After an unpredictable season, the stage is now set for a David versus Goliath battle as the Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights prepare to face off in this Sunday's NRL grand final. Will it be a fairytale finish for the Knights who collected the wooden spoon last season or will Sydney’s silvertail club prevail to claim another premiership?

And at the NRL’s best and fairest awards – The Dally M awards – Panthers superstar and wheelchair-bound Nathan Cleary was named the NRL’s best player of 2026, while Knights coach Justin Holbrook was beaten to the coach of the year award by the Warriors’ Andrew Webster.

Plus, Brisbane NRLW fullback and three-time Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton will be chasing an unprecedented sixth premiership when the Broncos take on the Roosters in the NRLW grand final on Sunday, with the Broncos also looking to send NRLW great Ali Brigginshaw out a champion.

This week rugby league journalist Christian Nicolussi and national head of sport Neil Breen join sport deputy editor Billie Eder to break down the Dally M awards and grand final week.

After an unpredictable season, the stage is now set for a David versus Goliath battle as the Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights prepare to face off in this Sunday's NRL grand final. Will it be a fairytale finish for the Knights who collected the wooden spoon last season or will Sydney&rsquo;s silvertail club prevail to claim another premiership? And at the NRL&rsquo;s best and fairest awards &ndash; The Dally M awards &ndash; Panthers superstar and wheelchair-bound Nathan Cleary was named the NRL&rsquo;s best player of 2026, while Knights coach Justin Holbrook was beaten to the coach of the year award by the Warriors&rsquo; Andrew Webster. Plus, Brisbane NRLW fullback and three-time Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton will be chasing an unprecedented sixth premiership when the Broncos take on the Roosters in the NRLW grand final on Sunday, with the Broncos also looking to send NRLW great Ali Brigginshaw out a champion. This week rugby league journalist Christian Nicolussi and national head of sport Neil Breen join sport deputy editor Billie Eder to break down the Dally M awards and grand final week.

Fairytale or silvertail finish? This is a grand final for the ages

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.

NRL grand-final entertainment falls through, plus finals blockbusters

One of the big discussion points this week has been Nathan Cleary’s foot.
The Penrith superstar suffered a “stress-related bone issue”, according to the club, and his fate for the finals is still very much up in the air.
Another player whose future is uncertain, but for an entirely different reason, is Josh Addo-Carr. The Parramatta star allegedly tested positive to cocaine at a random police roadside test last week and it’s the second time he has been embroiled in a drugs drama.
But back to the game, the Newcastle Knights travel to New Zealand forfinals week two. While the Warriors start as favourites, our panel dives into the extraordinary season of Knights coach Justin Holbrook.
Today’s episode is hosted by Sydney Morning Herald deputy sports editor Billie Eder, and features panellists Adrian Proszenko and senior sports journalist Chris Barrett.

One of the big discussion points this week has been Nathan Cleary&rsquo;s foot. The Penrith superstar suffered a &ldquo;stress-related bone issue&rdquo;, according to the club, and his fate for the finals is still very much up in the air. Another player whose future is uncertain, but for an entirely different reason, is Josh Addo-Carr. The Parramatta star allegedly tested positive to cocaine at a random police roadside test last week and it&rsquo;s the second time he&nbsp;has been embroiled in a drugs drama. But back to the game, the Newcastle Knights travel to New Zealand for finals week two. While the Warriors start as favourites, our panel dives into the extraordinary season of Knights coach Justin Holbrook. Today&rsquo;s episode is hosted by Sydney Morning Herald deputy sports editor Billie Eder, and features panellists Adrian Proszenko and senior sports journalist Chris Barrett.

The extraordinary season of Justin Holbrook and the Newcastle Knights

NRL finals are finally here and the pick of the round for our pundits is the New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins game.

Both teams are electric to watch, and while the Dolphins might be the better team on paper, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi says the team suffers from a slow start to their game. The Kiwi team are playing at home and the Warriors will take full advantage.

There’s also been a renewed spate of criticism for the NRL’s restart rules, after Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant argued they were turning the game into “touch football”. Is there anything to this contention or are the players more upset about not being consulted about the changes in the first place?

