just not true.
  • Sat, Nov 07, 2020
    NSW tweaker Brown becomes Origin aggressor
    Nathan Brown will be asked to be the aggressor when he makes his State of Origin debut on Wednesday, a far cry from his role on his last serious NSW appearance.
  • Fri, Nov 06, 2020
    Cordner rules himself out of Origin series
    NSW skipper Boyd Cordner has ruled himself out of the State of Origin series following a head knock in the Blues' loss to Queensland in the opening game.
  • Fri, Nov 06, 2020
    Holmes to make Qld Origin return
    Valentine Holmes will make his return to Queensland's State of Origin team at fullback, replacing injured AJ Brimson for next week's game two.
  • Thu, Nov 05, 2020
    Bennett sets sights on Sydney series win
    Wayne Bennett is only 80 minutes away from sealing a sixth Origin series triumph as coach of Queensland after yet another against-the-odds win over NSW.
  • Thu, Nov 05, 2020
    Cameron Murray ruled out of Origin series
    NSW will be without Cameron Murray for the rest of the State of Origin series after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Game I loss to Queensland.
  • Thu, Nov 05, 2020
    Friend always made for Queensland Origin
    Jake Friend had to wait more NRL games than anyone in history to make their State of Origin debut, but it took just 80 minutes to prove he's Queensland worth.
  • Thu, Nov 05, 2020
    Gutherson pleads for another NSW chance
    Clint Gutherson insists his crucial miss on Kurt Capewell in the State of Origin series opener wasn't indicative of his form on his switch to centre for NSW.
  • Thu, Nov 05, 2020
    NRL probes Cordner concussion protocols
    The NRL has launched an investigation into Boyd Cordner's head knock and return to the field in Wednesday night's State of Origin in Adelaide.
  • Thu, Nov 05, 2020
    Viewers shun end-of-season Origin switch
    The likelihood of State of Origin remaining an end-of-season spectacle has been dashed after the opening game drew the smallest TV audience since 2003.
  • Wed, Nov 04, 2020
    Munster's Qld commitment pleases Bennett
    Queensland coach Wayne Bennett has hailed the commitment shown to the Maroons by Cameron Munster in the lead up of State of Origin I in Adelaide.
  • Wed, Nov 04, 2020
    Roosters left edge a Queensland nightmare
    The Sydney Roosters' left edge has been more dangerous than any other in the NRL in the past three years. Now they'll get their chance to take on Queensland.
  • Wed, Nov 04, 2020
    What you need to know from Origin I
    Queensland have sprung an upset over NSW in the opening match of the 2020 State of Origin series, winning 18-14 at Adelaide Oval.
  • Tue, Nov 03, 2020
    Bennett shocked Friend is Origin rookie
    Queensland coach Wayne Bennett has been a long admirer of Jake Friend and has no issue the 30-year-old will deliver on debut for the Maroons.
  • Tue, Nov 03, 2020
    'Jimmy the Jet' released by South Sydney
    Former NSW State of Origin centre James Roberts' second stint at South Sydney is over after being released by the NRL club with a year to run on his contract.
  • Tue, Nov 03, 2020
    Keary a fitting NSW debutant for Fittler
    Questions were still being asked about Luke Keary's NSW State of Origin eligibility by Queensland on Tuesday but Brad Fittler sees him as a true Blue.
  • Tue, Nov 03, 2020
    Maroons pair battle niggles on Origin eve
    Queensland will take Hymel Hunt to Adelaide for Wednesday's State of Origin opener as cover for Brenko Lee and Kurt Capewell, with both battling niggles.
  • Tue, Nov 03, 2020
    Origin travel plans not ideal: Bennett
    Queensland coach Wayne Bennett believes the same-day travel plans for this year's State of Origin opener aren't ideal for rugby league's showpiece event.
  • Tue, Nov 03, 2020
    Queensland's biggest Origin upsets
    Queensland will enter Wednesday's State of Origin opener in Adelaide as heavy underdogs but it's a position they're all too familiar with.
