ABC NRL Daily

Parramatta prop Junior Paulo joined Andrew Moore to discuss the devasting loss of J'maine Hopgood to a season ending ACL injury.

Andrew Moore, Michael Carayannis, John Gibbs and Luke Lewis are in the chair to continue Round 3. The team looks at the key storylines from the weekend and the big talking points around the competition.Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo joins the program to discuss the Bulldogs' approach this season and the growing focus on players being able to perform on both sides of the field, while South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray chats about his development and season so far.Legendary Balmain Tigers and Australia fullback Garry Jack stops by to talk about his new book Jumping Jack, and former Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks premiership winner James Maloney reflects on the club's historic 2016 title.Plus, Getting to Know You with Josh King, along with all the regular segments including First Thought, Six Again and Denis' Song of the Week.00:19 - Six Again6:45 - Cameron Ciraldo19:32 - First Thought24:26- GTKY Josh King36:12 - Garry Jack54:46 - Jye Gray1:01:08 - James Maloney1:15:42 - Denis' Song of the Week

Andrew Moore, Michael Carayannis and Luke Lewis are in the chair as Round 3 action continues in the NRL. The team kicks things off by breaking down the dominance of the Penrith Panthers and whether they could go through the season undefeated if not for Origin disruptions.Plus, Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards joins the show, along with Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs, as they chat about their form and the season so far.And of course, MC's Hammertime returns with all the latest talking points from around the game.00:19 - Penrith Panthers Dominance8:45 - Dylan Edwards16:52 - MC's Hammertime20:00- Kotoni Staggs

Andrew Moore and Michael Carayannis discuss the future prospects of Bronson Xerri if he can't force his way back into the Bulldogs first-grade line up. MC also discusses the likelihood of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck making a move to an Australian club with the Warriors looking to offload him. Alan Tongue joins the team to chat to Jack Williams on beating out Jack De Belin for the Eels Number 13 jersey and his hopes of representing NZ at the RL World Cup. 00:21 - What are Bronson Xerri's options if he doesn't regain his place? 3:47 - MC's Hammertime - Is RTS headed to an Australian club? 8:36 - Jack Williams on Parra wanting to be a top 4 team and his keenness to be a Kiwi

Newcastle coach Justin Holbrook joined Andrew Moore to declare they have no choice but to get on with it following injuries to stars Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown.Souths boss Blake Solly chats all things Alex Johnston following his record-breaking weekend.Four-time premiership winner Scott Sorensen dropped by the studio to discuss the Panthers' red-hot start to the season, Mitch Kenny's birdwatching and who's hot and who is under the pump in the NRL.

Andrew Moore, Michael Carayannis, John Gibbs and Luke Lewis are back on NRL Sunday as the team covers a big day of action in the NRL. They chat with Penrith Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny about Penrith's start and his bird watching hobby and how he's trying his best to get some Panthers teammates out there with him.Also, Sharks premiership winner Gerard Beale reflects on the club's historic 2016 title, Manly CEO Jason King drops by and the will Bronson Xerri seek an immediate release from the Bulldogs.Plus all the regular segments including Six Again, First Thought, and this week's Getting to Know You with Luke Lewis.00:19 - Six Again4:20 - First Thought7:40 - Mitch Kenny17:19 - Bronson Xerri Reports21:22 - Jason King35:30 - Gerard Beale50:50 - Getting to Know Luke Lewis

Inspired by Love Story, Denis Carnahan's Song of the Week delivers a tribute to Jarome Luai after Matthew Elliott declared him the Wests Tigers' best player on Saturday.

Andrew Moore, Michael Carayannis and Matthew Elliott re-live the historic moment for Alex Johnston after he broke the competition's all-time try scoring record and ponder whether he should now be on the medal for the season's leading tryscorer.Plus, New Zealand Warriors halfback Tanah Boyd joins the show to talk the Warriors two win start and Penrith Panthers CEO Matt Cameron discusses the club's commitment to Bathurst and regional communities.00:19 - Alex Johnston Record5:30 - Tanah Boyd14:52 - MC's Hammertime18:18 - Matt Cameron

It turns out Friday the 13th is lucky for some with Alex Johnston becoming the greatest try scorer in rugby league history, scoring try 213 for the Rabbitohs against the Roosters to break Ken Irvine's long-standing record. Hear the ABC Sport commentary of the equalling then record-breaking tries as called by Brett Sprigg.

