Key Dolphins opt out of NRL opener amid Cyclone Alfred fears
The Dolphins have suffered a massive blow ahead of their season-opener against the Rabbitohs, with several star players withdrawing from the game as Cyclone Alfred threatens their homes.
Sport
Changing of the guard begins as Smith retires from ODIs
Steve Smith has made a huge call on his future in Australia’s One Day International team, and, as BEN HORNE reveals, he might be the first domino to fall before the next World Cup.
How grand final heartbreak turned Storm into premiership favourites
In the six months since Melbourne’s grand final loss, coach Craig Bellamy has relived the night. He takes the lessons and attempts to be better. More often than not, he is – and that’s why the Storm start the season as favourites.
Racing the clock: The promise to clean up Accor for NRL
Already on the clock, the organisers of this weekend’s international Race of Champions at Sydney’s Accor Stadium have made a wild promise to the NRL they have to keep.
McGuane: Pressure ratings as clubs, coaches feel heat in 2025
The season hasn’t yet started, but some clubs and coaches are already under the pump with high expectations this year. MICK McGUANE has ranked every club 1-18 on the pressure index.
‘Crazy bastard’: Why players have a love/hate relationship with Madge
Michael Maguire’s hard nosed approach at Red Hill has aroused the critics, but one player who knows the coach better than most thinks it’s what the Broncos need to transform into a premiership powerhouse.
Revealed: Why Ben Hunt chose Broncos over Roosters
Ben Hunt will make his first Broncos NRL appearance in 2723 against a Roosters side he could’ve easily been playing for. The veteran playmaker revelas why he turned his back on Sydney to make his Red Hill return.
Cyclone threat throws Queensland racing calendar into chaos
Racing Queensland has cancelled or postponed several meetings in South East Queensland, including the $2m Jewel Day on the Gold Coast, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches.
Report Card: Australia forced to confront awkward Maxi question
A competitive Champions Trophy exit was a reasonable return for an undermanned team. But there are plenty of questions to be asked ahead of the 2027 World Cup, writes Ben Horne.
Kyrgios’ clutch at repaired wrist sends scare through camp
After months of getting himself ready for singles tennis, Nick Kyrgios has sent an injury scare through his camp, two days out from his Indian Wells opener.
Ralph: PVL, NRL must be laughing at AFL’s Opening Round mess
The AFL’s Opening Round has been cut in half by Cyclone Alfred — an unavoidable scenario the league could not have planned for. But as JON RALPH writes, its handling of the natural disaster has left the AFL open to accusations of “lacking empathy”.
NBL addresses crucial referee blunder in semi-final thriller
CROSSCOURT: Tuesday’s semi-final thriller has been hailed one of the greatest games of all-time – but Perth, and fans around the league, were left fuming over a series of crucial late calls.
FINAL Cheapie Bible: Eight bargains dumped to no go zone
There’s been a huge shift in the NRL SuperCoach cheapie rankings with a new No. 1 and a host of bargains falling out of contention.
What our NRL experts can’t wait to see in 2025
Comebacks, new combinations and old rivalries renewed – our rugby league writers reveal the one thing they can’t wait to see from every NRL club this season.
‘Do better’: NRL star’s wife lashes out over decision to move game
The threat of Cyclone Alfred has forced the NRL to relocate a game away from Brisbane leaving the families of Dolphins players to face the storm alone and the wife of one star has reacted furiously.
How Nanai’s big switch will impact Cowboys attack in 2025
Cowboys star Jeremiah Nanai is set for the biggest change in his career as he looks to recapture his form as one of the NRL’s greatest aerial threats. Find out how his move will impact the Cowboys’ attack.
Outplayed not disadvantaged: Smith denies India leg up in loss
The Dubai wicket was ‘completely different’ to the one Australia had played on in Pakistan but skipper Steve Smith refused to concede it disadvantaged the Aussies in their semi final loss against India.
Local cricketer, 65, becomes a legend with 10-wicket haul
If taking a seventh career hat-trick wasn’t a good enough day out for Newcastle City’s Brad O’Dell, the 65-year-old completed one of the rarest feats in the game. Here’s his incredible story.