  • Tue, Nov 03, 2020
    Vautin backs Qld to repeat 1995 heroics
    He led a team of 'Nevilles' to State of Origin glory in 1995 and Paul Vautin is tipping underdogs Queensland to replicate that effort against the odds in 2020.
  • Tue, Nov 03, 2020
    Wighton goes from Lee provider to denier
    Jack Wighton was Brenko Lee's first inside man in the NRL but now he must try and shut his former teammate down in Wednesday's State of Origin series opener.
  • Mon, Nov 02, 2020
    Cleary moulding Penrith's style with NSW
    Nathan Cleary played almost a quarterback role for Penrith in the NRL this year but knows he won't have the same control for NSW in State of Origin.
  • Mon, Nov 02, 2020
    Key factors to decide Origin opener
    NSW have the advantage of experience over Queensland but there are still a number of factors that give the Maroons hope for Wednesday's State of Origin opener.
  • Mon, Nov 02, 2020
    Origin old heads calm greenhorn Maroons
    Queensland's experienced coaching staff more than makes up for the lack of State of Origin exposure for the Maroons' players in Daly Cherry-Evans' opinion.
  • Mon, Nov 02, 2020
    Panthers cut Mansour from 2021 NRL side
    Penrith winger Josh Mansour has been told he is free to look elsewhere for an NRL deal and will not play first grade for the grand finalists in 2021.
  • Sun, Nov 01, 2020
    Friend's brain fears before Origin debut
    Jake Friend was relieved to get the all clear after a concussion scare as he prepares to make his Queensland debut after 13 seasons with the Roosters.
2020 October
  • Sat, Oct 31, 2020
    Lewis backs another Queensland boilover
    Wally Lewis is quietly confident a rookie Queensland outfit can emulate his Maroons' famous 1980 State of Origin debut win in the series opener in Adelaide.
  • Sat, Oct 31, 2020
    Qld rookie ready to intimidate NSW pack
    Queensland's Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is ready to intimidate the Blues pack on his Origin debut after being inspired by Gorden Tallis' infamous rag doll tackle.
  • Fri, Oct 30, 2020
    COVID adds uncertainty to 2021 RLWC plans
    Rugby League World Cup officials are confident next year's tournament in England will go ahead but say playing behind closed doors isn't financially viable.
  • Fri, Oct 30, 2020
    NSW centre swap no sweat for Gutherson
    Clint Gutherson hasn't played in the centres for two years but says the State of Origin arena will make the swap easier when he plays there for NSW.
  • Fri, Oct 30, 2020
    NSW Origin pack the best in years: Saifiti
    NSW prop Daniel Saifiti was as surprised as anyone to see David Klemmer miss out on State of Origin selection, but he says it shows how good the Blues' pack is.
  • Fri, Oct 30, 2020
    Roberts Jennings returns to Penrith
    Penrith have picked up Wests Tigers flyer Robert Jennings on a one-year deal, returning him to his junior club where he made his NRL debut in 2015.
  • Fri, Oct 30, 2020
    Walters backs Bennett for Qld Origin win
    Kevin Walters admits to mixed feelings about relinquishing the Queensland reins but has backed Wayne Bennett to inspire a State of Origin boilover.
  • Thu, Oct 29, 2020
    Donaghy to leave Storm for Brisbane post
    Melbourne boss Dave Donaghy will leave the Storm at the end of his contract in January and is set to join the Broncos as a replacement for Paul White.
  • Thu, Oct 29, 2020
    Ex-NZ coach to mentor Bulldogs' Barrett
    Long-time All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will be in Trent Barrett's corner at Canterbury after signing on as high-performance consultant for the Bulldogs coach.
  • Thu, Oct 29, 2020
    Injured Papenhuyzen out of Origin opener
    Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has been ruled out of the State of Origin opener while Wayne Bennett has surprised with his initial 21-man squad.
