The Daily Telegraph NRL Podcast

Sandon Smith and the Newcastle Knights take on his old club, the Sydney Roosters, in the 2026 NRL grand final, and this Code NRL podcast breaks down the preview, Daly Cherry-Evans' farewell and our predictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AFL is paying $3M for Kylie Minogue, but Peter V'landys and the NRL scrapped Grand Final entertainment altogether. Is PVL right to put that money into grassroots footy instead, or is Channel 9 right to be furious? The lads debate Latrell Mitchell's $1.7M offer from the Perth Bears, previews both Preliminary Finals and Readie admits he has no idea what Short soup is...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Newcastle Knights have bundled the Warriors out of the NRL finals in straight sets at Eden Park, and the argument since has been about whether the referees decided it. Three calls in the final 15 minutes are under the microscope, headlined by the Tyson Frizell escort with the Warriors in possession on the 40-metre line. The panel is split on whether it was a clear penalty or a call the bunker was never going to overturn. We also break down the ugly post-match scenes, what the NRL should do if the culprits are identified, and whether Ashley Klein and Adam Gee have done enough to keep their whistles for the preliminary finals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mick, Dave and Reidy break down both preliminary finals, from Roosters v Sharks to Warriors v Knights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathan Cleary's been cleared to play finals footy, but the panel isn't convinced the judiciary got the call right. Plus: DCE cops it after a flat Panthers-Roosters opener, Souths and Knights spark a fresh bunker blow-up, the Warriors' halves worries resurface, and we ask whether Cronulla can actually knock off the Roosters. All that, and Fatima's coffee cup is put on trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finals footy is here. Dave, Mick and Reidy preview every game of Week 1 and lock in their tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL Finals are here, and the questions are already piling up. Can a fit Latrell Mitchell and a masterplan from Wayne Bennett finally get Souths over the line? Are the Panthers steamrolling towards another premiership and have the Roosters already blown their shot after conceding 50?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lads dig into the Hudson Young contract saga after the Chiefs parked PNG talks until November 1, leaving Young's $1.1 million Raiders offer looking harder to knock back. Then it's the Bulldogs, who need a genuine halfback to pair with Lachie Galvin, and whether Matt Burton's looming decision could fix their salary cap headache. Attention turns to Brisbane, where Michael Maguire faces a defining pre-season with his job on the line if the Broncos can't find harmony early in 2027.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cronulla's finals hopes are in freefall after a shock 38-18 loss to Parramatta, and we ask whether the Sharks are simply choking again or something deeper is going on, including a heated post-match spray from coach Craig Fitzgibbon. We also dig into Nicho Hynes' form, the Roosters' title chances after Sam Walker's serious ankle injury, and whether Daly Cherry-Evans can inspire another finals run 15 years after his first premiership. Plus: is Michael Maguire still the right man to lead the Broncos, can Souths make history from outside the top four with Latrell Mitchell back, why the Dolphins deserve to be taken seriously as genuine contenders, Jett Cleary's standout NRL debut for the Warriors, and the Brisbane ground announcer controversy that's landed the club in hot water with the NRL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Riccio, Michael Carayannis and Brent Read react to the brutal week for the Brisbane Broncos, breaking down whether Michael Maguire's extension talk makes sense and the club's fumbled handling of Adam Reynolds' farewell. Plus, previews of Panthers v Bulldogs, Roosters v Dolphins and Warriors v Knights, contract chatter on Blaze Talenoa, Spencer Leniu and Bradman Best, the finals venue debate, and this week's mailbag and BS Messages of the Week. Sacked NRL is streaming now, exclusively for Code Sports subscribers at sackednrl.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wests Tigers snapped an eight-game losing streak with a stunning upset over the Sydney Roosters. The panel debates whether there’s a genuine pulse at Concord, and asks if the Chooks' lethargic effort is a major red flag heading into finals. Andrew Webster’s squad proved their premiership credentials with an unstoppable power game. The crew dissects their forward dominance, bench depth, and the cold-blooded field goal move to snatch the top spot on the ladder over Penrith. Plus, a heated debate on who really deserves Coach of the Year! Joey Manu becomes the latest superstar to sign with the PNG Chiefs! The panel peels back the layers on PNG’s star-studded roster, sorting hype from reality. They clear up salary cap market value rules, tax-free contract outrage, and whether marquee signings are chasing glory or