ABC NRL Daily

ABC Sport's resident song-smith Denis Carnahan has been looking into the genesis of struggling clubs getting a raw deal from referees. At least according to Wests Tigers supremo Shane Richardson.  

The great Connor Watson (31:53) is starting to dream of a finals appearance after his Roosters' 64-12 win over fellow finals contenders the Dolphins. He started from the bench and was watching on amused when the game exploded in the 9th minute with Spencer Leniu one of 4 players sent to the bin. But he realises that his team have been far too inconsistent over the whole season to take anything for granted even though they have given themselves a chance. Plus you can catch the odd couple - Luke Lewis and John Gibbs' views on the big topics of the week in Six Again (10:53) and the First Thought (50:02) this week is on Dud signings. Plus you can get to know the man behind the madness - The Cog - Ralph Tucker (1:16:40).

After a surprise loss against the Dragons last weekend, Canberra bounced back in a fractious win over Manly. After a tough first half they asserted their dominance with a hat-trick to Ethan Strange the highlight. Centre Matt Timoko had another impressive match and he told Andrew Moore, Matthew Elliott and Michael Carayannis that after the loss in Wollongong they knew they had to up their levels of aggression - even if Corey Horsburgh has been keeping his in check most of the year.

Penrith's win in the wet in Newcastle saw them ominously jump into the top 4 of the competition. It leaves their sluggish start to the season looking a long way off. And centre Casey McLean (21:36) - a double try scorer against the Knights - reckons that re-focusing on their on and off-field standards has made all the difference. He told Andrew Moore and the team that even little things like clearing up after themselves at training had dropped off. Plus Michael Carayannis is along with all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (39:57).

The Broncos not only suffered a comprehensive defeat by the Storm last night that could severely impact their hopes of a top-four finish, but they also lost three players to hamstring injuries. 

It's Indigenous Round in the NRL over the next 2 weekends and one of the best advocates for celebrating and promoting the First Nations contributions is Dean Widders. He told Andrew Moore and Ryan Hoffman how he was inspired by the great Arthur Beetson to see the positive influence that rugby league can have on his community. He also explained that even though there are as many as 6 or 7 incidents of racist abuse around the game at all levels each weekend - the game is uniquely placed to educate people and break down barriers. Plus Parramatta hooker Ryley Smith show he's as impressive off the field as well as on it. He explained how he still has to pinch himself when he comes up against the likes of Harry Grant or NSW hooker Reece Robson who he'll take on this weekend. Plus get your tips for the weekend in Christopher's Corner! 

On Inzane Rugby League this week Zane Bojack was joined by former Raiders half-back Sam Williams, Cowboys inaugural captain Laurie Spina and rugby league immortal Wally Lewis to pay tribute to the late Maroons legend Sam Backo. 

NRL Round 22 saw some monumental upsets, key injuries and plenty of wild weather. Brett Sprigg and Andrew Moore also discuss NRLW Magic Round and the passing of Queensland and Australia great Sam Backo.

It's long overdue but Denis Carnahan turns his attention to the strong hips and pest qualities of the Human Pinball - James Tedesco.

The Sydney Roosters kept their slim finals hopes alive with a gritty win in the wet at Brookvale Oval. Centre Billy Smith (32:29) was among the try scorers but he told Andrew Moore and the team what pleased him most was keeping Manly to 4 points. You can also get the opinions of Luke Lewis and John Gibbs on the big issues of the week in 6 Again (10:05), there's a First thought on Devastating Injuries (48:43). Plus there's a chance to get to know the man known as Estee - Glen Lauder (1:16:31).

Manly and the Roosters play for the Gotcha4Life Cup with the brainchild of Gus Worland raising money for suicide prevention. Worland was motivated to start the charity of the loss of a close family friend. And while they have raised plenty of money to improve Australia's mental fitness, there is a lot of work still to be done. He told Andrew Moore and the team how they are working in schools to reach young kids before they learn to hide their emotions. 

Who are the Brisbane Broncos this season? The team that suffered a shock loss at home to Parramatta? Or the one eyeing the Top 4 after putting 60 points on South Sydney? Hooker Ben Hunt (22:39) reckons they should definitely be aiming up this season and that they are capable of going the whole way. He also told Andrew Moore and the team that he's noticing the workload in his body since donning the number 9 shirt but he's enjoying being one of the old heads around the Broncos. Plus you can catch all the latest rugby league news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (42:02).

Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs go through the roof in round 22's Friday night pre-game show. 

It's been a boys own career for Chad Townsend. A Sutherland Shire local who won a competition with his local team and played over 250 games in first grade with the Sharks, Warriors, Cowboys and Roosters. He explained the emotional way he realised it was time to retire, what might be next for him and mentioned some of his favourite team mates. Plus you can get all the latest rugby league news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime. And there's tipping advice for round 22 in Christopher's Corner.

On Inzane Rugby League this week - Zane Bojack and Sam Williams are joined by Quentin Hull and Maroons legend Quentin Hull for a rugby league round table discussion on International eligibility. 

Have the Bulldogs made a statement? Does Jahrome Hughes' injury put a dint in Melbourne's premiership push? Have Wests Tigers got the most out of Jarome Luai? How do the massive upsets impact the seemingly settled top four? All that and more in the ABC NRL Daily wrap up of NRL Round 21 and NRLW Round 4 with Brett Sprigg and Andrew Moore.

This week's song of the week from Denis Carnahan features Wayne Bennett trying to fend off his first-ever Wooden Spoon as a head coach. 

On NRL Sunday - Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs were joined by Penrith winger Tom Jenkins who described his season journey including starting in Ron Massey Cup. 

In a statement North Queensland fans and no doubt their coaching staff can agree with, young back Jaxon Purdue reckons they are responsible for most of their issues this season. He was among the try scorers in the 6 point win over St George Illawarra but he told Andrew Moore and the team, it shouldn't have been as tough a match as it was. He also explained that although many pundits think he's a future half, he found his time there tricky. Plus catch up on all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime.

Kevvie Walters joins Andrew Moore, Matt Elliott and Michael Carayannis to talk about his appointment as the Kangaroos new head coach. The team also chat to Manly forward Ethan Bullemor. 

On Inzane Rugby League this week, Zane Bojack and Sam Williams are joined by AAP reporter Joel Gould to talk about the NRL's discussions in the US with Disney, DAZN and Netflix ahead of the next broadcast deal. 

The Panthers roll on to six straight wins. The Roosters cop a blow to their dwindling top eight hopes. Which side has the best young roster? Where's the best position for Tigers hero Adam Doueihi? Kevin Walters revealed as the new Kangaroos coach. All that and more in the ABC NRL Daily wrap up of NRL Round 20 and NRLW Round 3 with Brett Sprigg and Andrew Moore.

For his Song of the Week in Round 20 Denis Carnahan has retreated into his happy place. He's combined two of his great loves - the Canberra Raiders and strutting around in a tight white vest to pay homage to one of the heroes of the Green Machine - Zac Hosking.

The great Royce Simmons (35:49) is on about to be on the march again with another of his Big Walks to raise money for dementia care. And this year Royce is calling on the Rugby League family to buy some virtual steps to help him achieve his fundraising goal. Luke Lewis  and John Gibbs tackle the big topics in the NRL with 6 Again (7:53) while the First Thought is Rugby League man crushes. You can also get to know Bridget Murphy (1:21:32) and catch Denis Carnahan's Song of the Week.

Cronulla won a vital clash against the Roosters to re-ignite their charge for the finals in round 20 of the NRL. The Sharks have now won their last 2 having lost 4 of their previous 5. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon told Andrew Moore and the team that he thought they lacked substance in their losing streak. But he joined in with the chorus of praise for last night's player of the match Blayke Brailey - even though he'd still like to see him run with the ball a bit more!

Penrith is starting to hover ominously behind the top 4 on the NRL ladder after notching a 6th straight win in round 20. Second rower Luke Garner (22:38) puts it down to a serious chat that the whole senior group had 6 or 7 weeks ago that decided training intensity had definitely dropped. Garner told Andrew Moore and the team that they've really stepped up their defensive effort but he couldn't throw too much light on his own playing future. Luke Lewis had a bit to say on the immediate future of Newcastle bound Eel Dylan Brown (32:11). Plus catch up on all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (40:04).

Brett Sprigg, Dene Halatau and Michael Carayannis are ready for Friday night footy and send the pre-game show through the roof. 

