We almost made it to the end of Magic Round without bunker controversy – but a thrilling win by the Raiders over the Storm ended with some contentious decisions that will surely be examined, writes BRENT READ.
Prop is proven as the toughest position for SuperCoach cheapies and the Panthers are generally one of the worst teams for cheapies. But we may have a bolt from the blue.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has lavished praise on the Queensland government for its ongoing support of Magic Round but refused to rule out one day taking the showpiece event to fresh overseas markets.
The reigning premiers looked like the Panthers of old after a commanding victory over the Broncos, who have some soul-searching to do.
Rugby league fans have given an insight into the reception waiting for Ezra Mam when he returns to the NRL, with large sections of the Magic Round crowd booing the Broncos star. WATCH THE VIDEO
Amid injuries, sin bins and some excellent tries, Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz put his hand up for a NSW Origin jersey with a strong hat-trick against the Titans – spelling more trouble for their coach Des Hasler.
Magic Round has proved very profitable for Bryan Fletcher after the Fox Sports funny man turned $50 into $7,500 thanks to a savvy punt on a Newcastle try-scorer. Buzz’s highlights and lowlights.
The final impediment to the return of the Bears has been cleared with the NRL and West Australian government agreeing to terms on a funding deal for an 18th team in Perth.
Another week, another suspension for high contact, this time for a Cowboys star forward who now faces the risk of missing State of Origin game one if he is unsuccessful in fighting the charge.
Despite a woeful win rate, falling crowds and a code war slump to the surging Gold Coast Suns, the Titans insist veteran coach Des Hasler is safe. That and more in Saint, Sinner, Shoosh.
Melbourne star Eli Katoa reveals the moment he feared being blind for life and how an innocuous tackle would leave him fearing that his NRL dream could be over.
A Roosters star has bolted into Queensland contention after destroying the Dolphins in Magic Round, while another Maroons hopeful has been ruled out of State of Origin Game I.
Broncos fans can rest easy after Adam Reynolds got through the captain’s run. See all the latest team changes for Magic Round.
Benji Marshall’s Tigers have held on to claim victory in a Magic Round boilover, as the Dragons were left rueing an all-time try fumble that ultimately cost them the game.
Fans and former players have gone nuclear over a bunker howler that marred the opening match of Magic round – but the NRL claims the right call was made. Watch and have your say.
Luke Metcalf is finally owning the Warriors’ famous No.7 jersey, with another stunning individual performance rocketing his side into the top four, after surviving a dramatic Cowboys comeback.
Watch the video as Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield dives deep into the Caxton Hotel scrum to experience the Magic Round vibe for himself.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has slammed his players, as Knights star Fletcher Sharpe scored a hat-trick on his 21st birthday to snap a five-game losing streak.
The Titans gifted young halfback and local junior Toby Sexton to the Bulldogs – and now Gold Coast players have opened up on their regrets over the move.
Titans coach Des Hasler shocked the NRL this week when he dumped $1 million superstar David Fifita – now the maligned Gold Coast forward has given his side of the story.
With Adam Reynolds laughing off suggestions that he would take a pay cut to stay at the Broncos, Brisbane chiefs know they need to make deep cuts elsewhere – these are the names on the chopping block.
Expansion will see more teams but less games played in the NRL with players kept fresh for international and Origin duty. Read the latest from ARLC chair Peter V’landys.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan says playmaker Lachie Ilias will return to the top grade, but he has high hopes for his replacement Lyhkan King-Togia this weekend.
In his most candid interview of the year, Knights coach Adam O’Brien reveals how he will fix the club’s pop-gun attack, the future of star captain Kalyn Ponga, overlooking Jackson Hastings and more.
James Tedesco’s scintillating form commenced Magic Round in a big way, with a SuperCoach favourite also playing himself into the good books. Here are the six things learnt from Friday Night Footy.
Sensationally axed as NSW skipper last year, James Tedesco has ramped up his bid for an Origin recall, guiding the Roosters to a stunning Magic Round win over the Dolphins.
Pat Carrigan admits the pain of Brisbane’s shocking 2023 grand final collapse drives him, saying he and several Broncos stars won’t be satisfied until they break the club’s long premiership drought.
Women’s State of Origin continues to be a television juggernaut, out-rating Thursday night’s AFL clash between Essendon and North Melbourne by almost double on free-to-air.
Magic Round is booming for the NRL, while Gather Round has also become a showpiece for the AFL. But will both festive events soon be moved to new venues?
Origin selections and bye schedules combine at this time of the season to create SuperCoach traps and opportunities – we’re here to help you not just survive, but thrive over the period.
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