Buzz: Proof NRL’s high tackle ‘crackdown’ denial is a load of rubbish
The NRL hates us using the word crackdown, but there is no denying the cold, hard facts. PHIL ROTHFIELD reveals the sharp spike in sin-bins for high tackle offences.
Opinion
Latrell has two choices – one of them is the sack
South Sydney have backed Latrell Mitchell to the hilt – often at their own expense – but their patience has now worn thin. The superstar must repay their faith or head to the farm for good, writes BRENT READ.
Matty Johns: Cleary crutch exposes flaws in Panthers’ game plan
One of the keys to Penrith’s great success has been dealing with the loss of Nathan Cleary for stints before finals. MATTY JOHNS reveals why, in 2024, the halfback’s absence is exposing hidden cracks.
‘Bears are in!’: The words I have waited 25-years to hear
The Bears might be league’s perennial, trophy-starved underdogs, but this ranks as one of the most incredible comeback stories in the history of Australian sport. And lifelong fan BEN HORNE still can’t quite believe it.
More Stories
Why Maguire must say no to the Eels
State of Origin success has made Billy Slater the hottest coaching property in the NRL, which is why Michael Maguire should ignore any phone calls from the Eels, writes David Riccio.
Matty Johns: The bad night that almost ended Edwards’ career
Dylan Edwards is a very easy person to admire, because every piece of praise he’s received he’s had to work for, MATTY JOHNS reveals how the NSW fullback bounced back from a horror form slump.
Buzz: Maguire’s brave call to axe Tedesco should be applauded
Michael Maguire could have taken the easy option and selected James Tedesco at fullback. Instead, the best 17 players, on form, will be running out for NSW, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
NSW have a winning feeling the Maroons can only envy
When Michael Maguire names his NSW State of Origin side on Sunday night, there will be one key advantage that the Blues have over Queensland.
Buzz: $50m deal set to save Leichhardt Oval’s NRL future
Finally, the 20-minute wait for a beer and a pie will become a thing of the past, with Anthony Albanese and Peter V’landys stepping in with a $50 million deal set to save Leichhardt Oval, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
Rebuilding Burton: From failure to firing for Bulldogs’ marquee man
Too much responsibility, overplaying his hand and Cameron Ciraldo pulling the wrong rein, MATTY JOHNS reveals what hampered Matt Burton and how the Bulldog turned it around.
Phil Gould vs The NRL: Get ready for World War III
Nobody wants to silence Phil Gould, but his constant sledging of the NRL has finally reached breaking point, and the Bulldogs’ head of football can’t say he wasn’t warned.
Fitzy torn apart by colleague for ‘belittling’
In the never-ending drama between the two high-profile figures, a colleague of Peter FitzSimons has now entered the fray.
Premiership pretenders: Sharks’ soft underbelly will be exposed
Cronulla risk establishing themselves as the NRL’s newest May premiers, with a massive five-week period against competition heavyweights to define their season. DEAN RITCHIE reveals why.
Why Finucane is against banning kick-off returns
Despite his recent retirement from repeated concussions, Dale Finucane is against banning long kick-off returns. However, Australia’s most experienced sporting medico disagrees.
Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/nrl/opinion/page/4