NRL finals form guide: Injuries, X-factors, week 1 predictions
After 27 rounds, 17 has become eight as the NRL finals are locked and load for 2024. DEAN RITCHIE puts the microscope over every week 1 match-up.
Storm
The blunt advice that kept Craig Bellamy in the game
NRL figure Craig Bellamy — widely revered as one of the best in the game — has opened up about the crucial moment that led him to still be coaching today. See the video.
News gets better for rampant Storm
After Craig Bellamy recorded his 400th NRL win and his 37th against the awful Brisbane Broncos, he delivered some positive finals news.
Fans all make same joke in Broncos massacre
NRL fans have shown their ruthless side once again, mocking the Broncos mercilessly as the 2023 runners up’s season came to a horrific end.
‘Real proud’: Storm laps up stunning achievement
Craig Bellamy has taken the Storm to the finals 21 times, and a take-down of the battling Broncos will launch them into another premiership push.
Scans for Storm star as Bellamy reveals Broncos plans
After resting 11 players for Thursday night’s loss in Townsville, Storm coach Craig Bellamy has revealed his final round plans and an injury update on one star.
Langer Trophy Team of the Season – and where they are headed in the NRL
Langer Trophy Team of the Season has been revealed here. See if your NRL club has picked up the top talent from this year’s elite schoolboy league competition.
‘Not my job’: Bellamy blasts rest critics
The Melbourne Storm coach left no doubt what he thought of those attacking his decision to rest 11 of his best players.
Storm re-signs star with ridiculous record
The Storm could unleash their secret weapon in the finals, with one player who’s been rewarded with a long-term extension looking to extend his incredible NRL record.
NRL Run Home: Every finals contender’s best, worst finish
Four unlikely finals contenders have emerged following St George Illawarra’s round 25 loss to Cronulla, as the race for the eight heats up. See every contender’s best and worst ladder finish.
‘Earned the right’: Storm defend resting plan
Team list Tuesday will look very different for the Storm this week, but one club veteran has confirmed he won’t be rested and will travel to Townsville to face the Cowboys.
Boom boys named: Schoolboy Walters Cup Team of the Season
The schoolboy Walters Cup Team of the Season features an overflowing bucket of rugby league boom boys – and a host of next generation NRL players. FULL SQUAD
Alcohol, women, and drugs: Inside Folau’s downward spiral
A candid Israel Folau has opened up on his life of alcohol, women and drugs in Melbourne, his regretful move to the AFL, and how he could walk into the Wallabies line-up today.
‘Oh my god’: NRL farce is ‘absolute madness’
The Melbourne Storm have wrapped up the minor premiership but not before one of the most absurd Bunker calls of the season.
How Storm will plan for pre-finals rest
The Storm faces a tricky few weeks as the club looks to balance rest and finals preparations while having to make two brutal trips to Queensland.
‘Turning point’ shaping NRL title race
Even with stars sidelined by injury for much of the NRL season, Melbourne Storm still looks set to finish on top, and now those players are back it could be scary for their rivals.
NRL’s scariest man reveals secrets to success
Melbourne Storm giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona plays his 200th NRL game on Saturday and has revealed how he rolls out his intimidating performances each week.
Show us the money: Clubs, ARLC facing $60m expansion showdown
NRL clubs hold a powerful lever in a looming showdown with the ARL Commission over plans for them to share in a $60 million licence fee for Papua New Guinea to enter the league.
Storm and Panthers own best NRL grand final hangover cures
It’s a curse which has claimed three victims in three years – but two teams seem immune to the grand final hangover. See every grand finalist’s ladder position in the five years that followed defeat.
Cleary injury and some questionable calls cost Panthers
The Panthers’ hopes of a fourth-straight premiership have suffered a blow with superstar halfback Nathan Cleary injured on a night where the Storm were gifted a crucial late penalty in dubious circumstances.
‘Pros and cons’: Storm weighs up player moves
Yet again Melbourne Storm will finish in the top two and that opens the door for Craig Bellamy to pull some moves with his players before the finals.
‘I don’t know’: Controversy loses NRL world
NRL commentators and fans have been left completely baffled after a controversial moment erupted early in the top of the table clash.
Horror sight blows NRL wide open
The Panthers’ hunt for a fourth straight premiership has suffered a monumental blow after Nathan Cleary left the field late against the Storm.
Bellamy’s one word to stop Panthers star
Penrith is more than one man but if Storm coach Craig Bellamy could take one thing on Thursday night to stop Nathan Cleary he knows what it would be.