Canberra forward Zac Hosking has just signed a new deal at the club and it's a reward for the efforts he's had to put in to make it in 1st Grade. The 28 year old joined Quentin Hull and Billy Moore to explain how he nearly didn't take the opportunity to join Brisbane in 2022 as he was fed up of not being given a chance in 1st grade. He also explained his pride in seeing former Newcastle team mate Gehemat Shibasaki make it as a State of Origin player and how he grew up with Queensland coach Billy Slater as his idol. Plus hear the latest on the player retention plans at the Dolphins from CEO Terry Reader and get some tipping tutelage from Christopher's Corner.

On Inzane Rugby League this week, Zane Bojack and former Raiders halfback Sam Williams are joined by Maroons great and Queensland Origin assistant coach Allan Langer.

The ABC NRL Daily wrap up of NRL Round 19 and NRLW Round two - the Sharks arrest the slide while Canterbury and the Warriors return to the winners' list. Penrith keep on Penrith-ing. Is it time for an unconvential approach at the Titans? With Brett Sprigg and Andrew Moore.

There's a few coaches reportedly under pressure at the moment - but most of the suggested replacements have generally been around the block already. Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs discuss the coaching Merry-Go-round and Lewey wonders why some new faces haven't been tried - like the innovative Walker brothers. First thought this Sunday is Rugby League's best buys and there's a chance to get to know the great Billy Moore.

Cronulla picked up a much needed win to re-ignite their charge to the NRL Finals. Hooker Blayke Brailey (28.09) had an impressive game particularly with the ball in hand-  something his coach has been urging him to do more of for a while. he told Andrew Moore and the team how they focused on stopping Isaiya Katoa, and the heroics of Toby Rudolph. He also discussed the many ailments of Cam McInnes. Plus Moorey, Matthew Elliott and Michael Carayannis discuss the under pressure coaches in the competition (40.30).  

Gold Coast five-eighth Kieran Foran announced today that he would retire at the end of the season and he spoke to Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and his number one fan John Gibbs about making the decision. Plus, the team review the State of Origin series, from the coaches box to the field.

Melbourne Storm have struggled for consistency this season - which is worrying for the rest of the competition. Their Mr Fix It Tyran Wishart knows that there is room for improvement even though they are likely to be without some of their Origin players for the round 19 clash with the Knights. He told Andrew Moore and Matthew Elliott that the whole competition seems like to be on a similar level at the moment. He also explained that the tight knit group of players in Melbourne have put aside State divides to support the Talismanic Cam Munster through a very challenging last week.

It's the Thursday night NRLW special and St George Illawarra's Zali Hopkins (19.44) jumped on the line for a chat with Andrew Moore and the team. She caused consternation amongst the Dragons coaching staff by pulling out a special try celebration after only 17 minutes in the Rd 1 win over the Raiders. Hopkins did the Piggy Riddell celebration - in honour of her current assistant coach at the Dragons! Plus Michael Carayannis is along with the latest Rugby League News - and speculation - with a special post Origin focus in MC's Hammertime (38:01). And there's some tipping guidance in Christopher's Corner (10:47)!

On Inzane Rugby league on ABC Sport, Zane Bojack and former Raiders halfback Sam Williams spoke to 2003 Panthers premiership coach John Lang about the complexities of coaching son Martin in the NRL amid the continued criticism of Kyle Flanagan by social media. 

Six more - NRL round 18 wrap up - The big winners from the NRLW, Are the dogs gone? Does the Raiders look good to take out the minor premiership? Just how bad is the bunnies injury crisis? Big time win for Benji. We also look ahead to Round 19.All that and more is covered by ABC Sport's Patrick Stack and Andrew Moore.

The guest of honour on a bumper NRL Sunday show - Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson (28:38) - was happy to tackle the burning questions about his club. He fielded plenty about releasing young hooker Tallyn da Silva - something he said he didn't want to do. Plus Luke Lewis and John Gibbs look at the main topics in the NRL with Six Again (8:56), a 1st Thought on players to play for your life (51:19) and you can get to know George Clooney lookalike and king of North Queensland Laurie Spina (1:20:24). Plus Denis Carnahan hits the high notes in his song of the week (1:39:27). 

