Pick a number, any number – Australia needs a three
Bradman, the Chappell brothers, Ricky Ponting – Australia has a rich history in the crucial No.3 role and yet the position is vacant just months out from the Ashes.
Sport
Australia refuses to bow to Lions’ tour breach threat
The British and Irish Lions declared Australia was in danger of breaching its tour agreement not long after arriving down under — find out why and the response they got here.
Beale identifies Lions’ danger man, reflects on infamous slip
Kurtley Beale has experienced first hand how dangerous one of the Lions’ main playmakers can be and has identified him as the man to watch. The former Wallaby also reflects on his infamous slip, 12 years on.
Bennett confirms bombshell approach to spearhead PNG team
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett’s future at the club is under the microscope after being approached by the ARL Commission to spearhead Papua New Guinea’s $600 million entry to the NRL.
Cleary holds secret session to prove fitness
Nathan Cleary is in no doubt for the Origin decider, with the Blues halfback on track to return for Penrith on Thursday night.
Dragons livewire dropped, free to leave club
St George Illawarra tryscorer Tyrell Sloan is free to explore his future at a rival club despite being contracted with the Red V until the end of 2026.
Kerr makes surprise return to Matildas camp
Sam Kerr has made a surprise return to the Matildas camp as the Joe Montemurro era gets underway in the Chelsea superstar’s home city of Perth.
Butters reveals what will decide his future at Port Adelaide
Zak Butters hasn’t put a timeline on his looming contract call, but the Port Adelaide superstar says only one factor will decide whether he remains at the Power beyond 2026.
AFL buys Waverley Park from Hawthorn
Hawthorn and the AFL have agreed to terms on a deal that will see the league own Waverley Park — and the Hawks will be well compensated. See the details here.
Footy’s next big trade fish emerges with Rowell off the table
One of footy’s most heartwarming stories looks set to be rewarded for some stellar form, as the footy world ponders the next big fish to chase now that Matt Rowell appears off the table.
Refresh, not rebuild: One path Blues won’t take out of list fiasco
The Blues are aware of the limitations of a list that is top-heavy with underperforming stars, so how do they get out of the hole? All roads of salvation lead right to the next two AFL Drafts.
Souths recruit famous fans as stadium showdown heats up
A Prime Minister, two billionaire businessmen, media personalities and an Oscar winning actor. The Rabbitohs will unshackle some of the club’s big guns in their fight to return to Allianz Stadium.
Teams analysis: Garrick boost amid SuperCoach carnage
Manly SuperCoach ace Reuben Garrick is a big winner from round 17 teams, but a host of injuries and suspensions make it one of the toughest rounds of the year.
80-minute shootout to decide long-term Broncos role
Billy Walters and Cory Paix are in a desperate fight to remain in Brisbane’s game-day squad with the return of the club’s marquee signing imminent. Broncos Round 17 team news.
Broncos block Cowboys’ poaching bid to sign Selwyn Cobbo
Brisbane has dug their heels in to block a potential mid-season with North Queensland after the Cowboys made moves to poach Selwyn Cobbo before the June 30 transfer deadline.
NSW’S best U18 and schools rugby players right now
They are the best U18s rugby and league players in the state chasing spots at the Australian schools and national rugby junior titles at two trials this week. Players to watch, TEAM LISTS
Selectors put teens in spotlight at schoolboy rugby trials
Schoolboy rugby trials on two suburban fields in Sydney this week could provide standout young talent with a springboard into their first national team. Boys U18s trials DRAW
Lions tensions simmer after bold Wallabies call
The British & Irish Lions just arrived in Australia and tensions are already simmering after Joe Schmidt’s big call about his Wallabies stars ahead of the much-anticipated series opener.
Why Wallabies star stayed loyal despite World Cup snub
He’s now among the best fullbacks in the game, but two years ago Wallabies star Tom Wright was snubbed for the World Cup. He reveals why he stayed loyal to Australian rugby.
‘Stats don’t lie’: Khawaja tells critics to check the facts
Despite his recent struggles against the game’s best bowlers, Usman Khawaja heads into Australia’s tour of the West Indies with familiar confidence.
Australia’s unanswered question leaves everyone guessing
Australia confirmed Marnus Labuschagne’s axing a week out from the first Test against the West Indies. Less than 48 hours from the first ball, it’s still unclear what the batting order is going to look like.
