July
How the AFL’s introverted CEO will win over NSW and Queensland
Lawyer and self-described “introvert” Andrew Dillon plans to drive the game further into the rugby league heartland of NSW and Queensland.
Queensland stun NSW to win State of Origin
The Maroons were all but written off a month ago - but came back in spectacular fashion to win State of Origin.
June
Joe Hockey to join Perth Bears NRL board
The former federal treasurer is one member of a seven-person board for the new NRL side, which will play its first match in 2027.
‘Can’t afford it’: Rabbitohs told to stay put at home stadium
The NSW government says it could cost up to $14 million a year to move the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ home games to Allianz Stadium from Accor.
Mal Meninga named inaugural coach of the Perth Bears
The rugby league great will leave his role as head coach of the Kangaroos to lead the new West Australian club in the 2027 season
May
Blues beat Maroons 18-6 in State of Origin domination
NSW missed their conversions on all four tries but still beat a woeful Queensland side in a 19-year first for State of Origin.
Stokes wishes right-hand man well after surprise jump to NRL
Channel Seven news boss Anthony De Ceglie has been named as chief executive of rugby league’s newest club in the AFL state of Western Australia.
Roosters add Paddington apartments to $100m property portfolio
The Roosters are “future-proofing” their finances, heavily reliant on gaming revenue, with an expanding real estate portfolio.
Bears fans back NRL club’s move to Perth – mostly
The North Sydney Bears will become the Perth Bears and ascend to the NRL from 2027 under a long-awaited deal. Die-hard fans say it’s better than nothing.
Inside the battle for control of racing and rugby league
This week on The Fin podcast, Mark Di Stefano on the rise of Peter V’landys, one of Australian sport’s most powerful administrators, and the campaign to bring him down.
April
Clubs offered $500k sweetener to get Perth NRL team over the line
Rugby league’s governing body has agreed to a revised bid to revive the North Sydney Bears as the NRL’s 19th team, in Perth, from 2027. But the other clubs need to sign off.
Inside the plot to ‘get rid’ of Peter V’landys
In his climb to the top of racing and rugby league, Peter V’landys has broken the rules and challenged the system. But now some in the system are fighting back.
February
Cook’s message for V’landys: WA doesn’t need the NRL
WA premier says NRL brass must understand rugby league is a relative minnow west of the Nullarbor, and his government won’t bend over backwards to secure a team.
December 2024
NRL stars to make thousands under new global agreement
Players such as James Tedesco and Nathan Cleary could add to their earnings under a deal between the RLPA and athletes’ representation firm OneTeam.
NRL team confirmed for PNG in $600m deal that comes with a catch
The deal, bankrolled by taxpayers, will collapse if the Pacific country signs a security agreement with China. Anthony Albanese argues it’s an investment in Australia’s security.
Bigger than sport: PNG’s PM on getting an NRL team
James Marape, Papua New Guinea’s prime minister, says the bid to join the NRL goes way beyond sport and commerce for the country, and will also benefit Australia.
September 2024
Perth Bears: WA premier’s personal push for NRL in Aussie rules state
Roger Cook grew up as a West Australian in love with rugby league, so is intent on a top-flight team landing west of the Nullarbor.
July 2024
NSW stuns Queensland in brutal Origin fightback
The Blues clawed back to win the State of Origin series in a chaotic, epic decider that saw Cameron Murray sin binned off the bench.
June 2024
NSW demolish Qld in game two win
NSW have salvaged their State of Origin campaign, sending the series to a decider after demolishing Queensland in a 38-18 bloodbath.
March 2024
Biden backs ‘secret weapon’ NRL expansion into Pacific
The White House supports the Albanese government’s efforts to strengthen rugby league in the Pacific as a key soft diplomacy tool to counter China’s influence.