Buzz: Farce as boxing promoter negotiates NRL mega deals
The Jack Wighton saga is seemingly done and dusted – but there’s one aspect of the negotiations that just doesn’t sit right, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
Opinion
Raiders can get revenge on Souths without the NRL
Instead of sulking over Jack Wighton’s defection, Paul Crawley says Canberra should use the flawed NRL system to get payback on South Sydney.
‘Should know better’: Kent lashes league dinosaurs
Paul Kent has had enough of archaic statements like “what’s he supposed to do” in defending dangerous hip-drop tackles. How many legs need to snap before critics change their views?
NRL’s cash for converts scheme is a proven failure
Rugby league is in panic mode with offers of a salary cap discount to recruit stars from rugby union, this is not a new move, but it is one doomed to failure, writes Brent Read.
Kent: Wests Tigers axe Anzac jersey scapegoat
The employee responsible for the Anzac jersey saga has been quietly let go by the Wests Tigers – but not for the kit blunder, PAUL KENT reveals.
Monday Buzz: The AFL would love Wighton to leave Raiders
The Raiders’ grip on the Canberra sporting public is not what is used to be, and the club can ill afford ot lose its biggest drawcard, writes Phil Rothfield.
Kent: Wighton war discloses NRL disgrace
The revelation that Jack Wighton could be the latest NRL star who takes less money to play for a glamour club exposes an integrity issue for the code, writes Paul Kent.
Matty Johns: Trbojevic should pick Freddy’s NSW pack
I’m certain Brad Fittler won’t make the same selection mistakes as last year – and the NSW Blues coach should lean on the Origin warrior he overlooked for Game I last year.
Kent: Rewarding losers is a weakness on society
Attempts to find a way to reward the NRL’s losers takes us back to the schoolyard where every kid gets a ribbon. That mentality, not the rules, is what needs to change, writes PAUL KENT.
Gutsy Panthers ripe for a three-peat
The Penrith Panthers did one of the bravest things in rugby league, they broke a winning system, but what they built has made them stronger, writes MATTY JOHNS.
Buzz: NRL could relax gambling rules amid Mason probe
The NRL will consider relaxing gambling rules that stopped Laurie Daley from working at Manly and threaten Willie Mason’s role at the Bulldogs.
Moment hip drop debate was settled once and for all
Any argument against the merits of the hip drop charges issued over the weekend now lay dead and slightly stiff – and here’s the emphatic proof, writes PAUL KENT.
Kent: Ivan takes the prize for NRL’s dumbest comment
He’s helped build the NRL’s most dominant side, but Penrith’s Ivan Cleary is not immune to letting slip a silly comment. And he’s outdone himself this week, writes PAUL KENT.
Why is the King of Brisbane NSW’s forgotten man?
Adam Reynolds is not just the player the Dolphins should fear in the ‘River City Rumble’, writes PAUL CRAWLEY, he’s also the man who could bring down the Maroons.
Sam and Satts: Crowe’s poetic tribute to iconic Souths image
South Sydney owner and Hollywood icon Russell Crowe has revealed John Sattler’s role in saving the Rabbitohs and the special image that defines the club.
Monday Buzz: Rookie the first NSW Blues forward picked
Not Cam Murray, Isaah Yeo or Jake Trbojevic – a State of Origin debutant should be the first forward picked in Brad Fittler’s Blues team this year. Buzz’s highlights and lowlights.
Kent: Why Eels’ premiership window is closing on Moses
With Parramatta yet to record a win, the stocks on Mitchell Moses’ salary have begun to fall. If he was worth $1.25m at the start of 2023, what is his value now, asks Paul Kent.
Parramatta’s hangover has historical implications
The Parramatta Eels are one loss away from reaching the point of no return, writes Brent Read, providing their round four opponents and greatest rivals with even more motivation.
Teddy or Trell? Matty Johns’ shock pick for South Sydney Roosters
Who would make a combined 17 based purely on Rabbitohs and Roosters? MATTY JOHNS takes on the challenge and some big names miss out.
PVL’s unwavering No.1 priority in concussion debate
In addressing the worrying noise surrounding Kalyn Ponga’s concussion dramas, Peter V’Landys explained why the NRL has announced new landmark concussion protocols.
NRL Agenda: Unexpected rule change sets dangerous precedent
It appears we have a new rule in the NRL, with a headscratching interpretation of the double movement on full display in Round 2, with this Stefano Utoikamanu ‘try’.
Having 20 NRL teams didn’t work before and won’t work now
Rugby league doesn’t have the player talent pool, administration depth nor locational options for a 20-team competition, writes Dean Ritchie.
Kent: Why a life ban is too much for Mitchell abuser
There is no place for racism in rugby league, or anywhere else. But the mob calling for a life ban for the boy who abused Latrell Mitchell must be rejected writes Paul Kent.
Graphic warning: Inside story of horrific Munster injury
Melbourne sent Cameron Munster back out to face the Eels with his finger looking a complete mess. PAUL KENT reveals the incredible inside story of the 14 minutes.
Fergo nose job plea a shameful cash grab
How can Blake Ferguson say the game hasn’t looked after him? He earned millions during his career, surely he could have saved some money to fix his broken nose, writes PAUL CRAWLEY.
