The Zac Lomax circus continued this week as he inked a deal with Rugby Australia, joining the Western Force for two years. Lomax's comments about his dream of “one day representing the Wallabies on a truly international stage” left International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant less than impressed, saying “Don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out”.

So will Lomax have what it takes to play in the Rugby World Cup for the Wallabies? Or could we see him back in the NRL?

Plus, as Alex Johnston is poised to break rugby league’s try-scoring record on Friday night will we see fans storm the field to celebrate?

This week, Herald sports reporter, Christian Nicolussi joins national sports editor, Neil Breen to dissect the latest news in league with host Zac Bailey from Nine News.

The Zac Lomax circus continued this week as he inked a deal with Rugby Australia, joining the Western Force for two years. Lomax's comments about his dream of &ldquo;one day representing the Wallabies on a truly international stage&rdquo; left International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant less than impressed, saying &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out&rdquo;. So will Lomax have what it takes to play in the Rugby World Cup for the Wallabies? Or could we see him back in the NRL? Plus, as Alex Johnston is poised to break rugby league&rsquo;s try-scoring record on Friday night will we see fans storm the field to celebrate? This week, Herald sports reporter, Christian Nicolussi joins national sports editor, Neil Breen to dissect the latest news in league with host Zac Bailey from Nine News.

The 'sloppy' Zac Lomax circus and round two's brutal reality checks

The NRL season for 2026 kicked off under dazzling lights in Las Vegas - blinding some, but not our league experts.

Here, we put players, coaches and clubs under the blowtorch for the remainder of round one. Will DCE be under the pump? Will Shane Flanagan’s honesty cost his team? And what of Zac Lomax? There was a lot more to the story as it unravelled daily.

This week our national sports editor Neil Breen shares his predictions for the season with host Zac Bailey from Nine News. One of Breenie’s predictions floored Zac.

The NRL season for 2026 kicked off under dazzling lights in Las Vegas - blinding some, but not our league experts. Here, we put players, coaches and clubs under the blowtorch for the remainder of round one. Will DCE be under the pump? Will Shane Flanagan&rsquo;s honesty cost his team? And what of Zac Lomax? There was a lot more to the story as it unravelled daily. This week our national sports editor Neil Breen shares his predictions for the season with host Zac Bailey from Nine News. One of Breenie&rsquo;s predictions floored Zac.

Zac Lomax affair uncensored: Explosive texts, blindsides, and 'bully boy' tactics

There are only a few sleeps away from NRL Christmas with the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm facing off in the Grand Final on Sunday.

But has the new rebel Rugby 360 competition, looking to poach marquee NRL players, spoiled the party like the Grinch?

And is this the beginning of a new era for the Kangaroos? As new coach Kevy Walters is set to blood up to seven debutants for the upcoming Ashes series against England.

Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi break down all the Rugby League news ahead of the Grand Final.

There are only a few sleeps away from NRL Christmas with the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm facing off in the Grand Final on Sunday. But has the new rebel Rugby 360 competition, looking to poach marquee NRL players, spoiled the party like the Grinch? And is this the beginning of a new era for the Kangaroos? As new coach Kevy Walters is set to blood up to seven debutants for the upcoming Ashes series against England. Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi break down all the Rugby League news ahead of the Grand Final.

NRL Grand Final week: A new Kangaroos era begins, and a Rugby 360 poaching raid looms

As the last days of September loom only four teams remain in the NRL competition, and by the end of the weekend we’ll know who will face off in the grand final.

So now the Sharks have our respect, can they weather the Storm in Melbourne?

Can the Broncos superstar spine deal with Panthers four-time champion winning half-back Nathan Cleary?

And should Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase be picked for the Kangaroos with the news of his return to Rugby Union?

Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi break down all the NRL news ahead of the two huge grand final qualifying matches.

*NRL grand final competition, Terms and Conditions: Game of skill. Competition open to residents of NSW who are current subscribers of the Sin Bin newsletter and the Sydney Morning Herald. Entrants under 18 must seek Parent or Legal Guardian consent to enter. Competition closes 25/09/2025 11:59pm AEST. Winners chosen 29/09/2025 at 11:00am AEST at Promoter’s office. Winner notified by phone within 2 days. Full terms and conditions at subscriber.smh.com.au/nrl-terms. Promoter is Nine Entertainment Co. Pty Ltd of 1 Denison Street, North Sydney NSW 2060.