Also this week, we’re loving Spencer Leniu. He’s been criticised for costing his team a penalty, but we argue his showmanship and his love for playing the villain is terrific to watch.

Today’s episode is hosted by deputy sport editor Billie Eder with regular guests, NRL reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko.

Further reading:
'PVL concedes rare ground after RLPA rebuke for questioning integrity of NRL stars'

NRL finals are finally here and the pick of the round for our pundits is the New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins game.
Both teams are electric to watch, and while the Dolphins might be the better team on paper, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi says the team suffers from a slow start to their game.&nbsp;The Kiwi team are playing at home and the Warriors will take full advantage.
There&rsquo;s also been a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-stars-fear-set-restarts-could-decide-a-final-v-landys-says-they-re-not-telling-the-truth-20260907-p60v1g.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">renewed spate of criticism for the NRL&rsquo;s restart rules</a>, after Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant argued they were turning the game into &ldquo;touch football&rdquo;. Is there anything to this contention or are the players more upset about not being consulted about the changes in the first place?
Also this week, we&rsquo;re loving Spencer Leniu. He&rsquo;s been criticised for costing his team a penalty, but we argue his showmanship and his love for playing the villain is terrific to watch.
Today&rsquo;s episode is hosted by deputy sport editor Billie Eder with regular guests, NRL reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko.
Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/pvl-concedes-rare-ground-after-rlpa-rebuke-for-questioning-integrity-of-nrl-stars-20260908-p60vl0.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">'PVL concedes rare ground after RLPA rebuke for questioning integrity of NRL stars'</a></li>
</ul>

Warriors v Dolphins, restart rules, and ‘free’ Spencer Leniu

This week, most of the NRL chat has been about Jarome Luai. The morning after the West Tigers lost to the North Queensland Cowboys, Luai was on a plane to PNG.

The Tigers' marquee player met with the PNG prime minister, and opened a golf tournament, before he visited a Pepsi factory, a brand of which he's the face.

The problem was, Tigers officials didn't know about the trip until videos and photos were posted to social media of their $1.2 million-a-year man.

Luai won't join the PNG team until 2028, so how does this flying visit stack up against his commitments to his current team? And how much of a distraction will the PNG issue be for the Parramatta Eels – Luai's team next season?

We also talk about Jett Cleary's debut on the weekend for the Warriors, and now he's been released to join Penrith next year, could he play alongside his champion brother Nathan Cleary?

This week, deputy sports editor Billie Eder joins rugby league reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko to dissect the latest NRL news.

This week, most of the NRL chat has been about Jarome Luai. The morning after the West Tigers lost to the North Queensland Cowboys, Luai was on a plane to PNG.
The Tigers' marquee player met with the PNG prime minister, and opened a golf tournament, before he visited a Pepsi factory, a brand of which he's the face.
The problem was, Tigers officials didn't know about the trip until videos and photos were posted to social media of their $1.2 million-a-year man.
Luai won't join the PNG team until 2028, so how does this flying visit stack up against his commitments to his current team? And how much of a distraction will the PNG issue be for the Parramatta Eels &ndash; Luai's team next season? We also talk about Jett Cleary's debut on the weekend for the Warriors, and now he's been released to join Penrith next year, could he play alongside his champion brother Nathan Cleary? This week, deputy sports editor Billie Eder joins rugby league reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko to dissect the latest NRL news.

Inside the Jarome Luai PNG circus

Broncos teammates and rival players have criticised coach Michael Maguire’s decision to deny Adam Reynolds a Suncorp Stadium farewell. Reynolds has been battling a calf-injury, but completed a vital training session on Monday. The decision to deny Reynolds a final appearance has not gone down well with supporters or teammates and has thrust the spotlight back on Maguire and his relationship with the playing group.

Plus, after eight wins in a row and being touted as premiership favourites by some pundits, the Roosters were beaten by bottom-of-the-table dwellers the Wests Tigers last weekend. So are they the real deal? And is this the hiccup they needed before the finals?

And the NRL will run the first trial of its controversial kick-off rule change on Thursday night in the match between Brisbane and Melbourne. In what could be a precursor to the permanent introduction of the rule for the 2027 season, the team that concedes a try will have the option to re-start by either kicking off or receiving the football. So how will it work and do we really need another change to the rules?