On the verge of a State of Origin decider ABC Sport's resident song smith Denis Carnahan has shoe-horned himself into tight pants and stuck the open shirt on to deliver a Zeppelin inspired anthem - The Hammer Song

After 3 straight wooden spoons there were some high hopes for an improved year for the Wests Tigers. But 6 straight defeats going into round 18 and some interesting decisions around player retention means there were a few questions for the club CEO Shane Richardson when he dropped by the ABC box on NRL Sunday. Richo explained the size of the challenge, dismissed some of the rumours around the club, and why contract negotiation is tougher when you are at the wrong end of the ladder.

Brisbane made it 4 straight wins in the NRL in dramatic fashion to kick off round 18 fighting back from 18-0 down to win 22-18. This is right after 4 straight losses piled the pressure on coach Michael Maguire (25:16) But in response to being asked what he's done differently all Madge told Andrew Moore and the team was "Welcome to Coaching!". However he did say he's welcome the return of Ezra Mam and still has more quality players to inject into his side. Also on Saturday NRL Luke Lewis and Billy Moore go head to head to discuss Origin 3 (2.46:04). You can also check in on the NSW Origin camp with Hudson Young (1.20:34) who explained that the Blues are getting even closer as a group on and off the field. From the Queensland camp Tom Dearden (1.36:58) explained what it like to prepare for a match when the series is on the line. And as part of the series looking back over the decades in Origin - Noel Cleal (2:15:59) joins Andrew to discuss the 1985 Blues win. You can also get all the latest Rugby League News - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (46:48)

The Raiders head into round 18 sitting on top of the ladder and Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty (45:53) chats to Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs about what's changed this season, his new contract with Manly and Big Papalii's fairytale year. 

The build up to the decisive State of Origin match in Sydney is intensifying but one man who always remain cool, calm and collected is the man for all seasons Connor Watson. He jumped on for a chat with Andrew Moore and John Gibbs to talk about increasing the discipline for the Blues, and why the injury cloud over a number of NSW players is nothing to worry about. He also gave the lowdown on some of the new faces in the Roosters line up in the NRL this weekend. 

One of the most travelled players in the NRLW is new Knight Bo Vette-Welsh (21:27). The full back takes over the custodian spot from Tamika Upton but she's relishing the chance to play her football in Newcastle. She told Andrew Moore and John Gibbs that she's already seeing the amazing supportive community that follow the Knights. Plus Michael Carayannis is along with the latest rugby league news - and speculation  - in MC's Hammertime (40:43). And Christopher is back and firing with all your tipping guidance in Christopher's Corner (10:49).

On InZane Rugby League Zane Bojack and former Raiders halfback Sam Williams discuss the incredible Origin comeback of Josh Papalii and how much impact Gehemat Shibasaki can have in his Origin debut?

Six more - NRL round 17 wrap up - Was last Thursday's game, BUL vs PTH a grand final preview? Is Turbo a permanent centre? Warriors with key injuries, which teams are pushing for the top 8? Cynical Cowboys? The NRLW starts this coming week, who will win? Plus, Origin squads; and quickfire tipping for NRL Round 18 and NRLW Round 1. We also look ahead to Round 18.All that and more is covered by ABC Sport's Patrick Stack and Andrew Moore.

This week Denis Carnahan has the Rabbitohs and their burrow in his sights for his song of the week.

After the backlash from Ryan Hoffman's comments on Offsiders, he chats with Andrew Moore and Luke Lewis to clear things up.

Ryan Hoffman joins Andrew Moore and Luke Lewis on the NRL Sunday Panel. 

A win for Manly over the Wests Tigers has eased some pressure on the club after recent poor form. Winger Reuben Garrick was among the try scorers at Brookvale Oval and he admitted to Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis that they are trying to develop a siege mentality and block out the outside noise. He also discussed the Cult Figure - Ethan Bullemor - and what's going on with his hair.

The Beanies for Brain Cancer Round has become part of the NRL furniture with players, fans and commentators donning the beanies to raise money each year. The man behind it - former Knight Mark Hughes (32.37) - chatted to Andrew Moore and the team about how it continues to exceed his expectations. And while he's in good health he explained that his work with the Charity never lets him forget how hard it is to deal with the disease. Plus Michael Carayannis is along with all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (44:33).