Buzz’s Oscar award: dive-of-the-year robs Sharks
And the Oscar goes to … Cronulla was robbed of a try in its heartbreaking loss after the bunker was completely fooled by the Cowboy’s match-winner. Buzz Rothfield’s highlights and lowlights.
‘Scapegoat’ DCE defended in ugly Sea Eagles infighting
With a push for Daly Cherry-Evans to be replaced as Manly captain by Jake Trbojevic, Mal Meninga goes into bat for the under-fire Queensland skipper.
Dawson the ill-fitting Jet who stood on the fringes
Inside convicted wife killer Chris Dawson’s rugby league dealings in an era where footballers and gangsters existed side-by-side, and often overlapped.
Editor’s view: How to not let Greeny’s death be in vain
If Paul Green’s suicide has made you fear for a loved one or a mate, please do more than just ask if they are OK, writes the editor.
Kent: Clubs playing dangerous game with battling coaches
Several coaches are running out of time to save their jobs, but their clubs might be playing with fire by putting them on notice, writes Paul Kent.
Kent: NRL being conned by its own judicial stupidity
The NRL’s recent judicial changes have allowed players like Nelson Asofa-Solomona to con the same people who implemented the game’s new grading structure, PAUL KENT writes.
Tigers to cop spoon after dumbest play of the year
The Wests Tigers are on the brink of their first wooden spoon after throwing away victory with a sensational brain snap against the Dragons.
Munster’s ‘concerning act’ worries NRL but no charge
The NRL does not approve of Cameron Munster elbowing an opponent in the face, but somehow the Storm star was not charged for the grubby act.
Munster’s monster salary sacrifice to stay loyal
The financial reality of Cameron Munster’s pending decision on whether to stay loyal to Storm or take up a mega-rich deal at the Dolphins has been laid bare.
Kent: Bennett’s recruiting tactics exposed
Wayne Bennett has often said the best coaches are the best recruiters and his pursuit of Storm star Cameron Munster has forced him to dig deep into his bag of tricks, writes PAUL KENT.
No deal: The Bulldogs fighting for their NRL future
A former top-rated Canterbury junior is among a list of six Bulldogs without a deal for next season as the club prepares for the arrival of new coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Artie’s Allianz: Daily Telegraph readers help immortalise Beetson
Originally snubbed from Allianz Stadium’s naming plans, Arthur Beetson was immortalised on the $900 million venue’s grandstands following a lengthy The Daily Telegraph campaign.
Club responds to QLD Origin star links
Is one of Queensland’s State of Origin heroes headed to the sunshine state? One suitor has weighed in on speculation linking them with a move for Ben Hunt.
Monday Buzz: Watch Tiger’s nasty exchange with fan
Wests Tigers’ embarrassing SCG drubbing took an ugly turn at fulltime, with Adam Doueihi abused by a disgruntled fan. Phil Rothfield’s weekend highlights and lowlights.
Monday Buzz: Manly icon says Hasler’s time ‘probably’ up
One of Manly’s most influential figures has delivered a brutal assessment of Des Hasler’s coaching ability and future at the club. Phil Rothfield’s weekend highlights and lowlights.
Hard truth: O’Brien opens up on Ponga affair, NRL future
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien insists superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga does not have too much power at the club and has vowed to inject a harder edge to stop the rot at the Knights.
Kent: Why Ponga will never lead Knights to glory
The great clubs are always well led, and Kalyn Ponga has shown he doesn’t have the influence needed to deliver premierships for the Knights, writes Paul Kent.
Fear factor: Bogey teams top eight sides want to avoid
Even the best teams have their bogey sides, and their bunnies. Find out which team in the top eight has the best and worst record against rivals jostling for finals spots.
Kent: This is what an NRL club without identity looks like
In every successful era the Knights have had, the team was littered with junior stars nurtured through the ranks. That’s no longer the case and it’s led to a loss of identity, writes Paul Kent.
Buzz: Ponga should be stripped of Knights captaincy
What kind of message does it send when the skipper is out drinking while the team is being hammered by the Broncos? Ponga should be stripped of the captaincy, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
Kent: Tough reality behind the blood, sweat and tears
The toughness of NRL players is an accepted fact but the death of Paul Green was a jolting reminder of how taxing the game is, writes Paul Kent.
Kent: NRL coaches have nowhere to hide
In a year in which some rookie coaches have thrived and others have been axed, Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster should be taking notes if they want to succeed, writes Paul Kent.
The NRL was right to hit Ricky where it hurts
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has been suspended for a week and it may become the new norm as the NRL sets a new benchmark for officials who cross the line, writes BRENT READ.
Kent: Why Ricky did nothing wrong
Ricky Stuart could have easily rolled over and explained why he said what he said to gain sympathy, but he’s made of stronger stuff, writes PAUL KENT.
Kent: Brandy is right to blame Storm for hip-drop farce
Greg Alexander and Cameron Smith have butted heads over claims Melbourne invented the hip-drop tackle, and history shows Brandy is in the right, writes PAUL KENT.
Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/opinion/page/4