As the last days of September loom only four teams remain in the NRL competition, and by the end of the weekend we&rsquo;ll know who will face off in the grand final. So now the Sharks have our respect, can they weather the Storm in Melbourne? Can the Broncos superstar spine deal with Panthers four-time champion winning half-back Nathan Cleary? And should Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase be picked for the Kangaroos with the news of his return to Rugby Union? Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi break down all the NRL news ahead of the two huge grand final qualifying matches. *NRL grand final competition, Terms and Conditions: Game of skill. Competition open to residents of NSW who are current subscribers of the Sin Bin newsletter and the Sydney Morning Herald. Entrants under 18 must seek Parent or Legal Guardian consent to enter. Competition closes 25/09/2025 11:59pm AEST. Winners chosen 29/09/2025 at 11:00am AEST at Promoter&rsquo;s office. Winner notified by phone within 2 days. Full terms and conditions at&nbsp;<a href="http://subscriber.smh.com.au/nrl-terms" data-stringify-link="http://subscriber.smh.com.au/nrl-terms" data-sk="tooltip_parent">subscriber.smh.com.au/nrl-terms</a>. Promoter is Nine Entertainment Co. Pty Ltd of 1 Denison Street, North Sydney NSW 2060.

NRL finals week three: Can Brisbane deal with Cleary and have Cronulla really earned our respect?

The first week of the finals did not disappoint, and with the Roosters and Warriors exiting the competition, six teams now remain.

So this week, can the Sharks earn the respect they’ve asked for or will the Raiders prove too difficult?

Can young gun Lachy Galvin steer the Bulldogs to a win over the Panthers?

And Victor Radley has been slapped with a 10 game ban, and another $30,000 fine.

Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald break down the news of the week ahead of two massive semi-final clashes.

*NRL grand final competition, Terms and Conditions: Game of skill. Competition open to residents of NSW who are current subscribers of the Sin Bin newsletter and the Sydney Morning Herald. Entrants under 18 must seek Parent or Legal Guardian consent to enter. Competition closes 25/09/2025 11:59pm AEST. Winners chosen 29/09/2025 at 11:00am AEST at Promoter’s office. Winner notified by phone within 2 days. Full terms and conditions at subscriber.smh.com.au/nrl-terms. Promoter is Nine Entertainment Co. Pty Ltd of 1 Denison Street, North Sydney NSW 2060.

The first week of the finals did not disappoint, and with the Roosters and Warriors exiting the competition, six teams now remain. So this week, can the Sharks earn the respect they&rsquo;ve asked for or will the Raiders prove too difficult? Can young gun Lachy Galvin steer the Bulldogs to a win over the Panthers? And Victor Radley has been slapped with a 10 game ban, and another $30,000 fine. Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from&nbsp;The Sydney Morning Herald&nbsp;break down the news of the week ahead of two massive semi-final clashes. *NRL grand final competition, Terms and Conditions:&nbsp;Game of skill. Competition open to residents of NSW who are current subscribers of the Sin Bin newsletter and the Sydney Morning Herald. Entrants under 18 must seek Parent or Legal Guardian consent to enter. Competition closes 25/09/2025 11:59pm AEST. Winners chosen 29/09/2025 at 11:00am AEST at Promoter&rsquo;s office. Winner notified by phone within 2 days. Full terms and conditions at&nbsp;<a href="http://subscriber.smh.com.au/nrl-terms" data-stringify-link="http://subscriber.smh.com.au/nrl-terms" data-sk="tooltip_parent">subscriber.smh.com.au/nrl-terms</a>. Promoter is Nine Entertainment Co. Pty Ltd of 1 Denison Street, North Sydney NSW 2060.

NRL finals week two: Was the sanction against Victor Radley too heavy-handed?

Finals footy is here and although grand final day is only four weeks away, no one can settle on a favourite to lift the trophy.

Will the Bulldogs return to form as Sexton comes back in and Mahoney is axed?

Will the Warriors fans rattle the Panthers in Auckland on their quest for five premierships in a row as they start from the back of the pack?

And will we see ‘Big Papa’, Josh Papalii, line up in Canberra as the Raiders mount their finals campaign starting in pole position?

Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald dive head first into finals week one for 2025.

