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Phil RothfieldSports Editor-at-Large

Phil Buzz Rothfield is a 43-year veteran of sports journalism. He covered his first rugby league grand final in 1978 – the Manly Sea Eagles – Cronulla Sharks replay. Buzz has been involved in the coverage of every State of Origin game since its inception in 1980 and has covered sport in major countries including England, Russia, the United States and Brazil.

@BuzzRothfield

Phil Rothfield

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NRL

Todd Carney and Susie BradleyGold Coast Fundraising Ball at RACV Royal Pines Resort for The Pulse with Portia Large Picture: Celeste Humphrey

‘We were done’: How Todd Carney and Susie Pearl saved their relationship

Former NRL star Todd Carney public battle with alcoholism crushed his relationship with Susie Pearl. ‘Mrs Carney’ reveals how Carney won her back after tying the knot.

NRL

Phil 'Buzz' Rothfield and Robert 'Crash' Craddock go head to head for Buzz State of Origin I. Art: Scott 'Boo' Bailey

Buzz v Crash: Blues, brawls, and an Origin lacking punch

It’s the most wonderful time of year as State of Origin arrives, but this year’s build-up is lacking some punch. Buzz and Crash go head to head on Origin’s biggest rivalries ahead of the opener.

NRL

NRL 2025 RD12 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Dolphins - Toby Sexton, Dejection. Picture: NRL Photos

$123m robbery: State of Origin destroying integrity of NRL

The NRL is the only major sport on this planet allows the main competition to be interrupted for almost a third of the season. PHIL ROTHFIELD reveals the only way to protect the integrity of the premiership.

NRL

Buzz: Why Galvin move can create unrest at Bulldogs

From position shifts to players being moved on entirely, Lachlan Galvin’s likely move to the Bulldogs has the potential for huge effect on the squad, which makes Phil Gould’s comments all the more confusing, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

NRL

Sandon Smith tore apart the Dragons on Anzac Day.

Buzz’s highs, lows: Roosters half set to quit ahead of DCE arrival

Daly Cherry-Evans’ impending move to the Sydney Roosters is set to force one of the club’s brightest stars out of Bondi, with the playmaker’s likely destination over 2000km away.

NRL

Isaac Moses, manager of Israel Folau at todays announcement that Folau has signed a one year deal with the NSW Waratahs.

What’s the Buzz: Fresh details on NRL agent’s power play at Nine

Fresh details have uncovered how controversial NRL player agent Isaac Moses holds the power in the corridors at Channel 9, freezing out one of their most senior rugby league journalists.

OpinionNRL

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Reece Walsh of the Broncos looks dejected during the round 22 NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium, on August 03, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Buzz: Reece Walsh punch video a TKO loss for Broncos

As far as rugby league scandals go, the Reece Walsh punch video is hardly the crime of the century. But, as PHIL ROTHFIELD explains, the timing of the incident is worth a 20-year sentence.

UpdatedNRL

Reece Walsh will be questioned by furious Broncos officials.

‘I went too far’: Walsh breaks silence over viral video

Brisbane superstar Reece Walsh has opened up over the video he posted to social media which shows him punching another man to the ground as the club CEO vowed to deal with the incident.

NRL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 16: James Tedesco of the Roosters leads his team out for the first half of the round eleven NRL match between Bulldogs and Roosters at Accor Stadium, on May 16, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Buzz: Successful clubs dudded in NRL draw farce

The NRL playing schedule during Origin has again been exposed for being unfair and lacking integrity with the Roosters, Bulldogs and Sea Eagles the only clubs without a bye before a game.

VideoNRL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 16: Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Roosters scores a try during the round eleven NRL match between Bulldogs and Roosters at Accor Stadium, on May 16, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Buzz’s highlight: NRL star’s spectacular try goes viral in Spain

The winner of the Peter Frilingos Dally M Moment of the Year can already be announced – and it might even claim awards on the European continent. Buzz’s highlights and lowlights.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/journalists/phil-rothfield/page/3