  • Thu, Oct 29, 2020
    Munster's appetite for Origin remains
    Cameron Munster's knee was strapped but he was a willing participant in Queensland's Origin training camp on the Gold Coast on Thursday.
  • Wed, Oct 28, 2020
    Blues' Walker ready to roam in Origin
    Cody Walker has learned from last year's failings in State of Origin and won't make the mistake of waiting on an edge if given the chance for NSW this year.
  • Wed, Oct 28, 2020
    Bulldogs snare former All Blacks coach
    Canterbury's NRL coach Trent Barrett will have the expertise of former All Blacks coach Steven Hansen to call on as a high performance consultant.
  • Wed, Oct 28, 2020
    Qld bolter Coates glides into Origin fray
    Only two players have played fewer first-grade games than Xavier Coates before a Queensland Origin debut but he's in line for a shock start next Wednesday.
  • Wed, Oct 28, 2020
    Underdog tag won't save Queensland: Gallen
    NSW players are bracing for Queensland's famed underdog spirit in this year's State of Origin series but Paul Gallen warns it won't save them this time.
  • Tue, Oct 27, 2020
    Forward-thinking Qld eye Origin boilover
    Queensland are at long odds to stop the Blues from winning a third straight series but their young forward pack is confident of shaking things up.
  • Tue, Oct 27, 2020
    Keary backs Flanagan to succeed at Dogs
    Axed Sydney Roosters halfback Kyle Flanagan's move to Canterbury has been finalised after he signed a three-year NRL deal with the Bulldogs.
  • Tue, Oct 27, 2020
    NRL leaning towards mid-year Origin return
    The NRL are keeping an open mind about the placement of next year's State of Origin series but are leaning towards returning it to the middle of the season.
  • Tue, Oct 27, 2020
    Smith wins Storm top gong for eighth time
    Cameron Smith has capped his 19th NRL season by winning Melbourne's player of the year as the Storm continued their premiership celebrations in Queensland.
  • Mon, Oct 26, 2020
    Munster kept in clothes by partner's folks
    Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster was kept in clothes by his partner's family, who lived close to the Sunshine Coast camp where the NRL premiers were based.
  • Mon, Oct 26, 2020
    Nathan Cleary wouldn't change cut-out ball
    Nathan Cleary claimed he let teammates down in Penrith's 26-20 grand final loss to Melbourne, but says he'd still throw the same cut-out ball in the first half.
  • Mon, Oct 26, 2020
    Smith avoids sanction for referee comments
    The NRL's match review committee looked closely at comments from Cameron Smith to referee Gerard Sutton in the grand final, but decided not to charge him.
  • Mon, Oct 26, 2020
    Storm happy to let Smith wait on NRL call
    Cameron Smith has answers for just about everything in NRL grand finals but Melbourne management and his teammates are happy to wait on a call on his future.
  • Mon, Oct 26, 2020
    Storm's development keeps dynasty alive
    Melbourne's NRL dynasty looked done when Cooper Cronk left and Billy Slater retired but now their next generation of stars suggest there is no end in sight.
  • Sun, Oct 25, 2020
    Cleary voted game's best by his NRL peers
    Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary has won the Players' Champion award, voted the game's best by his NRL peers just days after missing out on the Dally M medal.
  • Sun, Oct 25, 2020
    Five Storm players earn Maroons call-up
    Melbourne's Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Brenko Lee have been rewarded for their NRL performances for the premiers with a spot in Queensland's Origin squad.
  • Sun, Oct 25, 2020
    Horror half a learning curve for Penrith
    Penrith's horror first half all but ended their NRL premiership aspirations against a clinical Melbourne side in Sunday night's grand final at ANZ Stadium.
  • Sun, Oct 25, 2020
    Mansour finally has shot at NRL reward
    No Penrith player has been waiting for Sunday night's NRL grand final longer than Josh Mansour, who has ridden the rollercoaster for nine years at the Panthers.