Australia’s nightmare opener dilemma as mystery spinner looms
A semi-final showdown is shaping as the ultimate Champions Trophy challenge – with India enjoying a dream preparation while an under-manned Australia mull on their latest injury blow.
AFL open to ‘extremely difficult’ Adelaide Oval cricket switch
South Australia looks set to host the Sheffield Shield final, and the AFL is open to Adelaide Oval hosting the decider despite potential clashes with AFL matches and an ‘extremely difficult’ turnaround.
LIV star claim as golf war nears end
While the golf world inches closer to LIV stars possibly returning to the PGA Tour, one major champion has reportedly made his plans clear.
‘God we suck!’ – Tiger left in stitches
Golf: Tiger Woods could not stop laughing after teammate Tom Kim went early with his celebration.
Back-to-back near aces stun crowd!
Golf: Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley had everyone on their feet, after they both sunk successive aces.
Australian WPGA Championship cancelled
Golf: Golf Australia has announced The Australian WPGA Championship has been cancelled due to Hurrican Alfred.
Tennis star slams Trump for ‘hurting’ nation
Ukraine’s top ranked tennis player has criticised US President Donald Trump for decisions that are “hurting” Ukraine against Russia.
Come on Barty, let’s go party: Iconic duo transformed for IWD
Iconic Australian tennis duo Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s legendary friendship and remarkable achievements have been immortalised as Barbie dolls for International Women’s Day.
Aussie surge nets five-year first
A rankings breakthrough by a teenage tennis star has set a five-year benchmark for Australia ahead of a big teams event.
Cruz Hewitt claims first professional trophy
Cruz Hewitt has taken a massive step in replicating his famous father Lleyton with a rare feat as a 16-year-old on the professional tennis circuit.
LBJ milestone inspires Lakers’ win
NBA: LeBron James has reached 50,000 career points to grow his incredible legacy in the Lakers win over the Pelicans while Curry led the Warriors…
LeBron stuns NBA world with unbeatable points record
In the debate as the greatest basketballer of all-time, LeBron James has notched another stunning record which is unlikely to ever be broken.
‘GOT IT’ Lebron hits 50,000 points!
NBA: Superstar Lebron James has become the first player in history to hit 50,000 points in the Lakers match with the Pelicans.
Kyrie addresses fans rupturing ACL
NBA: Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has told fans he’s already begun his recovery, after rupturing his ACL against the Sacramento Kings.
Sky Blues seeking ‘smart’ display
Sydney FC is facing a ‘massive’ test against South Korean club Jeonbuk in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.
Roar pair opts to stay home as cyclone approaches
With Cyclone Alfred approaching, a couple of experienced Brisbane Roar players have opted to remain at home with their families rather than travel to Adelaide for an A-League match.
Former Socceroo defends rape allegations
The former A-League defender has fronted a Sydney court charged with aggravated sexual assault in company.
Games moved, postponed: How TC Alfred has sidelined sport
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has wreaked havoc on sports across all levels in Queensland, with AFL and NRL among those forced to reconsider their plans for this weekend.
Tactical, gear changes for Growing Empire in Newmarket
Ciaron Maher will make a tactical change with Growing Empire in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap in a bid to get the talented colt back to winning form.
Kendrick confident filly can add to run of 2YO upsets
Recent two-year-old results has boosted Queensland trainer Stuart Kendrick’s hopes his filly can pull off an upset in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes in Sydney on Saturday.
Pakenham tips Thursday: $2.60 best bet
A stayer which just missed in the Tasmanian Derby will enjoy the drop in grade when he heads to Pakenham on Thursday night.
Moree preview: Brown hoping to Snatch a win despite big weight
Tamworth trainer Wayne Brown in concerned about Snatchreilly’s big handicap and is relying on the gelding’s class advantage to help get him home.
Fashion, friends and Ferrari: F1 champion’s most iconic looks
Not only a Formula 1 champion, the status of Lewis Hamilton spreads across fashion, entertainment and celebrity. Ahead of the Melbourne F1 opener, dive into the Ferrari star’s most iconic looks.
F1 boss’ four-word reaction to sext scandal
Christian Horner’s reaction to his bombshell sexting scandal last season has been revealed ahead of the new season of Drive to Survive.