Hazlewood hits back at Johnson criticism after priorities questioned
Having battled injuries for the past two years, Josh Hazlewood drew the ire of Mitchell Johnson when he opted to return to the IPL. The Australia quick has responded to his former teammate’s criticism.
West Indies hero’s chilling warning for Aussie teen
Shamar Joseph has already rattled Australia’s cage – and won. And now the West Indian tearaway quick has set his sights on taking down teen sensation Sam Konstas.
The $400,000 reason ALW won’t expand this season
Auckland FC’s inaugural men’s team won the A-League premiership this season but the APL have squashed its chances of creating the same magic with a women’s team.
‘Sent me into a spiral’: Mental anguish of Matilda’s ACL battle
Amy Sayer felt like her knee had “dislocated five metres to the left”. It started a harrowing journey back to the Matildas that took more than 450 days. This is her story.
Matildas stars one step closer to English powerhouse reunion
Matildas star Ellie Carpenter appears to be one step closer to signing a massive transfer deal from Lyon to WSL club Chelsea, setting up a reunion with national teammate Sam Kerr.
The World Cup dream fuelling Tillies’ latest teenage sensation
When the Matildas triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout against France at the last World Cup, Brisbane schoolgirl Grace Kuilamu was in the crowd. Now, the Brisbane Roar teenager is set to join the Tillies squad.
It’s all funds and Games for 2032
Almost $4bn in state funding has been set aside for the construction of new venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games in the Liberal National Party government’s budget.
100 v 200: Where Gout Gout’s focus lies
Set to make his European debut this week, Gout Gout has outlined the work he has been doing behind the scenes since his last race, and nominated his preference between the 100m and 200m.
Watch: Aussie teens blitz X Games in golden statement
Gold Coast teens Chloe Covell and Arisa Trew have lit up the X Games Osaka, claiming gold as one of the teen pair closes in onan incredible third medal double at the age of 15.
‘It will feel like an Olympics’: Fox embraces hometown pressure
Jess Fox concedes her Olympic success could ‘hover like a cloud’ over her ahead of a home world championships, but the paddle slalom great is determined to embrace the pressure and enjoy a rare chance to compete on her turf.
Suns ask Fox Footy to pay fine for Dimma’s middle-finger salute
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has been fined after he gave a middle-finger salute following an umpiring decision, but the club want Fox Footy to foot the bill.
‘Unfair and discriminatory’: SA fans set to lose Ch7 footy access
Thousands of regional supporters are set to lose access to Channel 7 and free-to-air football on TV, with some unable to watch AFL at all. Now, fans are pleading for the league to step in.
Hawks? Dockers? Crows? The unlucky side tipped to miss finals
The finals race is essentially down to nine teams — so who is the unlucky one to miss out? We predict every game of every round to find out.
Quips, clips and the night a Giant roared: 29 years of The Back Page
From Gibbo to Gout Gout, Fox Sports’ The Back Page spotlighted the best, worst and whackiest moments in Australian sport. ROBERT CRADDOCK bids farewell to the 29-year institution.
Shooting stars: The Super Netball sharpshooters waiting in the wings
More than half of the goal shooter positions in Super Netball are taken up by imports, but who is the next group of young goalers fighting to force their way in? REBECCA WILLIAMS uncovers the stars-in-waiting pushing for their chance to impress.
Knights quash Tigers’ bold mid-season bid for KPP
The Knights have scuppered a bold Wests bid to secure a key signing early, after Newcastle made their own overtures about a Tiger set to hit the open market.
Let her cook! Minjee Lee savours major No.3
Minjee Lee has become a three-time major champion with her victory at the Women’s PGA Championship in Texas, yet the quiet achiever forever flies under the radar in Australian sport.
Roosters poach 16yo GPS rugby prodigy in historic cross-border coup
The gentlemen’s agreement between the private school rugby juggernauts of QLD and NSW against poaching talent from each other’s backyards has been broken over a prodigious No.8 who made his First XV debut aged just 15.
Windhager fights fine for Daicos strike, Coleman contender in clear
The tribunal will hear Marcus Windhager’s case as he attempts to overturn his fine after an incident with Nick Daicos, while a gun goalkicker is set to avoid a ban despite leaving a player concussed.
The 21 VFL guns in rivals’ sights — who your club could target
The 2025 draft crop is as thin as any in recent memory — so pro scouts are about to get busy. Jon Ralph looks at the VFL stars that rival clubs could turn into AFL regulars next year.