This week, Sports Deputy Editor Billie Eder alongside Rugby League journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko break down the latest NRL news.

Read the latest on Adam Reynolds here. 

Broncos teammates and rival players have criticised coach Michael Maguire&rsquo;s decision to deny Adam Reynolds a Suncorp Stadium farewell. Reynolds has been battling a calf-injury, but completed a vital training session on Monday. The decision to deny Reynolds a final appearance has not gone down well with supporters or teammates and has thrust the spotlight back on Maguire and his relationship with the playing group. Plus, after eight wins in a row and being touted as premiership favourites by some pundits, the Roosters were beaten by bottom-of-the-table dwellers the Wests Tigers last weekend. So are they the real deal? And is this the hiccup they needed before the finals? And the NRL will run the first trial of its controversial kick-off rule change on Thursday night in the match between Brisbane and Melbourne. In what could be a precursor to the permanent introduction of the rule for the 2027 season, the team that concedes a try will have the option to re-start by either kicking off or receiving the football. So how will it work and do we really need another change to the rules? This week, Sports Deputy Editor Billie Eder alongside Rugby League journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko break down the latest NRL news. Read the latest on Adam Reynolds <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/go-ask-them-maguire-bristles-after-walsh-hunt-dramas-in-reynolds-saga-20260826-p60rls.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">here.&nbsp;</a>

Adam Reynolds’ retirement saga, and the controversial kick-off rule

As the NRL competition edges closer to the finals, the race to the top of the pack intensifies. The Panthers are slight premiership favourites as the Roosters and Warriors start to mount their finals campaigns.

But it's the race to the bottom of the eight that is still in contention, and with only three rounds remaining in the regular season, can your team make it?

And the Wests Tigers have had the season from hell but it could get even worse this Sunday as they face a full-strength Roosters side sitting at the top of the table.

This week, sports reporter Billie Eder joins rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko to break down the latest in the NRL.

Read Christian's latest opinion on the Wests Tigers here.

As the NRL competition edges closer to the finals, the race to the top of the pack intensifies. The Panthers are slight premiership favourites as the Roosters and Warriors start to mount their finals campaigns. But it's the race to the bottom of the eight that is still in contention, and with only three rounds remaining in the regular season, can your team make it? And the Wests Tigers have had the season from hell but it could get even worse this Sunday as they face a full-strength Roosters side sitting at the top of the table. This week, sports reporter Billie Eder joins rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko to break down the latest in the NRL. Read Christian's latest opinion on the Wests Tigers <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-have-had-the-season-from-hell-it-s-about-to-get-even-worse-20260818-p60pb3.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">here.</a>

Three-horse race as teams jostle for top eight

After being touted as the only real premiership contender, the Penrith Panthers are now under pressure as captain Isaah Yeo starts rehabilitation in a bid to return for the finals. Yeo suffered a pectoral injury in their loss to the Warriors last weekend.

So are the Panthers still favourites to win the premiership?

Plus, after being sin-binned and publicly blasted by coach Ricky Stuart for striking in the closing stages of Canberra’s loss to Newcastle, which ended their slim finals hopes, is Corey Horsburgh set to join another team? And was Ricky’s wrath warranted?

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

Read the latest on the Panthers here.

After being touted as the only real premiership contender, the Penrith Panthers are now under pressure as captain Isaah Yeo starts rehabilitation in a bid to return for the finals. Yeo suffered a pectoral injury in their loss to the Warriors last weekend. So are the Panthers still favourites to win the premiership? Plus, after being sin-binned and publicly blasted by coach Ricky Stuart for striking in the closing stages of Canberra&rsquo;s loss to Newcastle, which ended their slim finals hopes, is Corey Horsburgh set to join another team? And was Ricky&rsquo;s wrath warranted? This week, rugby league journalists Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko join national sports editor Neil Breen to break down the race to the finals. Read the latest on the Panthers <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/tears-over-to-o-as-yeo-backed-for-shock-world-cup-appearance-20260812-p60ni9.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">here.</a>

Panthers under pressure as finals race heats up

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

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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