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.

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;

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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.

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

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