Quentin Hull and Billy Moore chat through Mitch Barnett's reported signing with the Broncos and whether or not he's great value plus they get their heads around Kalyn Ponga switching allegiances to NZ.The team also chat to one of the game's most exciting young prospects Isaiya Katoa to hear about his journey, why he's committed to the Dolphins thanks to their faith in him and what lies ahead this season.00:19 - Mitch Barnett potentially to Broncos5:39 - Isaiya Katoa17:51 - Kalyn Ponga switching allegiance 

South Sydney winger Campbell Graham joins NRL Monday with Andrew Moore to discuss what should happen when teammate Alex Johnston

Wayne Bennett says no, the fans and Alex Johnston himself say yes, the NRL aren't committing either way - what will happen with AJ breaks Ken Irvine's record?!South Sydney winger Campbell Graham jumps on with Andrew Moore to discuss their first round win and give his own thoughts on the Johnston crowd situation.Plus, Ruan Sims pops by to discuss who's hot and who's under the pump, Zac Lomax's code switch, and what is doing at the Brisbane Broncos with potential player unrest with coach Michael Maguire.

Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis, Michael Carayannis and Connor Watson review our first games on Australian soil for season 2026, including a chat with Sharks captain Blayke Brailey after their 50-10 win over Gold Coast on Saturday. Nathan Cleary, Reece Walsh, or other? Who is the best player in the game currently? We hear from chipping and chasing legend Phil Blake, get to know Andrew Moore, and reminisce with Chris Heighington ten years on from Cronulla's 2016 premiership win.00:07 - Six Again06:10 - Blayke Brailey16:29 - Phil Blake25:43 - Getting to Know You - Andrew Moore43:21 - 2016 reflection - Chris Heighington58:16 - Denis Carnahan - That's Rugby League!

Andrew Moore, Michael Carayannis and Luke Lewis are in the chair for a big afternoon of rugby league as Round action continues across the NRL. The team take a look at the key storylines from the weekend so far, what's still to come, and the major talking points making headlines around the game.Plus a strong guest line-up: Penrith winger Tom Jenkins joins us, PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas stops by to discuss the latest developments around the PNG franchise, and injured Cronulla captain Cameron McInnes chats with the team.00:19 - Tom Jenkins7:30 - Michael Chammas23:17 - Cameron McInnes

The NRL returns to Australia this week as did the font of all Rugby League news knowledge - Michael Carayannis. He brought his A-Game to his first Thursday night hit out of the season. Plus Cronulla's cult front row forward Tom Hazleton joined the boys to discuss the Sharks prospects for 2026 and to explain the competition at the club amongst the try scoring props. And you can enjoy a tribute to the great Dennis Cometti who was a big influence on a young Andrew Moore.

Andrew Moore is joined on NRL Monday by Brisbane Broncos' premiership winning coach, Michael Maguire who has his sights firmly set on another title. Canterbury CEO Aaron Warburton shares his club's Las Vegas experience plus Matthew Elliott drops by the studio to discuss all the fall out from Round 1 including whether or not the NRL go completely global?

If you're craving a quick fire preview for every team this year then look no further than the famed 'Traffic Light Game' where Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs run through the lot. Who will rise, fall or be about the same and will Gibbsy just choose 'amber' for every team?Plus 'Six Again' sees Luke Lewis and John Gibbs give their thoughts on Zac Lomax and the Eels, NRL expansion plans and more.00:19 - Six Again11:25 - Traffic Light Game

It's the first NRL Monday with Andrew Moore and the big news of Nathan Cleary escaping suspension drops live on the show with Luke Lewis admitting he would have "been filthy" if the charge stood. Moorey is also joined by new North Queensland Cowboy Reed Mahoney live from Vegas ahead of their season opener and the NRL releases its 2025 figures and all signs point to the code booming.