From Ricciardo grid kid to the F1 Academy: Aussie teen called up
Melbourne teenager Joanne Ciconte has become the youngest driver to join the 2025 F1 Academy, following the announcement of fellow Australian Aiva Anagnostiadis.
‘Difficult’: Former Haas chief’s warning to Max and Red Bull
Former Haas chief Guenther Steiner has warned Red Bull that Max Verstappen would be ‘difficult to manage’ if they can’t deliver him a winning car in 2025.
Tszyus, title fights and two injury returns in stacked 2025 slate
Tim Tszyu and Brock Jarvis are the major winners of the No Limit boxing 2025 stacked schedule reveal. Click for details of what’s set to be boxing’s biggest year yet.
No Limit launch biggest year yet
Boxing: No Limit Boxing have launched their biggest year with the Tszyu brothers and Brock Jarvis set to headline a blockbuster year for Australian…
The footy prodigy turned KO artist who was too rough for rugby league
He’s a footy prodigy who carved up scoring tries outside Nathan Cleary – then quit rugby league because the game was ‘too soft’. Meet Tonga Tongotongo, the big-hitting boxer taking on the fight game.
Liam Paro ecstatic to join Tim Tszyu’s stable
Boxer Liam Paro says he wants to bring big fights to Australia after joining No Limit Boxing, the same stable as Tim Tszyu.
Ruck and roll: Vixens make call on Mannix replacement player
A former AFLW player has waited in the wings as a training partner for the Melbourne Vixens for almost four years, but now gets her chance after a Super Netball promotion.
Richardson backs Kelpies’ first UK tour to broaden horizons
With the Kelpies set to travel to England for the first time for a best-of-three series, wing attack Riley Richardson is confident men’s netball’s international appeal is strengthening.
‘Scary’ Kiwi netball recruit in Aussie coup
The NSW Swifts head into the 2025 Super Netball season as one of the premiership favourites after signing New Zealand’s best player.
‘Shouldn’t of played’: National duties left Mav worse for wear
Melbourne Mavericks goaler Eleanor Cardwell has conceded that she should not have lined up for national duties at last year’s Test Series, revealing she instead needed knee surgery.
Waratahs make shock call ahead of Force clash
The Waratahs have made a bombshell selection for their crucial game against the Western Force, dropping a playmaker to the bench in favour of a new recruit. See the teams inside.
‘No grudges’ as Reds face former favourite son
The Reds are fully aware of the damage former Queensland star James O’Connor can cause them on Sunday in Christchurch.
Waratahs schoolgirl in league of her own in rugby after special debut
It was the best week of her life, but teenage Waratahs rugby gun Millie Parker spent a fair bit of it in tears as she made a very special debut.
Cyclone Alfred grounds Reds, Waratahs U18s rising stars and club rugby guns
The rising stars of rugby and club players are the latest athletes affected by the impending Cyclone Alfred with an annual U18s stoush between the Waratahs and Reds and a big event on hold.
Editor's Picks
Official: Fastest player in NRL revealed, shock runner-up
While the award for the NRL’s fastest man goes to a known speedster, a shock contender has claimed No.2 honours. We reveal the fastest players at every club in 2024 based on official Telstra Tracker data.
NRL 2025 Rookie Dossier: Parra’s teen talents pushing for debuts
Much has been made of Parramatta’s struggles to hold junior talent, but the club still boasts a number of emerging stars that are knocking on the door of first-grade debuts. We reveal every NRL club’s rookie prospects.
NRL investigation: Controversial Eels clauses blow up in club’s face
Parramatta’s controversial implementation of multiple contract clauses has finally caught up with them. MICHAEL CARAYANNIS reveals every NRL player with a clause in their contract.
The statistics that really decide rugby league games
We’ve crunched the data from every regular season game of 2024, looking at 10 key statistics – and can now reveal those that had the biggest impact on the final result and those that didn’t.
Live stream: Young guns to watch at Netball Victoria State Titles
Victoria’s rising netball stars will face off in Frankston this weekend at the State Titles with hundreds of players set to take to the courts. See the full list of the talents to watch.
How to watch every match of the 2024-25 NTFL prelim finals live
Last year’s grand finalists will face off for the honour of returning to the big stage in a set of highly anticipated preliminary finals. Find out how to watch every senior finals match LIVE.