Latest chapter in epic modern rivalry
Penrith and Melbourne have been the best two teams of the modern era, with the sides to add another chapter to their epic rivalry.
‘We’ve all been played’ by Honey Badger
Former Bachelor Nick Cummins has been unveiled as a marquee signing with an NRL club in a stunt 10 years after his last Wallabies appearance.
Bellamy makes big call on his future
Every year Melbourne Storm fans bite their fingernails wondering whether SuperCoach Craig Bellamy will keep going and he’s made a decision about 2025.
Why Titans should axe Fifita, poach Storm star
David Fifita has been leading the Titans on and now Gold Coast coach Des Hasler has been urged to punt the Maroons forward and make an irresistible offer to a Melbourne Storm star.
‘Concerning scenes’ NRL is sick of seeing
The Melbourne Storm got another win but it was soured by concerning scenes involving a fan favourite getting struck down yet again.
Munster’s $6m sacrifice to become a Melbourne legend
Cameron Munster was poised to sign an eye-watering $6 million deal with NRL expansion club the Dolphins, but would end up staying loyal to Melbourne. See why he turned down the opportunity to become the “king of Queensland”.
Welch’s emotional path to major milestone
He’s overcome three major injuries, he lost the captaincy and he’s been moved to the bench. But Christian Welch has never stopped being selfless as he reaches a major milestone.
‘I’m so sorry’: Star on white powder drama
The Roosters hooker was in tears as he revealed the true cost of being caught up in an infamous white powder video scandal.
How Munster became the face of the Storm
He comes across as a larrikin on and off the field, but Cameron Munster is so much more than that, and it’s something not lost on his coach.
Souths in more strife after hefty charge for ‘ugly’ act
Taane Milne’s 80th-minute brain fade will likely cost the Rabbitohs a winger for a couple of matches, piling on more pain for the under-siege club.
NRL world rages over star’s dog act
With just nine seconds on the clock, a Rabbitohs winger made a staggering decision that could lead to a long suspension.
Bellamy lauds ‘sensible’ retirement call
NRL stalwart Dale Finucane’s decision to look after his family and retire was lauded by his former coach as a call more players should make.
Revealed: How covert DCE has influenced Storm skipper
As he prepares to skipper the Storm on Anzac Day for the first time, Harry Grant has opened up on the covert role Daly Cherry-Evans has played in his leadership style.
Storm star at centre of shock NRL rumour
A Melbourne Storm superstar has hit out at a swirling rumour as one NRL club desperately searches for a playmaker to lead them.
NRL rules on Storm tries, Roosters pair escape suspension
Trent Robinson’s fury over two controversial tries in the Roosters-Storm match were put to bed by NRL head of football Graham Annesley.
Storm giant breaks silence on exit rumour
Storm giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona let his footy do the talking on Thursday and then set the record straight on all the rumours about him.
Bellamy responds to Munster’s brain snap
The Storm is sitting pretty at the top of the table, but the result could have been different had they not held on while Cameron Munster was in the sin bin for a bizarre play.
Coach melts down over Bunker decisions
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has exploded at the NRL Bunker, claiming decisions being made “haven’t been good enough”.
‘Impressed’: Big Origin push for Storm star
New NSW coach Michael Maguire isn’t short on fullback talent but has been urged to find a spot somewhere for the electric Storm custodian.
Papenhuyzen’s cheeky request after hip drop charge
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen was charged by the NRL judiciary with a hip drop tackle that was missed in the run of play.
‘Haven’t seen before’ act blows NRL away
Melbourne Storm winger Xavier Coates is making a habit of absurd highlight reel moments, adding to it on Friday night.
Comeback kings: Storm survive Foxx onslaught in Melbourne thriller
Melbourne have secured yet another last-minute victory, denying the Bulldogs one of the upsets of the season, after a stunning Josh Addo-Carr hat-trick threatened to steal the game away.
Bellamy responds to Souths, Schuster rumours
Craig Bellamy’s name gets linked to just about any coaching vacancy, so it’s no surprise to hear his name mentioned as South Sydney’s potential boss.
Legacy lives on: Referee’s NRL debut to honour mentor’s memory
The NRL’s newest referee will honour the late mentor who predicted he would go all the way in rugby league, before his tragic passing at 25, during his debut on Friday.
Storm lock in star outside back on new deal
The Melbourne Storm has locked in one of their most underrated stars to a new deal.
Storm’s fullback factory could force Papenhuyzen out
Ryan Papenhuyzen admits Melbourne’s flourishing fullback factory could force him out of the position he has made his own. Meet the fullback phenoms gunning for Papenhuyzen’s jersey.
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