On InZane Rugby League's final show of 2025 - Zane Bojack is joined by former Raiders half Sam Williams and ABC Sport commentator Quentin Hull to pull apart the NRL and NRLW deciders as the Brisbane Broncos became the first club to win both titles in the same year. 

After a pulsating Grand Final Brisbane Broncos have has been crowned NRL Premiers. Our team analyse how it all went down and hear from Ben Hunt, Kobe Hetherington, Cory Paix, Kotoni Staggs, Josiah Karapani, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas,  Corey Jensen, Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan, Michael Maguire plus a quick word with a very in demand Clive Churchill Medallist - Reece Walsh

It's Grand Final Day! And NRL CEO Andrew Abdo (25:52) is on a high after hitting his goals all season and looking forward to a big finale. He told Quentin Hull and the team that despite the obvious success of the Sunday afternoon finals matches he can't see the Grand Final returning to a daytime kick off. But he was far more bullish about the return of the World Cup Challenge - and the voice of Teddy Swims. Plus you can hear Luke Lewis, John Gibbs and Ryan Hoffman tackle the big topics in 6 Again (13:42) and the 1st thought is on Grand Final heroes (39:42).

It's grand final eve and the excitement is building. Brett Sprigg has assembled the best rugby league minds (available) in Luke Lewis, Michael Carayannis and Ruan Sims to look back at the season, dissect the headlines and preview the big games on tomorrow.

On InZane Rugby League this week Zane Bojack, former Raiders halfback Sam Williams and ABC Online rugby league reporter Mick Doyle discuss if Payne Haas is the greatest prop of all-time after playing 80 minutes in Brisbane's come-from-behind win over Penrith. 

Dual premiership winner Luke Lewis joins Brett Sprigg to dissect the preliminary finals and take a first look ahead to the 2025 decider featuring the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos.

He might be best known for his songs poking fun at the great and good of Rugby League. But this week it's a deeply personal journey into the soul of the ABC Sport's Man of Sound as he attempts to make sense of the Canberra Raiders season. Denis Carnahan turns to the Commodores for his song of the week - You Won, Twice.

Ryan Hoffman (33:35) has seen more of the Storm than most this season and he reckons they probably not hit top gear since the 1st half of the 1st round pummelling of Parramatta. But the Storm legend thinks they're in great shape going into the NRL Grand Final. Hoffy reckons one of the biggest pluses is that they should be starting the big one with the Fab Four of Papenhuyzen, Munster, Hughes and Grant ready to go. Plus the kick off time of the Grand Final was up for debate between Luke Lewis and John Gibbs in 6 Again (8.37). And the 1st thought (43:45) is on Box Office players. 

It's getting down to the pointy end of the season and the finals match-ups this weekend have Quentin Hull and Ryan Hoffman licking their lips in anticipation. The Broncos are hoping to stop the Panthers from making their sixth grand final in a row and Corey Jensen spoke to Quentin Hull about their preparations and the impact of Madge. The team also speak to Melbourne CEO Justin Rodski and Sharks assistant coach Josh Hannay.

On InZane Rugby League - Zane Bojack and former Raiders halfback Sam Williams are joined by Broncos and Panthers legend Petero Civoniceva to preview the Grand Final Qualifier between Brisbane and Penrith at Lang Park on Sunday. 

Brett Sprigg is joined by premiership winner Dene Halatau to reflect on disappointments for Canberra and Canterbury, the unshakeable belief of Cronulla, and the bare reality of the Panthers' push for a fifth straight premiership.