Live stream: How to watch 190+ matches from Netball Victoria State Titles
Four courts across three massive days are set to be live streamed when the annual Netball Victoria State Titles return in March. See how to watch exclusively here.
Replay: Olivia Giotis (The Drive) v Eliza Gauvin (Seacliff) – Tennis SA State League Grand finals Day 3
Watch the replay between Olivia Giotis (The Drive) and Eliza Gauvin (Seacliff).
‘Freakish stuff’: Mackay coach backs Cutters’ Cowboys recruit
The Mackay Cutters head coach lifts the lid on why his club is so excited about their big recruit out of Dolphins, Cowboys ahead of round 1 of the QRL Hostplus Cup.
Teen once wanted by Broncos set for Reds debut
A boom rugby rookie once wanted by the Brisbane Broncos is set to make his Queensland Reds Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Crusaders on Sunday.
Coaches, officials lift lid on soaring junior Cutters teams
With three out of four junior teams undefeated after three rounds, there’s little wonder why Mackay coaches are talking up their team’s performances. Find out what they had to say.
Toward The Games
Nova Brisbane’s breakfast co-host David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral and The Courier-Mail editor Chris Jones chronicle Brisbane’s transformation into an Olympic city.
The Herald Sun Footy Podcast
Join the Herald Sun’s Lauren Wood and the team as they talk through the big news of the week, and what’s set for the weekend of footy.
The Lowdown Podcast with Brodie Smith and Tom Rockliff
Every week of the AFL season, discusses footy’s big issues and the personalities behind the players who make the game tick.
$6bn Olympic plan: Gov shuts down bold private bid to rescue 2032 Games
A Miles Government minister has all but shut down plans for an Olympic mega precinct with a stunning 60,000-seat waterfront stadium, revealing tenders had already been issued for the QSAC upgrades. TAKE OUR POLL
‘Worked my butt off, gave my all’: Raygun breaks silence
Aussie breakdancer ‘Raygun’ says the vitriol she’s copped since the Paris Olympics has been devastating because she thought her routine would bring joy but instead it opened the door “to so much hate”.
‘So crazy’: Next stop for youngest gold medallist
There’s only one thing a 14-year-old Olympic gold medallist can do after the Games are done and that’s what’s on Arisa Trew’s mind.
‘Full-circle moment’: Fox’s achievement hits home
Canoe superstar Jess Fox has enjoyed the arrival home as an Olympic gold medallist before, but this time it was her sister’s turn.
‘The Bulldogs have got to move past him’
AFL: Garry Lyon has implored Dogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to follow Clayton Oliver’s example, with the Demons star semmingly having healed his…
Bigger than Ablett? Geelong’s plan to help Smith shun spotlight
Gryan Miers first came across Bailey Smith when he kicked seven goals in a TAC Cup Grand Final. Eight years on, Miers says the Cats are determined to help their high-profile recruit deal with being Geelong’s newest rockstar.
‘Won’t take myself too seriously’: Ginnivan to star in fashion show
Hawthorn livewire Jack Ginnivan is joining other footy players on the Melbourne Fashion Festival catwalk and says he is looking forward to the “unique experience”.
Finals eliminator? Dons-Suns clash could be antidote to pre-finals bye
The AFL is yet to make a definitive call on when the postponed Opening Round clashes will take place, but one scenario could create the perfect 2025 season finale.
Travis and Taylor ‘together longer’ than world knew
Travis Kelce’s next-door neighbour has given an insight into the football star’s relationship with Taylor Swift while the 35-year-old opened up on his decision to keep playing after Super Bowl defeat.
‘Absolute chills’: NBA star’s heartbreaking act
The Dallas Mavericks’ nightmare season has gone from bad to worse after Kyrie Irving went down with what could be a serious injury.
Surprise revelation over Travis Kelce’s Super Bowl ‘disaster’
The Kansas City Chiefs have given an insight into why Travis Kelce had a game he’d rather forget at the Super Bowl as Hollywood circles the star who is contemplating his future.
Josh Giddey stuns in epic NBA turnaround
Australia’s Josh Giddey has continued his red-hot NBA form, leading his team to victory while a fellow Aussie shattered records.
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