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

EXCLUSIVEBoxing/MMA

Jai Opetaia after winning the Cruiserweight World Title fight against Mairis Briedis at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Picture date: Saturday May 18, 2024. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)

Broken jaw hero back for Aussie title blockbuster

He has dethroned Tim Tszyu as Australian boxing’s pound-for-pound king. Now Jai Opetaia is coming home to continue his destruction in a world-title coup for the Gold Coast.

NRL

Paps rejects secret Gould advances, set to re-sign with Storm

Canterbury supremo Phil Gould has made a secret trip to Melbourne in a desperate last-ditch attempt to poach Ryan Papenhuyzen from the Storm, a move which is set to prove futile.

NRL

Reece Walsh: The truth about me and Madge after Origin KO

Michael Maguire’s appointment fuelled a fresh narrative as to whether he and Reece Walsh would see eye-to-eye in Brisbane. The star fullback sets the record straight after their Origin showdown.

VideoNRL42 minutes ago

Ben Hunt of the Broncos is seen in a action during the first NRL preliminary final between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Friday, September 22, 2017. (AAP Image/Julian Smith) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Five factors that could swing Broncos into Hunt favouritism

As Ben Hunt prepares to meet a fresh NRL suitor, PETER BADEL analyses the five major factors the Maroons star must weigh up as he ponders a Red Hill return. Watch the analysis.

EXCLUSIVEBoxing/MMA

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 02: Tyson Pedro of Australia announces his retirement after a loss against Vitor Petrino of Brazil in a light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on March 02, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

UFC star offered opponent extra $50k to save boxing debut

A contract spat has put a sudden end to Tyson Pedro’s boxing debut, with the fight collapsing due to a payment dispute, despite an extra incentive being offered to keep the fight intact.

NRL

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: PayneÃÂ Haas of the Broncos looks on during the round 11 NRL match between Manly Sea Eagles and Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, on May 17, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

2025 Magic Round fixture shock: Broncos bumped, Manly dumped

The Broncos have lost their prime time Magic Round slot to their bitter rivals, while the Sea Eagles have missed out on rugby league’s showcase entirely in 2025. SEE WHO YOUR TEAM PLAYS.

NRL

Cobbo contract talks on hold as Bronco fights for his career

Selwyn Cobbo’s contract talks with Brisbane are on hold, as he fights for his future at Red Hill after new Broncos coach Michael Maguire challenged him to live up to his potential.

NRL

Maguire counts on unfinished business to bring Hunt home

Ben Hunt embarked on a Sunshine State hit-and-run mission over the weekend and coach Michael Maguire did not miss his chance to pitch his vision for premiership success at Red Hill.

NRL

Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam. Picture: NRL Images

Mam exits rehab facility, free to join Broncos training

Ezra Mam has checked out of his month-long stint in a Brisbane wellness facility, but it could be weeks until the embattled five-eighth returns to Red Hill.

NRL

Roosters star Angus Crichton could have been playing for the Wallabies instead of the Kangaroos, but some at Rugby HQ thought he was damaged goods. Picture: Getty Images

Revealed: How Rugby Australia botched Crichton deal

Roosters star Angus Crichton could have easily been playing in the Wallabies spring tour, but instead lined up for the Kangaroos. Hamish McLennan reveals how Rugby Australia botched their Crichton chase.

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