Finals footy is here and although grand final day is only four weeks away, no one can settle on a favourite to lift the trophy.
Will the Bulldogs return to form as Sexton comes back in and Mahoney is axed? Will the Warriors fans rattle the Panthers in Auckland on their quest for five premierships in a row as they start from the back of the pack? And will we see &lsquo;Big Papa&rsquo;, Josh Papalii, line up in Canberra as the Raiders mount their finals campaign starting in pole position? Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald dive head first into finals week one for 2025.

NRL finals week one: ‘There’s six teams that can win the comp’

In a special bonus episode of 40/20, Michael Chammas comes to you with breaking news from the NRL.

The Newcastle Knights are in crisis as star fullback Kalyn Ponga's management is in talks with New Zealand Rugby Union teams about a sensational code switch, while Knights coach Adam O'Brien's time in Newcastle looks all but over at season's end.

Today, Nine Publishing's national head of sport Neil Breen and Sydney Morning Herald sports reporter Michael Chammas with all the developments.

In a special bonus episode of 40/20, Michael Chammas comes to you with breaking news from the NRL. The Newcastle Knights are in crisis as star fullback Kalyn Ponga's management is in talks with New Zealand Rugby Union teams about a sensational code switch, while Knights coach Adam O'Brien's time in Newcastle looks all but over at season's end. Today, Nine Publishing's national head of sport Neil Breen and Sydney Morning Herald sports reporter Michael Chammas with all the developments.

Breaking: Newcastle Knights in crisis as Kalyn Ponga considers switch to NZ Rugby

Well, in an almost perfect performance Queensland have ambushed New South Wales to claim the Origin series for 2025.

The decider will go down as one of the Maroons most empathic performances, defeating the Blues 24 points to 12 in Sydney. 

The contest effectively over at half-time with Queensland leading 20 nill. 

So how did Queensland turn it all around from Game 1? 

And where did it all go wrong for New South Wales? 

Today, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald, break down the decider. 

Well, in an almost perfect performance Queensland have ambushed New South Wales to claim the Origin series for 2025.
The decider will go down as one of the Maroons most empathic performances, defeating the Blues 24 points to 12 in Sydney.&nbsp;
The contest effectively over at half-time with Queensland leading 20 nill.&nbsp;
So how did Queensland turn it all around from Game 1?&nbsp;
And where did it all go wrong for New South Wales?&nbsp;
Today, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald, break down the decider.&nbsp;

‘We are flat’: Maroons ambush Blues in Origin decider

Well no one saw this coming but State of Origin 2025 is one all, and we are off to a decider.

Queensland defied the odds after an emotional build up to game 2, holding on to defeat New South Wales in Perth… but only just. 

So can the new Maroons captain, Cameron Munster, inspire his state again? 

Or can the Blues finally deliver an 80 minute performance and lift the shield at home in Sydney? 

With a raft of back line changes, an unlikely hero’s return and injury clouds swirling, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald discuss the team line ups for the decider. 

Well no one saw this coming but State of Origin 2025 is one all, and we are off to a decider.
Queensland defied the odds after an emotional build up to game 2, holding on to defeat New South Wales in Perth&hellip; but only just.&nbsp;
So can the new Maroons captain, Cameron Munster, inspire his state again?&nbsp;
Or can the Blues finally deliver an 80 minute performance and lift the shield at home in Sydney?&nbsp;
With a raft of back line changes, an unlikely hero&rsquo;s return and injury clouds swirling, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald discuss the team line ups for the decider.&nbsp;

Origin hero returns for decider 

In a gutsy under dog performance, fighting for their survival - Queensland have held on, defeating New South Wales in Perth by 26 points to 24 in State of Origin Game 2, sending the series to a decider in Sydney.

And one thing has never been more true, it’s that you can never write Queensland off.

So, who will win the series? Can the Maroons go one more and down the blues at home? Or will the Blues finally put all the pieces together and seal the deal?

Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald, in Perth break down the match.

In a gutsy under dog performance, fighting for their survival - Queensland have held on, defeating New South Wales in Perth by 26 points to 24 in State of Origin Game 2, sending the series to a decider in Sydney.
And one thing has never been more true, it&rsquo;s that you can never write Queensland off.
So, who will win the series? Can the Maroons go one more and down the blues at home? Or will the Blues finally put all the pieces together and seal the deal?
Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald, in Perth break down the match.

Maroons hold on for Sydney showdown

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/aace75be-3118-4968-83e7-b30100825785/transcript

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

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