Our Journalists

Peter BadelChief Rugby League Writer

Peter Badel is a six-time award winning journalist who began as a sports reporter in 1998. A best-selling author, ‘Bomber’ has covered five Australian cricket tours and has specialised in rugby league for more than two decades.

@badel_cmail

Peter Badel

Latest

NRL

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 19: Reece Walsh of the Broncos is seen by medical staff during the round seven NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane Broncos at Go Media Stadium, on April 19, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Spine surgery? Madge’s major Broncos concern after Walsh blow

Injured Reece Walsh is expected to be rubbed out of contention for the first State of Origin match – and his absence from the Broncos will only compound Michael Maguire’s spine concerns.

NRL

Michael Maguire has challenged his team to play smarter in how they control games. Picture: Getty Images

‘Need to be smarter’: Broncos challenged after golden point heartbreak

Michael Maguire has challenged Brisbane to play smarter, with Reece Walsh under an injury cloud after the Warriors broke the Broncos’ hearts in golden point.

SuperCoach

Addin Fonua-Blake should line up against Newcastle. Picture: NRL Photos

Late Mail: Sharks prop on track to play, Titans injury carnage

Sharks star Addin Fonua-Blake is on track to take on the Knights as he battles an abductor injury, while the Titans have been decimated. See all the team changes for Round 7.

NRL

Strive for five: The bold plan for a new Qld NRL team

QRL boss Ben Ikin has called on ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys to give Queensland a fifth NRL club in 2027 amid fears the Perth Bears bid is on the brink of collapse.

NRL

Ben Ikin has compared Lachlan Galvin to Darren Lockyer.

Could Galvin be the next Darren Lockyer?

A former Queensland Origin prodigy has backed Lachlan Galvin’s decision to quit the Wests Tigers, predicting the boom playmaker will follow in the mould of rugby league great Darren Lockyer.

NRL

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Kobe Hetherington of the Broncos takes on the defence during the round five NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium, on April 05, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Why Maguire refuses to axe struggling Broncos star

Kobe Hetherington was always going to have big boots to fill when he won the Broncos’ No.13 jumper. Michael Maguire explains why he’ll continue to back him despite a slow start.

NRL

A battle is brewing for the Queensland No.1 jumper between Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh. Credit: Supplied.

Slater speaks: Ponga v Walsh for Origin I

Reece Walsh has been criticised by some over his underwhelming start to the NRL season for Brisbane. Queensland coach Billy Slater points out what he’s seen from the Broncos star.

NRL

Sport Confidential: Why Broncos are set to wear surnames on jerseys

It’s a throwback to the Super League days of 1997 for the Broncos, with the current players set to follow legends of that era by having their surnames on their jerseys. Find out why, plus more in Sport Confidential.

UpdatedNRL

PNG boss backs NRL’s shock salary cap exemption plan

The NRL’s salary cap exemption plan to fast-track PNG player development has received the full support of their chief executive, while prompting questions as to whether a Perth expansion team will receive the same treatment.

Sport

Talk of a fight between Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams has lasted years. It might be closer than ever.

It’s finally on!: Gallen, SBW, set for superfight 10 years in the making

After 10 years of false starts, broken promises and bitter words, Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams will finally trade blows in a $2 million trans-Tasman, cross-code grudge match.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/peter-badel