  • Sun, Oct 25, 2020
    NRL flags up for COVID-19 grand final
    ANZ Stadium was only at half capacity for the NRL grand final between Penrith and Melbourne on Sunday, but some fans were happier than others.
  • Sun, Oct 25, 2020
    Papenhuyzen and Luai in NSW Origin squad
    Clive Churchill Medallist Ryan Papenhuyzen and Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai have been named in the NSW State of Origin squad before the series opener.
  • Sun, Oct 25, 2020
    Simmons still being asked for 1991 beers
    Royce Simmons etched himself into folklore by promising a beer with every Penrith fan in 1991, and he is still paying for it ahead of the 2020 NRL decider.
  • Sun, Oct 25, 2020
    Smith delivers grand final masterclass
    Ageless champion Cameron Smith has produced a grand final masterclass to guide Melbourne to NRL title glory in his 430th and possibly his last ever game.
  • Sat, Oct 24, 2020
    Bellamy selects Hynes in Storm GF side
    Utility back Nicho Hynes has won the race for the last Melbourne bench spot ahead of Tui Kamikamica in the Storm's NRL grand final line-up.
  • Sat, Oct 24, 2020
    Penrith cash in on defence coach Ciraldo
    Assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo has turned Penrith's defensive performance around with a combination of hard work, high stakes and a positive attitude.
  • Sat, Oct 24, 2020
    Spiritual Panthers unite Penrith team
    Brian To'o routinely fasts from food and everything bar water at training, while both he and Stephen Crichton prepare for the grand final with bible readings.
  • Sat, Oct 24, 2020
    Storm legend remains torn over playing on
    Melbourne captain Cameron Smith says he is genuinely torn about whether or not to hang up his boots after Sunday's NRL grand final showdown with Penrith.
  • Sat, Oct 24, 2020
    Yeo more than a chip off the old block
    Isaah Yeo's father Justin played 11 NRL games in 1998 and 1999. The Penrith lock barely remembers watching them live, but still lists his dad as his idol.
  • Fri, Oct 23, 2020
    Api must keep Penrith's No.9 tradition
    Penrith's hookers have been at their best in both the club's grand final wins so if they want to lift the trophy on Sunday, Apisai Koroisau must be the man.
  • Fri, Oct 23, 2020
    Coaches to present NRL premiership rings
    The winning coach in the NRL grand final will present the rings to his premiership-winning players as part of a COVID-safe post-match presentation.
  • Fri, Oct 23, 2020
    NRL champs will be greatest ever: V'landys
    Peter V'landys says the winners of Sunday's NRL grand final should have an asterisk next to their name, but only because it's been the hardest of all to win.
  • Fri, Oct 23, 2020
    Storm's new heights under Munster's lead
    Melbourne veteran Jesse Bromwich has singled out Cameron Munster while describing this year's NRL grand finalists as one of the great Storm teams.
  • Thu, Oct 22, 2020
    Kikau's training shock with Fisher-Harris
    Viliame Kikau was paired with James Fisher-Harris to train during the NRL's COVID-19 break and learned just how dedicated the Penrith prop is to fitness.
  • Thu, Oct 22, 2020
    Panthers count cost of success amid COVID
    Penrith have enjoyed the best season in their NRL history, but just like the home-and-away campaign, the grand final won't be the money spinner it should be.
  • Thu, Oct 22, 2020
    Panthers, Storm lay foundation for success
    Melbourne have spent 15 seasons at the top of the NRL, while Penrith's nine-year investment in juniors has left them with a shot at their own great era.
  • Thu, Oct 22, 2020
    Smart addition to Storm's All-Star edge
    Josh Addo-Carr says the calming influence and clever play of Kenny Bromwich has truly unlocked a Melbourne left edge that had every other base covered.
  • Thu, Oct 22, 2020
    Smith confident of title without Big Three
    Cameron Smith says the form of Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen makes him believe the Storm can win a NRL title without Cooper Cronk or Billy Slater.
