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Matthew Forrest is the AFL Chief of Staff for News Corp’s national sports team. He has worked at News Corp since 2021 in a variety of sports journalism roles including at the Mackay Daily Mercury and the Geelong Advertiser. Previously, Matthew was the Chief Football Writer at the Geelong Advertiser until 2024, when he started in his current role.

@mattforrest29

Matthew Forrest

Latest

NRL

MACKAY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 18: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers thanks fans after the NRL Semifinal match between Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

‘We’ve earned it’: Why Mackay deserves permanent NRL fixtures

Mackay has played a pivotal role in the survival of the NRL season, and the regional city has now earned the right to host permanent fixtures each year.

Sport

Mithali Raj (left) and Meg Lanning before the three-match ODI series to be played in Mackay at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, September 20, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Historic cricket series to grow sport in regional Queensland

The first international cricket series in Mackay will offer fans a different experience to matches played in big stadiums, with fans expected to be ‘close to the action’.

NRL

Roosters legend forever connected to Mackay with exclusive record

Josh Morris was a Roosters legend long before he played in Mackay, but the Sydney great is now a member of an exclusive club in the sugar city.

Raiders

Hometown pride: Mackay mates make NRL academy together

While their Aaron Payne Cup football campaign fizzled out before finals, four St Patrick’s College students have their attention turned to NRL commitments.

News

Wallis Randell from the Gold Coast Suns AFLW team in Mackay, September 6, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

‘This is a possibility’: Mackay Sun inspiring future AFLW stars

Wallis Randell was inspired to strive for the AFLW when her hometown friend was drafted to the Suns. Now she wants to inspire the next generation of elite female athletes.

Basketball

Bradley Rasmussen, Chris Cedar and Jerron Jamerson. PICTURE: Matthew Forrest

WATCH: Second-half run secures Meteors’ grand final berth

A half-time speech has spurred on the Meteors to overcome a 12-point deficit to run out 15-point winners in the NBL1 North semi-final.

Raiders

Seeing double: Mackay rugby league twins on Raiders radar

Canberra is certainly getting comfortable during its time in Mackay, with the club’s reach extending into footballing heartland as it signs talented prospects.

News