Cronulla produced a powerful performance to end the campaign of Minor Premiers Canberra with back rower Billy Burns (34:32) scoring an all-important try. It's been quite the season for a player who was released from the Dragons and wasn't sure if he would keep playing. Now he's in a Preliminary final which, as he told Quentin Hull and the team, is a shock because he could scarcely believe he was playing finals while he was on the field in the Elimination Final against the Roosters. Meanwhile incoming Newcastle coach Justin Holbrook (1:20:07) explained what appealed to him about the Newcastle job, why he's pleased to have Dylan Brown on a 10 year contract and his preliminary chats with Kalyn Ponga. Plus John Gibbs chats to Bulldogs legend Chris Anderson (2:10:56) about his team's 1995 Grand Final win and you can hear Six Again (10:42) and First Thought (44:30).  And Ruan Sims (3:00:56) announces the winner of this years...Ruan Sims Medal.

There's no rest for the wicked as they say and despite 2 trips to Canberra in 7 days to watch his Raiders crash out of the finals in straight sets Denis Carnahan was back on the tools to deliver an updated version on one of the scourges of the modern game - Takin' a Dive. He pulled up his pants - probably a little too high from the sounds of this  - to knock out this Bee Gees inspired track in honour of M & M and H Gee.

On Inzane Rugby League this week - Zane Bojack was joined by Daily Telegraph rugby league reporter Michael Carayannis and AAP NRL writer Joel Gould. 

Extra, extra time. A Reece Walsh headbutt. Multiple sin bins. A disallowed, match winning try. A Ben Hunt redemption subplot. It was utter chaos in Canberra and the repercussions are enormous for the NRL finals picture as top ranked Canberra heads for elimination week and the Broncos head for a home preliminary final. We unpack a wild clash full of flow on effects.

Denis Carnahan is always telling anyone who will listen "I can do an excellent Scotch accent" and he puts his bold claim to the test with his Proclaimers themed tribute to the Brisbane Broncos bus based issues at Canberra Stadium. 

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo (30:41) is happy with the way finals are shaping up - but not too happy. He told Brett Sprigg, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs that he's always looking at ways the game can be improved - although he loathe to be too critical of the Bunker. He thinks that's something people lose perspective on at times at all levels of the game. Plus Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey (1:05:34) told the team how proud he was with the way the Sharks calmly dealt with the pressure from the Roosters in their Elimination Final win. And Lewey and Gibbsy take on the big topics in the NRL in 6 Again (9:53) while the First Thought is, rather appropriately, the Canberra Raiders (47.44).

10 years on from one of the all time great NRL Grand Finals the emotions associated with that memorable day are still clear in the memory of Lachlan Coote. The Premiership winning North Queensland full back told Brett Sprigg how advice from Ivan Cleary persuaded him to join the Cowboys and how he quickly realised what a good team he was part of. He also explains how the match played out and the belief in the North Queensland players that got them home against the Broncos.

While the top 8 teams are playing finals there's a bit of reflection for those teams who didn't make the 8 and the coach of the 9th placed Dolphins - Kristian Woolf (1:20:16) - isn't really sure what to make of the season just gone. He told Brett Sprigg, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis that there were so many positives from 2025 that it was frustrating to ultimately miss finals. But the injuries that deprived them of so many key players did help develop a far deeper talent pool for 2026. The team also go through the positives and negatives for all the non-finals playing teams. Plus Melbourne Storm legend Ryan Hoffman (28:46) jumps on to discuss his former team's gritty win over the Bulldogs. Plus you can get your weekend fill of Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (40:30).

It's been a season of incredible upsets, mind-blowing tries and wild comebacks, so what do the finals have in store? Quentin Hull, Luke Lewis and Ryan Hoffman chat to Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty about their preparations for September, how big Papa is and the lessons he's learned from footy.

On InZane Rugby League this week Zane Bojack and former Raiders halfback Sam Williams are joined by ABC Sport commentator Quentin Hull for a three-tiered look at the finals. 

Brett Sprigg is joined by dual premiership winner Luke Lewis and Manly great John Gibbs to close the book on 27 rounds of footy and look ahead to our first week of finals.

