New Zealand
Watch: Joey Manu scores on debut in Japanese rugby but Aussie rival ices win
Former Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu crossed the line in his first game in rugby union.
- by Jonathan Drennan
Latest
Taumalolo transformed international rugby league. He will need to do so again
This could be Kristian Woolf’s last hurrah. If it is not to be, a North Queensland star will need to return to his best and launch another rescue mission.
- by Nick Wright
Analysis
NRL 2024
‘Doesn’t die wondering’: How two young Test stars compare with the best
They are still very much in the education stages of their careers, but these young men now hold the key to their country’s Pacific Championships hopes.
- by Nick Wright
‘Let’s go, bro’: How Kiwis dragged Johnson off the lounge for Test swansong
Shaun Johnson will face the Kangaroos armed with a pocket full of “free tokens” as he makes a surprise return to action having “retired” at the end of the NRL season.
- by Dan Walsh
Johnson back from retirement to rescue injury-hit Kiwis
New Zealand hero Shaun Johnson has the chance for the perfect sign-off to his rugby league career after coming out of retirement to replace Jahrome Hughes.
- by Jasper Bruce
Updated
Around the clubs
Tigers star Galvin set for PM’s XIII call-up
A rollercoaster rookie year is about to end on a high for Lachlan Galvin, who is expected to be called up to wear the green and gold for the first time.
- by Adrian Proszenko, Adam Pengilly, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi
Updated
IRL
NRL demand Ponga answers as New Zealand’s secret bid to poach star revealed
The Knights have been asked to formally clarify Ponga’s Kangaroos snub after the Kiwis made an audacious attempt to convince the Knights superstar to play for them.
- by Adam Pengilly and Michael Chammas
Belly breathing in a group is the new NRL fad. But what is the science behind it?
The competition’s two most improved teams – the Bulldogs and Dragons – have taken to standing in a huddle and breathing during games. And they insist the one per-center is working.
- by Adam Pengilly
‘Other clubs would say it behind your back’: Why Roosters stars fronted Smith
Trent Robinson insists Brandon Smith has a future at the club - but felt he had no option but to stand him down for a week after missing a mid-season review, copping a stern rebuke from teammates.
- by Adam Pengilly
Bennett keeps rivals nervous for 2025 after Kiwis opt for local legend
Wayne Bennett remains without a head coaching role in 2025 for now after New Zealand opted to install Stacey Jones, their first Kiwi coach since 2017.
- by Dan Walsh and Billie Eder
PVL’s ‘loser’ Kiwis give Bennett green light for club and national job
Michael Maguire was told he couldn’t do juggle the State of Origin job and the Kiwis. But New Zealand has a different view of Wayne Bennett if he wants to coach a sixth NRL club in 2025.
- by Adam Pengilly
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/new-zealand-rugby-league-jrm