Normally a snub from NRL headquarters is a burr on the saddle of local league fans. But the game’s decision not to entertain an expansion team in Queensland was lucky – and Magic Round was proof.
Lachlan Ilias, Josh Schuster and Jackson Hastings were among the NRL stars missing from Magic Round in Brisbane, but their own moments of magic in reserve grade prove they are pushing to be recalled.
An innocuous positional request from David Fifita was rejected by Titans coach Des Hasler – and it cost the $1 million forward his place in the NRL side.
There can be one thing worse than a heavy penalty and that’s a light one. But if Ezra Mam is to shake the murky narrative trailing his every move, the Broncos must throw him into the fire.
Brisbane’s premiership credentials are under the microscope after their Magic Round pummelling to the Panthers, a loss in which coach Michael Maguire admitted he was guilty of costly coaching-box blunders.
NSW’s chief villain Spencer Leniu, known for ‘wanting to hurt people’, will be unleashed for Origin I – setting up a ferocious meeting in Brisbane, while 160 minutes will decide a key spine position.
Michael Maguire faces one of the most critical calls of his Broncos tenure — whether to bring back under-fire star Ezra Mam to his round 10 side, a move which has the support of Brisbane’s biggest stars.
The Broncos are great frontrunners. But their loss against the Panthers showed – once again – that they fall apart under pressure, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.
The stats don’t lie. Rugby union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase is a far better player than the man he replaced at the same stage of his career – Wallabies’ $5m man Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii. PHIL ROTHFIELD reveals the Roosters’ win.
Jacob Preston is seemingly out of Origin 1 contention after being slapped with a long-term ban for a third subsequent offence, but the Bulldogs will fight the charge at the NRL judiciary.
A bunch of huge scores over Magic Round mean this could be your last chance to jump on a host of SuperCoach stunners before they skyrocket in price.
Rugby league fans have given an insight into the reception waiting for Ezra Mam when he returns to the NRL, with large sections of the Magic Round crowd booing the Broncos star. WATCH THE VIDEO
Laurie Daley has said he will pick his NSW team on form. If the returning coach is true to his word, this is the side he should select, including a Blues legend he simply can’t look past.
The reigning premiers looked like the Panthers of old after a commanding victory over the Broncos, who have some soul-searching to do.
Sharks star Will Kennedy maintains the outright lead in the Dally M standings, but a NSW State of Origin prospect is right on his heels after another dominant display. See the full votes after round 9.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has lavished praise on the Queensland government for its ongoing support of Magic Round but refused to rule out one day taking the showpiece event to fresh overseas markets.
Prop is proven as the toughest position for SuperCoach cheapies and the Panthers are generally one of the worst teams for cheapies. But we may have a bolt from the blue.
The final impediment to the return of the Bears has been cleared with the NRL and West Australian government agreeing to terms on a funding deal for an 18th team in Perth.
Another week, another suspension for high contact, this time for a Cowboys star forward who now faces the risk of missing State of Origin game one if he is unsuccessful in fighting the charge.
Magic Round has proved very profitable for Bryan Fletcher after the Fox Sports funny man turned $50 into $7,500 thanks to a savvy punt on a Newcastle try-scorer. Buzz’s highlights and lowlights.
A Roosters star has bolted into Queensland contention after destroying the Dolphins in Magic Round, while another Maroons hopeful has been ruled out of State of Origin Game I.
Despite a woeful win rate, falling crowds and a code war slump to the surging Gold Coast Suns, the Titans insist veteran coach Des Hasler is safe. That and more in Saint, Sinner, Shoosh.
Melbourne star Eli Katoa reveals the moment he feared being blind for life and how an innocuous tackle would leave him fearing that his NRL dream could be over.
Watch the video as Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield dives deep into the Caxton Hotel scrum to experience the Magic Round vibe for himself.
Benji Marshall’s Tigers have held on to claim victory in a Magic Round boilover, as the Dragons were left rueing an all-time try fumble that ultimately cost them the game.
Luke Metcalf is finally owning the Warriors’ famous No.7 jersey, with another stunning individual performance rocketing his side into the top four, after surviving a dramatic Cowboys comeback.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has slammed his players, as Knights star Fletcher Sharpe scored a hat-trick on his 21st birthday to snap a five-game losing streak.
Titans coach Des Hasler shocked the NRL this week when he dumped $1 million superstar David Fifita – now the maligned Gold Coast forward has given his side of the story.
With Adam Reynolds laughing off suggestions that he would take a pay cut to stay at the Broncos, Brisbane chiefs know they need to make deep cuts elsewhere – these are the names on the chopping block.
Fans and former players have gone nuclear over a bunker howler that marred the opening match of Magic round – but the NRL claims the right call was made. Watch and have your say.
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