massive payouts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Code NRL: the panel breaks down what rugby league can learn from the Swans crisis, previews a huge Friday night at Canberra as the Raiders host Papa's (Josh Papalii) farewell game against the Broncos, debates the Dally M Coach of the Year race, and looks ahead to Souths v Warriors, Dragons v Bulldogs, and Roosters v Tigers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Roosters proved they've finally cracked the code on Penrith, beating them at their own game and stripping away the Panthers' aura in the process. Meanwhile the Broncos' capitulation against the Warriors has the panel debating whether Michael Maguire should blood his kids or make the senior players fix what they broke, and the Sharks are staring down a nightmare scenario if Braydon Trindall's shoulder keeps him out of finals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Souths have the talent but not the fight, Canberra's forward pack exodus keeps growing with Hudson Young next in the firing line, and Sam Walker carries the Roosters into a must-win clash with Penrith after rejecting a contract offer. Plus the panel debates whether the Dragons or Wests Tigers have more upside heading into next season, runs through the mailbag on Junior Paulo's future at Parramatta and the Xavier Willison rumours, and argues out who should win Dally M Coach of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lara and Pam dissect the reason that players are lured to sign with the top two marquee clubs of the NRLW. They break down the week ahead, and throw some fascinating insight into the week that was for a busy episode of Show and Go. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We break down a huge Round 23, starting with the Sharks' shock loss to the Dragons and what it means for Craig Fitzgibbon's premiership window. Plus the Warriors' Indigenous Round classic over Penrith, Luke Metcalf's statement performance, and the injury blow that could define the Panthers' finals campaign. We dig into the halves decision at St George Illawarra, Blaize Talagi's omission at Penrith, crunch the numbers on who's locked into the finals eight, and answer your BS messages of the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boys break down a massive Round 23, starting with the Dolphins' looming contract crisis. Selwyn Cobbo, Hamiso Tabuai-Fedeto, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Bostock and more all hit the open market on November 1, and the panel debates which stars the club can realistically save. Plus: Nathan Brown and Dylan Walker rumours put to bed, straight from Parramatta sources The Ryan Matterson situation and his life on the Amalfi Coast Junior Paulo, Morgan Smithies and the Eels' off-season moves Cronulla's case as genuine premiership threats Full Round 23 tips: Warriors v Panthers, Roosters v Bulldogs, Sharks v Dragons, Broncos v Dolphins, Cowboys v Titans, Storm v Sea Eagles, Raiders v Knights Dally M form guide and BS Messages of the WeekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teagan Levi has been one of the standout rugby union converts of the 2026 NRLW season, but should that be enough to earn her a Jillaroos jersey at the World Cup?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Round 22 wrap: Laurie Daley confirms he's stepping down as Blues coach after the series win, with Matt King set to replace him — but does that create an awkward clash with Ivan Cleary's Origin ambitions? Plus, the Roosters put on a statement performance in a 70-point demolition of the Cowboys, reigniting the debate over who can actually stop the Panthers, with a big case made for the Sharks as the real title threat. We also break down a wild weekend of officiating dramas, a Reece Walsh hair-pull sin bin, a blown conversion call, and the NRL's controversial new kickoff trial, before we read your BS Messages of the weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NRL Round 22 Preview: Adam Doueihi's Tigers return under the microscope, plus the Dragons' 2027 finals push. Full breakdown of every game this round — Tigers v Eels, Cowboys v Roosters, Storm v Bulldogs, Titans v Warriors, Panthers v Raiders, Broncos v Knights, Sharks v Rabbitohs — team news, injuries and tips for all seven. Plus Tom Dearden's Cowboys future, a complete p*sstake of Mick from the ABC and your BS Messages for the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wests Tigers rabble deepens as the panel debates who's really responsible for the club's off-field mess, and whether there are bigger issues at Concord than just the Adam Doueihi saga. Plus, a big call on Brisbane: after another season gone missing, is the Broncos' premiership window shut for good? Also this episode: the Bulldogs' statement win over the Warriors and their surging finals push, the race for the last spots in the eight between the Raiders, Cowboys, Bulldogs and Knights, and your BS Messages of the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Zac Lomax has backfired again': the Eels' looming 2027 recruitment crisis, plus Dave's 'mad' theory for how the PNG Chiefs should handle Jarome Luai, and why the Bulldogs are right to start