  • Thu, Oct 22, 2020
    Smith hasn't lost NRL desire ahead of GF
    Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith has revealed he still has the desire to keep playing as he weighs up if Sunday's NRL grand final will be his swansong.
  • Wed, Oct 21, 2020
    Addo-Carr hoping for lasting Storm memory
    Departing Melbourne winger Josh Addo-Carr is hoping he has a reason to get two new tattoos in the off-season, ending his Storm career with another NRL title.
  • Wed, Oct 21, 2020
    Haas in blue for his brother this year
    Payne Haas used to watch State of Origin with his late brother Chace and is now desperate to play for him when he runs out for NSW this year.
  • Wed, Oct 21, 2020
    Maroons add five more to Origin squad
    Queensland selectors have added three South Sydney players and two from Canberra to their Origin squad, which will be finalised after the NRL grand final.
  • Wed, Oct 21, 2020
    Penrith aim to do what Melbourne couldn't
    Penrith have won 17 straight headed into the NRL grand final, but Melbourne's 2006 grand final loss to Brisbane shows why the Panthers are underdogs on Sunday.
  • Wed, Oct 21, 2020
    Storm adopt motto for NRL tough times
    Melbourne adopted a motto for the NRL season - adapt and overcome - as part of their mindset for their challenging NRL season away from home.
  • Wed, Oct 21, 2020
    The NRL grand final at a glance
    The Penrith Panthers will aim for their first NRL premiership in 17 years when they face Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
  • Wed, Oct 21, 2020
    Vunivalu breaks bad habits in NRL farewell
    Melbourne winger Suliasi Vunivalu hopes to add a second premiership to his swag before ending his four-year NRL stint and joining rugby's Queensland Reds.
  • Tue, Oct 20, 2020
    Cordner 'all good' for State of Origin
    NSW captain Boyd Cordner has declared himself ready to go for the State of Origin series opener on November 4 despite a series of concussions in 2020.
  • Tue, Oct 20, 2020
    How refs learned NRL rules in fortnight
    NRL referee Gerard Sutton will officiate Sunday's grand final between Penrith and Melbourne after a difficult season for the game's referees.
  • Tue, Oct 20, 2020
    Injury won't stop Storm's Brandon Smith
    Brandon Smith has given himself the all clear to play in Sunday's NRL grand final against Penrith after initially fearing a facial injury would rule him out.
  • Tue, Oct 20, 2020
    Panthers' NRL family ties excites Lang
    Martin Lang knows what it's like to win an NRL premiership with your father as coach and is hoping Nathan and Ivan Cleary can replicate the feat on Sunday.
  • Tue, Oct 20, 2020
    Quiet build-up to help Penrith's NRL prep
    Penrith's Api Koroisau and James Tamou believe the pared back NRL grand final celebrations will even the playing field for the inexperienced Panthers on Sunday.
  • Tue, Oct 20, 2020
    Wighton denies Dally M result was spoilt
    Jack Wighton claims he had no idea the Dally M results were leaked, with Fox Sports production staff confiscating contenders' phones during the broadcast.
  • Mon, Oct 19, 2020
    Bring Cam Smith back for Origin: Fittler
    NSW coach Brad Fittler says it would be superb if Queensland lured Maroons great Cameron Smith out of representative retirement for a State of Origin swan song.
  • Mon, Oct 19, 2020
    Ivan Cleary like family to Panthers' May
    Tyrone May has opened up on his tight relationship with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary, identifying him as one of the leading senior figures in his life.
  • Mon, Oct 19, 2020
    Munster out for grand final redemption
    Melbourne star Cameron Munster says he will be out to make amends for his 2018 NRL grand final brain explosions in Sunday's season decider.
  • Mon, Oct 19, 2020
    Tedesco misses start of Origin camp
    James Tedesco won't join NSW's State of Origin camp until later in the week as medical staff try to get his knee right for Game 1 on November 4.
  • Mon, Oct 19, 2020
    Undecided Smith holds no post-NRL fears
    Melbourne captain Cameron Smith says this season has been among the toughest but holds no fears of what's ahead as he remains coy on his playing future.
