The NRL grand final will be held without a headline pre-game entertainment act after negotiations with Australian artist Tones and I collapsed. The NRL has said it will donate $1 million to junior rugby league in lieu of a payment to a big-time star. With Kylie Minogue set to headline the AFL grand final pre-game entertainment, is this a big fail for the NRL, which wants to establish itself as a global competition?

Plus, top referee Ashley Klein has been dumped for failing to award a penalty in the final minute of Sunday’s Eden Park semi final between the Warriors and Knights. Was the axing warranted and is the scrutiny referees are now under becoming unfair?

This week rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Chris Barrett join sport deputy editor Billie Eder to break down the latest NRL news, and preview this weekend’s preliminary finals matches.

The NRL grand final will be held without a headline pre-game entertainment act after negotiations with Australian artist Tones and I collapsed. The NRL has said it will donate $1 million to junior rugby league in lieu of a payment to a big-time star. With Kylie Minogue set to headline the AFL grand final pre-game entertainment, is this a big fail for the NRL, which wants to establish itself as a global competition? Plus, top referee Ashley Klein has been dumped for failing to award a penalty in the final minute of Sunday&rsquo;s Eden Park semi final between the Warriors and Knights. Was the axing warranted and is the scrutiny referees are now under becoming unfair? This week rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Chris Barrett join sport deputy editor Billie Eder to break down the latest NRL news, and preview this weekend&rsquo;s preliminary finals matches.

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>