Crichton over O'Sullivan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'He's not doing his job': Why the Tigers must dump Luai, plus 'Is it a pride thing?', the Bulldogs halves call that has fans frustrated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarome Luai has fronted the media to address his early Wests Tigers exit, and there's more to his "I'll wear that burden" confession than it first seems. Plus, why comparing Luai's move to Parramatta with the mixed results of the Jonah Pezet deal doesn't tell the full story. Also this episode: Zac Lomax closing in on a big-money PNG Chiefs deal, Toby Rudolf's decision to stay at Cronulla, a massive Sharks vs Knights clash, our tips for every game this weekend, and your BS Messages of the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarome Luai's Wests Tigers exit has blown wide open, and the fallout goes deeper than anyone expected. We break down the real reason behind the Benji Marshall–Luai split, why Parramatta might be walking into the same trap that failed with Jonah Pezet, and the wild card scenario that could see Cameron Munster leave the Melbourne Storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Suncorp Humble Pie Show: The panel unloads on Queensland's inept, mediocre decider performance. The New King of NSW: Nathan Cleary's untouchable 15-minute blitz and why the Immortal debate is officially over. Calling Out Gus Gould: Why Gould is dead wrong about "owning Origin". Mitchell Moses Silences the Panel: Readie pulls out the receipts on the hosts wanting Moses dropped. The Forward Monster Class: How Payne Haas, Mitch Barnett, and Addin Fonua-Blake completely destroyed the Queensland pack. Daley vs. Slater: Laurie Daley’s ultimate tactical vindication. The Bunker Robbery Debate: Breaking down the "very dodgy" Bradman Best try and the hidden camera angle home viewers didn't see.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A full clash on whether the Bunker is ruining rugby league, the Dragons' shock win over the Tigers (and growing tension over Dean Young's coaching future), and a heated debate on Cody Walker's temperament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave, Mick and Readie preview Round 18 and dig into the big Parramatta question: is Mitchell Moses on $1.4M giving the Eels bang for buck? The panel goes back and forth on his form, his value to the club, and what he's set to earn when his deal ramps up in 2028. From there the boys pitch a wild recruitment idea, prying Matt Burton away from the Bulldogs to play six at Parramatta alongside Moses, and debate what that would actually cost and whether it stacks up. Plus tips for every game this weekend including Broncos-Sharks, Souths-Penrith, Parra-Manly and Knights-Dolphins, a look at the danger game for the West Tigers at Jubilee Oval.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eels fans, look away, actually no, read this anyway. Bulldog Dean Ritchie joins Alex "NRL Soapbox" for Round 17 Review, and he's not holding back on Parramatta's latest implosion (38% second-half completion rate says it all).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Maguire's Broncos future is under the microscope as Brisbane's form crisis deepens, while the panel asks whether the Dolphins have overtaken the Broncos as Queensland's premier club ahead of their Round 17 top-four showdown with the Warriors. Elsewhere: Cody Walker's future and Bronson Xerri's move away from the Bulldogs (Storm or Eels?), Spencer Leniu's Roosters exit edging closer, and Junior Paulo's Parramatta contract stand-off. The boys also lock in their tips for the full Round 17 slate, tackle the mailbag on the bunker's forward-pass calls and whether halves are over-protected by the refs, and debate who's really second favourite for the comp behind Penrith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State of Origin fallout, Bulldogs' spine shake-up & Dean Young's Dragons future — Round 16 Review. Laurie Daley is under fire after NSW's Origin 2 blowout loss to Queensland, and the panel doesn't hold back Alex demands accountability from the coach, while Dean Ritchie pushes back on the personal criticism crossing the line. Is "sorry, we got it wrong" the speech Daley needs to give before Game 3? Plus, the Canterbury Bulldogs survived an ugly golden-point win over Manly, but Cameron Ciraldo's constant spine tinkering raises a bigger question is this team good enough to make the finals? The panel locks in the spine they believe can get the Bulldogs there. And at the Red V, Dean Young keeps finding signs of life in a one-win Dragons season. The panel asks the hard question: can you sign a coach based on potential alone, or does St George Illawarra need to look elsewhere?