  • Sun, Oct 18, 2020
    Cleary after Penrith No.7's missing medal
    Nathan Cleary can become just the second Penrith player to win the Dally M medal, 17 years after a player strike cost fellow half Craig Gower his chance.
  • Sun, Oct 18, 2020
    Cody Walker back in NSW Origin squad
    Cody Walker is one of five additions to NSW's State of Origin squad from South Sydney and Canberra, while Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham has missed out.
  • Sun, Oct 18, 2020
    Fit Koroisau eyes iconic Smith clash
    Api Koroisau is relishing the possibility of being the last man to mark up on Cameron Smith as he looks forward to Penrith's NRL grand final against Melbourne.
  • Sun, Oct 18, 2020
    Souths still on the up for 2021: Bennett
    South Sydney are the first team in 20 years to lose three straight preliminary finals, but Wayne Bennett is confident his team can only improve next season.
  • Sat, Oct 17, 2020
    Cleary confident in Penrith NRL hot streak
    Penrith coach Ivan Cleary denied his side's momentum has been halted after a week off heading into Saturday's NRL preliminary final against South Sydney.
  • Sat, Oct 17, 2020
    Departing Bateman treasures taste of NRL
    John Bateman, who says he's grown up during his two-year stint at Canberra, believes they can win an elusive title despite his return to England next season.
  • Sat, Oct 17, 2020
    Fighting Souths caught short on the edge
    South Sydney have had the most damaging attack in the NRL club's history in 2020 but Penrith finally found a way to shut them down to reach the grand final.
  • Sat, Oct 17, 2020
    Sevens pair unlikely to play NRLW Origin
    A 16-player St George Illawarra have finished with the NRLW wooden spoon after being downed 22-10 by the Warriors in their final regular season match.
  • Sat, Oct 17, 2020
    Stuart walks out on media
    Canberra fans will have to wait for Ricky Stuart's thoughts on their brave 2020 NRL campaign after the coach walked out on his press conference.
  • Sat, Oct 17, 2020
    Welch labels Smith critics "embarrassing"
    Cameron Smith's Melbourne Storm teammate Christian Welch believes his captain deserves better as the rugby league world waits for his retirement announcement.
  • Fri, Oct 16, 2020
    Bulldogs name trio to NRL club's board
    Canterbury have named three new directors to the NRL club's board after the exit of a trio, including chairwoman Lynne Anderson, earlier this month.
  • Fri, Oct 16, 2020
    Melbourne book NRL grand final berth
    Melbourne have set the stage for what may be a grand final farewell for Cameron Smith after overpowering Canberra 30-10 in their NRL preliminary final.
  • Fri, Oct 16, 2020
    Storm NRL break a blessing for Kaufusi
    Felise Kaufusi says a week off will work to Melbourne's advantage heading into Friday night's NRL preliminary final against Canberra in Brisbane.
  • Fri, Oct 16, 2020
    Storm's Smith plays down Suncorp farewell
    Cameron Smith was given a standing ovation and chaired off Suncorp Stadium by his teammates but again refused to confirm if this NRL season would be his last.
  • Fri, Oct 16, 2020
    Suncorp apologise to fans for ticket gaffe
    Suncorp Stadium officials have apologised after thousands of NRL fans missed Melbourne's stunning start against Canberra due to a ticketing failure on Friday.
  • Thu, Oct 15, 2020
    How Penrith won NRL's COVID shutdown
    Every club took different paths through the NRL's shutdown but few were as meticulous as Penrith, before it helped spur them onto their record-breaking season.
  • Thu, Oct 15, 2020
    Meninga joins Bennett in Qld Origin boost
    Queensland rugby league great and Australia coach Mal Meninga will return to the Maroons' fold to assist coach Wayne Bennett for next month's series.
  • Thu, Oct 15, 2020
    No fanfare for Smith's possible farewell
    Melbourne's Craig Bellamy says the Storm wanted to make more of their final against Canberra for Cameron Smith but they still don't know if it's his last game.
  • Thu, Oct 15, 2020
    Starling shuts out Raiders critics
    Most people thought Canberra's NRL season was over when Josh Hodgson's knee went but replacement hooker Tom Starling and coach Ricky Stuart knew otherwise.
  • Wed, Oct 14, 2020
    Brimson bolts in to fill Ponga's Qld boots
    Roosters pair Jake Friend and Lindsay Collins have been added to Queensland's squad while AJ Brimson is preparing to fill Kalyn Ponga's boots at fullback.
  • Wed, Oct 14, 2020
    Johnson set to miss third of NRL season
    Cronulla's injury riddled NRL season is set to leak into next year with Shaun Johnson and Royce Hunt to miss the first two months of the 2021 campaign.
  • Wed, Oct 14, 2020
    Raiders fullback a Victorian success story
    Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is one of the success stories out of Victorian rugby league, but on Friday night he will try to block Melbourne's path to a grand final.
  • Wed, Oct 14, 2020
    Roosters lose Caslick for rest of NRLW
    Sydney Roosters recruit and Australia rugby sevens star Charlotte Caslick has been ruled out for the remainder of the NRLW season due to back fractures.
  • Wed, Oct 14, 2020
    Walker focused on NRL title, not Origin
    South Sydney star Cody Walker wants to win an NRL premiership and is not entertaining thoughts of a return to the NSW's State of Origin side.
  • Tue, Oct 13, 2020
    Hall to miss one game for NRLW tackle
    Brisbane Broncos forward Amber Hall will miss one NRLW game after pleading no contest to a dangerous contact charge for an ugly tackle.
  • Tue, Oct 13, 2020
    Murray backs Graham to nab Origin spot
    South Sydney's Campbell Graham will match up against Penrith centre Stephen Crichton in Saturday's NRL preliminary final for a spot in the NSW Origin squad.
  • Tue, Oct 13, 2020
    Origin a bucket list ambition for Green
    With her NRLW stint at the Warriors nearing an end, Australian rugby sevens star Ellia Green admits she'd love a chance to play State of Origin for NSW.
  • Tue, Oct 13, 2020
    Papenhuyzen ready for Raiders rookie
    Melbourne's Ryan Papenhuyzen says his history with Canberra hooker Tom Starling goes back to under nines, when the pair played together in Sydney.
  • Tue, Oct 13, 2020
    Storm not stewing over Smith career call
    Cameron Smith's career plans aren't a talking point for Melbourne despite the NRL premliniary final against Canberra having the potential to be his last match.
  • Mon, Oct 12, 2020
    Bronco Hall to avoid NRLW ban
    Brisbane's Amber Hall can avoid a ban with an early guilty plea for the challenge which left St George Illawarra's Isabelle Kelly with a broken ankle.
  • Mon, Oct 12, 2020
    Harawira-Naera to repay Raiders, bosses
    Canberra forward Corey Harawira-Naera wants to return to the tools in the summer to repay those who kept him going while deregistered by the NRL this year.
  • Mon, Oct 12, 2020
    Injured Finucane confident of Storm final
    Melbourne veteran Dale Finucane says he's confident he will be able to return from a calf injury to play in the NRL preliminary final against Canberra.
  • Mon, Oct 12, 2020
    Panthers confident in Kikau replacement
    Penrith are confident in Kurt Capewell, who replaces suspended second-rower Viliame Kikau in Saturday's preliminary final against Souths at ANZ Stadium.
  • Sun, Oct 11, 2020
    Bennett gets a week to catch up on Penrith
    Wayne Bennett reckons he's studied Penrith less than any team this season, but the South Sydney coach has a week to study up before the preliminary final.
  • Sun, Oct 11, 2020
    Bennett shows NRL timing is everything
    Wayne Bennett's relaxed approach through the NRL's COVID-19 shutdown is paying dividends in October, with South Sydney timing their run perfectly.
