With the State of Origin decider still a few weeks away, the NRL returns to regular programming this week under the watchful eye of under-fire Blues coach Laurie Daley, who will be searching for team changes in the lead-up to Origin game three.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount around the return of Israel Folau to the game. Will we see the veteran back in the NRL? Or should he be avoided at all costs?

Plus, is under-pressure Bulldog Bronson Xerri headed for another club?

This week, sports reporter Billie Eder and national head of sport Neil Breen are joined by special guest, Wide World of Sports chief rugby league commentator Mathew Thomson, for his perspective on the NRL and Origin from the commentary box.

With the State of Origin decider still a few weeks away, the NRL returns to regular programming this week under the watchful eye of under-fire Blues coach Laurie Daley, who will be searching for team changes in the lead-up to Origin game three. Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount around the return of Israel Folau to the game. Will we see the veteran back in the NRL? Or should he be avoided at all costs? Plus, is under-pressure Bulldog Bronson Xerri headed for another club? This week, sports reporter Billie Eder and national head of sport Neil Breen are joined by special guest, Wide World of Sports chief rugby league commentator Mathew Thomson, for his perspective on the NRL and Origin from the commentary box.

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

Daley eyes changes for Origin decider, and should Israel Folau return to the NRL?

After much speculation, Matt King has been officially unveiled as Laurie Daley’s successor as NSW Blues coach for the next two series, with an option to activate a third if successful.

So what does this mean for super-coach Ivan Cleary, who has signalled his intent to coach at a representative level, when he finishes up his time with the Panthers at the end of next season?

Plus, with only a handful of rounds remaining in the regular season and the top four all but locked up, is there a team that can compete for the premiership with the Panthers?

This week, rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko join national sports editor Neil Breen to break down the latest NRL news.

Read Christian's analysis on the Blues coaching here.

After much speculation, Matt King has been officially unveiled as Laurie Daley&rsquo;s successor as NSW Blues coach for the next two series, with an option to activate a third if successful. So what does this mean for super-coach Ivan Cleary, who has signalled his intent to coach at a representative level, when he finishes up his time with the Panthers at the end of next season? Plus, with only a handful of rounds remaining in the regular season and the top four all but locked up, is there a team that can compete for the premiership with the Panthers? This week, rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko join national sports editor Neil Breen to break down the latest NRL news. Read Christian's analysis on the Blues coaching <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/what-matt-king-s-nsw-coaching-contract-means-for-ivan-cleary-20260803-p60l3j.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">here.</a>

NSW crown a new King and who can topple Penriths reign

For the past week, the Wests Tigers have dominated NRL news because halfback Adam Doueihi stood himself down from playing last weekend after being told he would be picked as lock forward. Now, following days of speculation and accusations of unprofessionalism and preferential treatment at the club, Doueihi is set to line up as the team's halfback against the Eels on Sunday.

So what actually sparked the implosion at the Tigers? And should coach Benji Marshall have welcomed Doueihi back into the team so soon?

Plus, with only six rounds remaining in the regular NRL season, the race is on to make the finals. Will your team make the top eight?

This week, national head of sport Neil Breen and rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko break down the game's biggest stories.

For the past week, the Wests Tigers have dominated NRL news because halfback Adam Doueihi stood himself down from playing last weekend after being told he would be picked as lock forward. Now, following days of speculation and accusations of unprofessionalism and preferential treatment at the club, Doueihi is set to line up as the team's halfback against the Eels on Sunday. So what actually sparked the implosion at the Tigers? And should coach Benji Marshall have welcomed Doueihi back into the team so soon? Plus, with only six rounds remaining in the regular NRL season, the race is on to make the finals. Will your team make the top eight? This week, national head of sport Neil Breen and rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko break down the game's biggest stories.

Inside the Adam Doueihi saga and who makes up the top eight

The dawn of a new era for the Dragons is here after interim coach Dean Young was confirmed as head coach. And with a raft of new recruits locked in for next season, will the Dragons turn their fortunes around?

Meanwhile, South Sydney’s finals chances have taken a huge hit, with captain Cameron Murray suffering an ankle injury and Latrell Mitchell struggling to get back on the paddock.

Plus, as cross-code star Joey Manu tours PNG and with Zac Lomax to do the same, could the Chiefs be building one of the most dangerous backlines we’ll see in the game?

This week, rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko dissect all the latest NRL news.

The dawn of a new era for the Dragons is here after interim coach Dean Young was confirmed as head coach. And with a raft of new recruits locked in for next season, will the Dragons turn their fortunes around? Meanwhile, South Sydney&rsquo;s finals chances have taken a huge hit, with captain Cameron Murray suffering an ankle injury and Latrell Mitchell struggling to get back on the paddock. Plus, as cross-code star Joey Manu tours PNG and with Zac Lomax to do the same, could the Chiefs be building one of the most dangerous backlines we&rsquo;ll see in the game? This week, rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko dissect all the latest NRL news.

Daley eyes changes for Origin decider, and should Israel Folau return to the NRL?

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