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a humiliating 44-24 defeat in Origin 2 at the MCG, State of Origin Game 2 leaves the NSW Blues in absolute tatters. Michael Carayannis and Brent Read unload on the disgraceful second-half performance, calling out Laurie Daley getting out-coached again by Billy Slater's rampant Maroons. With the series heading to a Suncorp decider, the boys orchestrate an unprecedented roster cleanout, demanding up to 10 player changes. They break down the diabolical bench rotation that left Api Koroisau completely unused, the catastrophic Dylan Lucas selection blunder over Haumole Olakau'atu, and why bringing back Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, and Stephen Crichton is the only way New South Wales can bully their way to an improbable series victory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL has put Kalyn Ponga on notice. We break down the formal warning over his parallel leg extensions and studs-up catching mechanics and what it means for Queensland if he can't clean it up before the MCG. Plus, the Brisbane Broncos 48-6 demolition at the hands of Souths was their sixth straight loss, and the reigning premiers are now on the brink of an unwanted piece of NRL history, missing the top eight entirely for the first time in two decades. Then we head to Leichhardt Oval, where Jarome Luai had a very pointed answer for his critics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Payne Haas being pushed to his absolute physical limit before his mega-move to Souths? We break down the explosive claims that the Broncos are running Payne Haas into the ground as Brisbane teeters on an internal dressing room fracture right before tonight's grudge match. Plus, we dive into the total confidence crisis at Tiger Town after Mick launches a blistering attack on Jarome Luai following their 68-0 humiliation, and look at the massive accountability trap closing in on NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley as Mitchell Moses is forced into separate training drills ahead of State of Origin Game 2 at the MCG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broncos superstar was a controversial scratching from Slater's Game 1 squad and is in a serious form slide. But Billy Slater has refused to answer the question on everyone's lips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Latrell Mitchell's recent injury record sparking a massive debate, the panel discusses whether a club should ever risk paying him a $1.4m marquee salary or if he is becoming too much of a salary cap gamble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State of Origin Game 1 selection fallout explodes as Laurie Daley faces a fierce panel debate over his controversial NSW Blues team tactics and debutants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The official scoreboard reads a NSW Blues victory, but the actual tape shows a performance that should have Laurie Daley deeply worried about the team's true form.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the brutal win-rate statistics behind NSW Blues players like James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses, and Reece Robson to prove New South Wales are the true underdogs for the 2026 series opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus Gould has publicly admitted the Lachlan Galvin halfback experiment isn't working — and Mick Carayannis isn't holding back, firing up at the Bulldogs boss over the Galvin gamble at Canterbury. With Sam Walker off contract and under pressure on State of Origin's biggest stage, the panel debates whether his Queensland debut can convince the Roosters to keep him — or whether Reece Walsh's Origin snub was the right call. Plus, we dig into the Billy Slater and Aaron Woods rift — is it real? — and take your questions on Dean Young's future at the Dragons, Junior Paulo's contract at Parramatta, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State of Origin team announcement sparks an explosive debate as the James Tedesco NSW recall and the shock news that Reece Walsh was dropped by QLD completely rock both camps. Trav slams the controversial Dylan Edwards axing as "ridiculous" while Bulldog defends Laurie Daley putting the cleaners through the Blues squad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NRL Magic Round 2026 preview and official tips for every game including the New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium. Could Billy Slater pull off a shock State of Origin selection gamble by moving Kalyn Ponga to the halves alongside Cameron Munster to make the QLD Maroons instant favorites over the NSW Blues? Plus, breaking NRL transfer news as Luke Metcalf signs a massive contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons after the Canterbury Bulldogs officially pulled out of the $1 million race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Cleary is leaving the Penrith Panthers. The club has confirmed that the four-time premiership-winning coach will step down at the end of 2027, with assistant Peter Wallace already named as his successor. With Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, and Brian To'o all off-contract at the same time, we break down why the Panthers face a vital fight to stop a total dynasty collapse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The five-year plan at Belmore is in deep trouble as 20 positional changes leave the Bulldogs attack looking like a dogs breakfast. Following a 44-12 thrashing, we debate if the season is already over and why the current coaching strategy has the roster in total disarray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.