  • Sun, Oct 11, 2020
    Cartwright seeks chance against Penrith
    Jed Cartwright's surname is forever linked to Penrith, but after leaving the club three months ago he'll face them in a preliminary final with South Sydney.
  • Sun, Oct 11, 2020
    Jennings rises to NRL task for Eels
    Parramatta winger George Jennings scored the first NRL double of his career in extraordinary circumstances on Saturday night.
  • Sun, Oct 11, 2020
    Raiders tighter and hungrier than in 2019
    Canberra have been dealt more adversity than most other NRL teams this season, but it's galvanised them and made them tighter at the right time of the year.
  • Sun, Oct 11, 2020
    Tupou in, Ferguson out of NSW Origin squad
    Luke Keary, Clint Gutherson, Junior Paulo and Nathan Brown are potential State of Origin debutants for NSW while Blake Ferguson has been left out of the squad.
  • Sat, Oct 10, 2020
    Forwards meeting inspired Canberra's run
    Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine heeded Ricky Stuart's message to lift Canberra's depleted pack before helping take the Raiders right to the NRL's preliminary final.
  • Sat, Oct 10, 2020
    NRL star Michael Jennings tests positive
    NRL star Michael Jennings has been suspended after testing positive to banned substances, just hours before Parramatta's semi-final against South Sydney.
  • Sat, Oct 10, 2020
    Raiders keep sticking it to the critics
    Canberra don't care if the critics write them off against Melbourne in their NRL preliminary final. They've been proving them wrong all year.
  • Sat, Oct 10, 2020
    Soliola gets exemption to play in QLD
    Canberra's Sia Soliola will be able to play in the NRL preliminary final against Melbourne after being cleared to play in Queensland without a flu vaccination.
  • Fri, Oct 09, 2020
    Back to work for Wayne's in-form Rabbits
    South Sydney's attack is flourishing at the pointy end of the NRL season but Wayne Bennett says there will be no assumptions against Parramatta on Saturday.
  • Fri, Oct 09, 2020
    NRL to name full 13 for 2020 Dally M team
    The NRL will expand their Dally M team of the year to a starting 13 rather than single positional awards, scrapping the interchange player medal in the process.
  • Fri, Oct 09, 2020
    Raiders gain sweet revenge over Roosters
    Canberra have booked an NRL preliminary final date with Melbourne after ending the Sydney Roosters' shot at a title three-peat with a 22-18 semi-final win.
  • Fri, Oct 09, 2020
    Roosters to hold firm on trusty defence
    The first week of the NRL's finals was a points-scoring bonanza but the Sydney Roosters are desperate to put some starch back in their defence against Canberra.
  • Thu, Oct 08, 2020
    Bronco Staggs eyeing mid-2021 NRL return
    Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs is still waiting for surgery on his ruptured ACL and admits he feels the injury cost him a maiden NSW State of Origin call-up.
  • Thu, Oct 08, 2020
    Origin forward Welch re-signs with Storm
    Queensland State of Origin forward Christian Welch has agreed on a contract extension with NRL powerhouse Melbourne, signing until the end of 2022.
  • Thu, Oct 08, 2020
    Raiders get reward for rare NRL patience
    Canberra have built a squad of experienced finals performers despite never purchasing a proven representative player or old head from their NRL rivals.
  • Thu, Oct 08, 2020
    Roosters troops back to defy NRL critics
    Jake Friend and Sonny Bill Williams are fit to face Canberra in their NRL semi-final as the Sydney Roosters aim to defy critics who say they are over the hill.
  • Wed, Oct 07, 2020
    Capewell ready to fill Kikau's boots
    Kurt Capewell has two preliminary finals to his name but is hungry for a shot at his first NRL decider as he prepares to step up for Viliame Kikau at Penrith.
  • Wed, Oct 07, 2020
    Qld name Ponga despite Origin doubt
    Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga has been named among 15 players in Queensland's State of Origin squad despite ongoing doubt over his availability.