For his song of the week Denis Carnahan reached deep into his closet, pulled out his tightest pants and open neck shirt and went all Latin for his tribute to the Human highlight reel - Mark Nawaqanitawase

It's ominous for the rest of the NRL but after winning 4 Premierships in a row the Panthers are primed for another big September. Back rower Scott Sorensen (31:17) told Brett Sprigg, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs that his Penrith team mates love this time of year and sense there's a buzz in the air. Plus you can catch a wonderful chat with Andrew Moore (1:13:33) talking to the ABC's acting head of Rugby League Michael Carayannis. Plus there's all your regular features - 6 Again (12:26) and a First Thought (46:42) on Rugby League Bad Boys.

Andrew Moore has given us an update to his health battles while detailing the moments of his heart attack chatting to Michael Carayannis. Andrew is continuing his recovery after being released from hospital, and is now resting around family and friends. 

It has been a rollercoaster season for Michael Maguire but he's now preparing his Brisbane side for a Qualifying final in Canberra next Sunday. Madge told Quentin Hull, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis how happy he was to see his team find the sort of game they displayed in beating the Storm on Thursday night. He also sang the praises of full back Reece Walsh but said it's not surprise when you see how hard he works. He also talked through the difficult selection decisions he faces over the next couple of weeks over Adam Reynolds and Gehemat Shibasaki.

Rooster James Tedesco (26:57) fittingly finished off the regular season guiding his team to a win over rivals South Sydney and picking up 3 points in the ABC Player of the Year award. That clinched that particular title for him although in reality he's had it in the bag for a while after a stellar season. He joined Quentin Hull, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis and admitted that one of the benefits of missing out on Rep Footy was that he avoided the physical and mental toll that Origin extracts. However he says he's always willing to answer the call if NSW or Australian selectors come knocking. Plus catch up on all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (42:44).

The final round of the home and away season has started with a bang as the Broncos defeated the Storm and locked in their top-four spot. Quentin Hull, Dene Halatau, and Michael Carayannis discuss all the big talking points.

The Dolphins have rightly earned a reputation as the NRL's entertainers this season racking up a string of big scores. But they go into the final round of the season needed as favour from former coach Wayne Bennett's South Sydney side to make the finals. Whatever happens in Round 27 utility Kurt Donoghoe has been a real stand out this season and he told Quentin Hull and Billy Moore he's hoping for a strong defensive effort from his team this weekend. Plus you can hear from Melbourne Storm Football manager who gives his thoughts on Harry Grant being ruled out of the team of the year because of a suspension. And get all your tipping advice for Rd 27 in Christopher's Corner.

On InZane Rugby League this week Zane Bojack and former Raiders halfback Sam Williams debate the prospect of a wildcard round as a way of stopping the top teams from resting their stars prior to the finals. 

Brett Sprigg is joined by Daily Telegraph journalist and ABC Sport contributor Michael Carayannis. Does the NRL have an issue with resting players? How much do the Raiders deserve the minor premiership? Will the Roosters be fighting to keep Mark Nawaqanitawase? Should Harry Grant be eligible for the Dally Ms? Are the Eels on the right track? Are the Sharks top four worthy? Our recap of NRL Round 26 and NRLW Round 9.

There's no question that Denis Carnahan would have shed a tear for the departure of Des Hasler from the Gold Coast Titans. Dessie has provided a rich seam of material for ABC's Sport's Man of Sound who borrow a Rick Springfield number to pay tribute.

Canberra was virtually assured of the minor Premiership before the round 26 match with the Wests Tigers but for captain Joe Tapine (1:21:48) it was a relief to get the title secured in front of their own noisy fans. However he told Glen Lauder, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs that there were no wild celebrations afterwards and that the team is fully aware what's in front of them over the next month - which should involve a breather for the likes of Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange. Incoming Gold Coast Director of Football Scott Sattler (33:29) explained he's also got a busy time ahead as he tries to turn the Titans around. Plus Lewey and Gibbsy tackle the big issues of the week in Six Again (11:04) and the subject of today's first thought is Rugby League Freaks (50:01).