40/20
40/20
From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald, NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars. Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go…Social links:
Why NRL can't ignore Kane Evans, and Origin's shock changes
Former NRL player Kane Evans came out as gay in a raw and vulnerable interview earlier this week with James Bracey on Nine’s 100% Footy. Kane is just the second former NRL player to speak publicly of their homosexuality, following Ian Roberts in 1995. So, how will the NRL respond, and what will th…
23:50
Why Canterbury’s season is a ‘dog’s breakfast’
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have recorded six losses in their past seven matches and questions from fans are growing louder as to who should be held accountable for their inconsistency and lack of form. Should coach Cameron Ciraldo be blamed or does the fault land with halfback Lachlan Galvin…
23:58
The Blues great escape in Origin thriller
The NSW blues have claimed the opening match of the State of Origin series for 2026 - but only just. After 20 minutes the Blues were down 20-0 and the game seemed over, but after Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge in the second half, the Blues pulled off one of their gr…
21:44
Origin teams locked in: What will ‘Lozball’ look like for the Blues?
The State of Origin teams have been selected and concern about the balance of the Blues' side is mounting ahead of game one in Sydney next week. But could coach Laurie Daley’s selections be a masterstroke given the new rules and changes to the pace of the game? And why has Maroons coach Billy Sla…
27:15
Will the Bears sign a marquee player? And State of Origin selection begins
The PNG Chiefs' signing fanfare of the past few weeks has left serious questions circulating about the Perth Bears' recruitment. With the Bears set to join the NRL next year – a year before the Chiefs - can coach Mal Meninga secure a marquee player for the Bears? And with the State of Origin teams…
21:23
Private jets and prime ministers: how PNG signed Jerome Luai
After a rockstar red carpet tour of Papua New Guinea, where he met with club and government officials alike, Jarome Luai has become the marquee signing for the PNG Chiefs, who are set to enter the NRL in 2028. Luai will continue to play for the Wests Tigers for the remainder of this season and nex…
22:50
Dragons blood bath and the Red V rebuild
After their seventh straight loss to start the season, St George Illawarra have finally swung the axe with head coach Shane Flanagan departing the club at the start of the week. And new coach Dean Young has wasted no time leaving his imprint on the Dragons after being handed the job on an interim …
28:03
Claws out for Tigers and the call that left Jordan Mailata speechless
After years of heartbreak and upset, the Wests Tigers are on a magic run, sitting alongside Penrith as joint NRL leaders. But with star fullback Jahream Bula linked to the Bulldogs - much like Lachy Galvin last season - will we see history repeat itself? And with the Storm looking like a shadow o…
26:57
Inside the Dragons’ den: Can Shane Flanagan find a winning formula?
St George Illawarra’s fifth straight defeat means it’s their worst start to a season since the club’s merger and coach Shane Flanagan admits he doesn’t have the answers yet. Can he turn things around or will we see another coach die by the sword in 2026? Flanagan isn’t the only coach under pressur…
23:08
The Sea Eagles are bleeding out, so who will make Manly great again?
After three straight losses, Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has been sensationally sacked by Manly. But was it fair? And how will interim coach Kieran Foran cope? Plus, as the Panthers continue to dominate, will Nathan Clearly be crowned the NRL's greatest player of all time? This week, rugby l…
24:05