100 point demolition, Fittler scores, trifectas galore in crazy 1st Colts round
One team piled on an extraordinary 100 points, numerous players scored trifectas and the son of a footy gun scored his first try in a crazy round of Sydney 1st Colts Rugby. Rd 11 stars, result wrap
‘Making history’: NFL’s big plans for Australia
He’s seen the AFL at the MCG and loves what the NRL is doing in Las Vegas. But when it comes to the LA Rams’ first foray into Australia, big man Steve Avila says the NFL is “making history”.
We’ve analysed five NBA mock drafts, this is where the Aussies are headed
A nation is behind the Australians dreaming of hearing their names called in this week’s NBA draft. We’ve analysed five mock drafts and spoken with scouts to find a consensus.
How the world’s most stylish athletes are redefining fashion
Ten years ago, everyone looked to screen stars and musicians for inspiration. From AFL to F1, it’s now fashion-obsessed athletes influencing the way we dress.
NRL still the big target for evolving Nine
Nine Entertainment is seeking to reposition itself as a sports streaming giant in the digital age as it prepares to launch its bid to remain the free-to-air broadcaster of the NRL.
Wallabies get to work ahead of once-in-a-career Lions series
Twelve years in the waiting, the Wallabies will roll their sleeves up and apply the finishing touches to their preparations for the eagerly-awaited series against the British and Irish Lions.
Fair share of flair in new age of batters
The new age of batters has arrived with selectors prepared to cop rocks with diamonds in the pursuit of victory.
Jok joins rare air among world’s best shooters in crucial Mavs win
Shimona Jok is pushing herself into the rare air occupied by the world’s best shooters after another dominant performance lifted the Mavericks a game clear of the bottom of the ladder.
Grandson of a Wallaby a teen try scoring sensation with big ambitions
He’s the grandson, son, nephew and brother of sporting guns so it’s no surprise this teenager is turning plenty of heads himself as one of the highest scorers in Colts rugby.
How his love of the water inspired a new career
Russell Ord has always loved to meet people whose daily lives revolve around the ocean. After 19 years with the fire service he became one of them himself.
Alcaraz’s unorthodox preparation for Wimbledon – a proven winner
‘This year Ibiza was more chill,’ Carlos Alcaraz says of his annual pilgrimage to the party island before sobering up and trying to win Wimbledon.
Oh, what a brilliantly bonkersF-bomb
Cameron Munster swore on live television after State of Origin II. He didn’t blink. Didn’t apologise for the coarse discourse. There’s your retro new Queensland captain.
Origin of the specious: game two build-up highlights hypocrisy
Billy Slater didn’t like being called a grub but the bigger question is why coaches with high-paying media jobs can’t handle criticism or public gibes.
‘Frustrated’ Don could seek trade, top-10 pick’s sad reality
A Bomber may seek a fresh start at season’s end, while another could have played his last game in the AFL. Jon Ralph has the latest.
The McGovern moment Eagles will forever be indebted for
A Grand Final was slipping away. Then, a self-proclaimed ‘fat kid from Albany’ thrust himself into West Coast history. Jeremy McGovern opens up after his forced retirement.
The Fyfe conundrum: Show not over — but curtain call looms
Nat Fyfe deserves the chance to add to his incredible legacy and play his first finals series since 2015. But Eliza Reilly writes, it’s over to Justin Longmuir to get him there.
Ultimate guide: Top 35 AFLW draft chances at National Champs
The next generation of talent will take centre stage when the U18 Girls AFLW National Championships kicks off on Sunday. Here are the best 35 draft-eligible players to watch.
B-grade Bombers gave a yelp, but they won’t decide Scott’s legacy
Essendon didn’t disgrace themselves against a superior side away from home. But it is clear what the club is lacking — and Brad Scott’s legacy depends on it.
Medhurst: Inside the impact of Fowler-Nembhard on the Fever
Breaking down the Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard effect; what’s wrong with Helen Housby and the fight for the final four. Nat Medhurst on the key talking points of Super Netball.
70 names to 1: Inside the Stars’ search for a maiden BBL title
Some clubs have a draft war room. Melbourne Stars have draft war Zooms. TIM MICHELL uncovers how the Stars have built a team they think can end the BBL’s longest trophy drought.
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