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NRL 2026

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Adam Reynolds looks on from the bench after being injured in the grand final. Brisbane were lucky to hang on with a reshuffled backline.

Bold plan for an extended substitutes bench could revolutionise the NRL

Some of the most successful coaches in rugby league want to potentially double the size of the current bench as the game becomes faster and more brutal. But will the change work?

  • Roy Masters

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Shane Richardson.

The payout, NRL probe and a dead magpie: Richo’s last stand as Tigers CEO

Shane Richardson was bullish to the end about a potential NRL investigation, the future of Wests Tigers and the constant boardroom bickering.

  • Dan Walsh and Adrian Proszenko
Eli Katoa’s career is under a cloud after suffering a spate of head knocks playing for Tonga last month.

NRL proposes heavy bans for Tonga staff after Katoa concussion drama

Tonga’s team doctor, assistant doctor and a trainer are facing extended time out of the game for their handling of Eli Katoa’s head knocks last month.

  • Dan Walsh
Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne.

Inner West mayor calls for state government intervention in Wests Tigers’ battle

Darcy Byrne wants the NSW government to resolve the Wests Tigers’ boardroom fight with an intervention similar to that at Parramatta in 2016.

  • Robert Dillon
Eli Katoa is helped from the field after a head knock while playing for Tonga.

‘Incredibly concerning’: Players covering up concussions at training, poll reveals

Nearly two thirds of NRL players continued to train after experiencing a suspected concussion, according to a Rugby League Players’ Association poll.

  • Adrian Proszenko
Alex McKinnon and Wayne Bennett at a press conference for the Rise for Alex Round in 2014.

The one moment Wayne Bennett considered quitting coaching

Wayne Bennett has opened up on the Alex McKinnon incident, what he looks for in a recruit and his biggest influence.

  • Danny Weidler
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Wests Tigers fans have been assured the club will always include Balmain.

‘It will always be Wests Tigers’: V’landys’ promise to long-suffering fans

The NRL will never allow Balmain or Western Suburbs to be kicked out of the joint venture as head office seeks to quarantine the football team from the latest dramas.

  • Adrian Proszenko
Former Broncos star Wendell Sailor.

Former NRL star Wendell Sailor arrested over allegations of obstructing traffic and resisting arrest

Football legend Wendell Sailor is under arrest over an incident in which he allegedly obstructed traffic in Wollongong late on Friday night.

  • Peter Bodkin and Adrian Proszenko
Wests Tigers officials Barry O’Farrell and Shane Richardson.

Why would anybody want to be an independent director at the Tigers?

Charlie Viola, Michelle McDowell and Annabelle Williams all read well on paper. And former premier Barry O’Farrell used to attend the same gym I once did. 

  • Darren Kane
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson.

Wests Tigers CEO Richardson at centre of NRL integrity unit probe after whistleblower tip-off

The NRL integrity unit has conducted several preliminary interviews over concerns about the conduct of CEO Shane Richardson and senior staff.

  • Michael Chammas

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/nrl-2026-6i10