The Brisbane Broncos are the gift that keeps on giving for rugby league journalists. The reigning premiers can’t stay out of the headlines, and now we have defensive coach Ben Te’o resigning after a heated altercation with head coach Michael Maguire.

So why are the Broncos imploding so close to their grand final win?

And how will Manly fans react as Daly Cherry-Evans runs out for the Roosters at Brookvale?

Plus, is Wayne Bennett getting grumpier and grumpier in press conferences every week and will we ever see a journo stand up to him?

This week, Herald rugby league writer Christian Nicolussi breaks down all the latest in the NRL with Zac Bailey from Nine News.

The Brisbane Broncos are the gift that keeps on giving for rugby league journalists. The reigning premiers can&rsquo;t stay out of the headlines, and now we have defensive coach Ben Te&rsquo;o resigning after a heated altercation with head coach Michael Maguire. So why are the Broncos imploding so close to their grand final win? And how will Manly fans react as Daly Cherry-Evans runs out for the Roosters at Brookvale? Plus, is Wayne Bennett getting grumpier and grumpier in press conferences every week and will we ever see a journo stand up to him? This week, Herald rugby league writer Christian Nicolussi breaks down all the latest in the NRL with Zac Bailey from Nine News.

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 to smh.com.au.

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald,&nbsp;NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the&nbsp;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 to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl">smh.com.au.</a>

40/20

New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series. 

New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series.&nbsp;

New episodes

Broncos in crisis: Why are the premiers imploding this early?

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 Slater not only opted for a new fullback, but left Reece Walsh out of the Queensland squad entirely?

To tackle all these issues and inside mail are Sydney Morning Herald league reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Prosenko, and Nine's Zac Bailey.

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&rsquo;s selections be a masterstroke given the new rules and changes to the pace of the game? And why has Maroons coach Billy Slater not only opted for a new fullback, but left Reece Walsh out of the Queensland squad entirely? To tackle all these issues and inside mail are Sydney Morning Herald league reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Prosenko, and Nine's Zac Bailey.

Origin teams locked in: What will ‘Lozball’ look like for the Blues?

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 to be selected at the end of the NRL round this weekend, the biggest question for NSW selectors is who will play fullback for the Blues: the incumbent Dylan Edwards or veteran James Tedesco who is in sparkling form?

This week Sydney Morning Herald rugby league writers, Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko discuss those questions and preview Magic Round.

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 &ndash; a year before the Chiefs - can coach Mal Meninga secure a marquee player for the Bears? And with the State of Origin teams to be selected at the end of the NRL round this weekend, the biggest question for NSW selectors is who will play fullback for the Blues: the incumbent Dylan Edwards or veteran James Tedesco who is in sparkling form? This week Sydney Morning Herald rugby league writers, Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko discuss those questions and preview Magic Round.

Will the Bears sign a marquee player? And State of Origin selection begins

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 next, but could the news of the co-captain leaving the club derail their blistering form?

Meanwhile, with the Melbourne Storm recording six consecutive losses, how can veteran coach Craig Bellamy rally his troops? Or will this form slump leave a lasting stain on his stellar coaching career?

This week, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi and national sports editor Neil Breen, with Zac Bailey from Nine News, break down the biggest stories in the game.

Read Christian Nicolussi's latest column here

plus Neil Breen's opinion here

and follow all our NRL coverage here

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 next, but could the news of the co-captain leaving the club derail their blistering form? Meanwhile, with the Melbourne Storm recording six consecutive losses, how can veteran coach Craig Bellamy rally his troops? Or will this form slump leave a lasting stain on his stellar coaching career? This week, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi and national sports editor Neil Breen, with Zac Bailey from Nine News, break down the biggest stories in the game. Read Christian Nicolussi's latest column <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/luai-s-private-jet-was-paid-for-by-png-government-20260428-p5zrlp.html">here</a> plus Neil Breen's opinion <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/how-speed-killed-the-bulldogs-and-the-storm-20260426-p5zr4p.html">here</a> and follow all our NRL coverage <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl">here</a>

Broncos in crisis: Why are the premiers imploding this early?

In 2 playlist(s)

40/20

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips