NRL

Welcome to Wide World of Sports' LIVE coverage of the first official NRL trial for the year between the Wa...

"It's been exciting tonight - good signs for the Warriors. "I think it's a huge thing for us … Brandon Wakeham nails the conversion and the Tigers are on the board. "He's really good … We'll be back tomorrow night, when the Knights take on the Sharks, and the Rabbitohs play the Sea Eagles. Thanks for joining us for the first night of the NRL Pre-Season Challenge.

The Andrew Webster era in New Zealand has begun with a comprehensive 48-12 victory over Wests Tigers as the Warriors kicked off their 2023 preseason trial ...

Broncos vs. Warriors vs. Dragons vs. Panthers vs. Knights vs. "We played a pretty young team so we can't expect much from that.

New recruits Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf combined well in the halves to help the Warriors to a 14-0 lead before Marcelo Montoya crossed for his third try ...

Wests Tigers are back in action next Sunday against the Raiders at Belmore Sports Ground as part of a double-header in Sydney. We lost momentum in the first half, there was a period we came back into it but fell away at the end... I had Webby (Andrew Webster) in under 20s at Tigers and he's still the same, a really good guy. He's really family-orientated and has got a good balance with his assistant crew. We're a long way off where we want to be but it's in a step in the right direction. Luke Metcalf steered the ship around and I thought he did really well.

It may have only been a trial game against the team that picked up the wooden spoon last year, but the Warriors have had an impressive first hitout.

They were both impressive, finding space when running with the ball, linking and kicking well and firing off defence opening passes. *

Any footy would have done at this stage, but the Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors played out an entertaining trial at Mount Smart Stadium, with the Andrew ...

The general feeling was that this was a more expansive version of the Wests Tigers than we have seen in the past, and that at times, it was a little overplayed. Now, we have to assume that the Tigers do these things in a trial game because they want to do them in real games. There’ll be bigger tests than this one, of course, but on early viewing, the first choice wingers are up and going for 2023. Small ball, agile footy was the way to go because they simply didn’t have the big men on staff to compete. The other stuff, the tryscoring and defensive organisation, can come. Back then, it seemed like the move was to give Jackson Hastings something to do that wasn’t touching the ball 90 times a game in the halves (and that’s not an exaggeration). It begs the question of who might fulfil such a position in real footy, because last year, they ran Joe Ofahengaue at lock before the brief Hastings experiment. Enough to make one salivate over the prospect of a meaningless pre-season match between the bottom and second bottom sides in the NRL. Justin Matamua, one of their gun youngsters, was entrusted with the role and struggled pretty badly. We don’t read much into trials, of course, but it wasn’t a perfect audition from the Forbes Ferrari. He didn’t get much chance to show his broken play skills – though they aren’t in doubt – but he did show a fair bit of leadership within in a side that lacked experience. “Hopefully we can see Lukey in the open space because he runs faster sideways than some of us run forward.

Jack Linardos appeared at Sydney's Downing Center on Thursday where he has yet to enter a plea to a charge of theft related to the lucrative winnings. The 25- ...

He checked the price of the ticket and discovered that it contained a payment of $9787. Jack Linardos appeared at Sydney’s Downing Center on Thursday where he has yet to enter a plea to a charge of theft related to the lucrative winnings. A man accused of stealing a $10,000 winning TAB ticket from a former NRL star is pleading with a court to drop the charge after a two-year legal battle.

The Warriors ran in nine tries in an encouraging performance under new coach Andrew Webster.

Do not get me wrong, he is a very good player, but vastly overhyped. He lacks the game-breaking ability of Andrew Johns or Johnathan Thurston and has not ...

I know anyone trying to alter the fabric of one of the greatest sporting contests in Australia will be a controversial topic, but today like most aspects we must adapt to the times. Although each player loves their respective states, their preferences and priority should always be their employer who is paying them hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and to potentially lose a valuable asset in a game where nothing is up for grabs is plain ludicrous. Teddy is still an excellent player but has fallen off from his best in 2015-2019, and it’s Manu’s time to dominate like he can. From racking up four man of the match awards from six games at fullback, to breaking the record for most metres in a game with 398. I’d also like to see some version of Hawk-Eye where every pass is analysed and if it detects a forward pass the referee will be notified. This can be used to see whether a ball has been touched in mid-air contests where we do not have a clue on who touched the ball and spend time going over replays and zooming in on pixelated footage and still do not have a definitive answer. He is an additional threat – that in turn keeps the middle defenders more honest, which creates even more space for their halves pairing Brown and Moses. He will never be close to Johnathan Thurston or Andrew Johns, he’s levels below and is not even close to Cooper Cronk when comparing great No.7s in the last 20 years. He has not showed up in many rep games which further highlights my point that he is more of a product of the Penrith system. You hear almost ad nauseam how the technology, in particular the Bunker, has ruined NRL and needs to be scaled back, but I say the contrary. Some may look at Penrith’s success, and yes, he has played a key role in that, but he’s fortunate to be in a team and more so a system that suffocates and strangles opposition. He lacks the game-breaking ability of Andrew Johns or Johnathan Thurston and has not dominated a finals series or State of Origin series like the latter.

The new Warriors coach wasn't getting carried away after the 48-12 win over Wests Tigers, but saw plenty that he liked.

“Slade Griffin is full-time, he’s the reserve grade coach. That’s particularly the case with Taine Tuaupiki, Solomon Vasuvulagi and Moala Graham-Taufa, although they’re certainly not the only ones. And I thought Luke did a really god job of getting us around the field. “Things like Te Maire with his kick pressure, it was really cool, his effort plays. “So I thought the way they prepared for the game was excellent, but we’ve got to put things in perspective, it was a trial and we’ve got to move on to the next stage.” “We know what we wanted to achieve and I just wanted to walk off and say to the boys ‘did we see what we practised?’

All in all, there were over 1500 tries scored in the 2022 NRL season, and the best of the bunch were jaw dropping. Sit back and enjoy them!

'Happy to back myself': Cook wanted three years from Souths. His new deal won't be his last.

“For me personally, I have really enjoyed having him back here. “We made the finals last year, so we put it all on hold. “I’m very happy to be staying here at South Sydney. This is where I wanted to be. But the club offered two and I was more than happy to back myself. “I think it is going to be good for us moving forward because to go on to these grand finals and to get a chance to win them, you need a good squad because that is going to provide you the competition you need at training to better yourselves as a team.” “I think we have seen a little bit of him here and there off the bench in limited minutes, but I think Davvy is going to go to another level and establish himself as a first grader this year.” “But also the quality of players that we have here and everyone wants to stay and everyone is going to be better for it this year. “Asking me now definitely I feel like I can play beyond that,” Cook told foxsports.com.au. “We have been quite successful in recent years playing consistent footy and finishing in the top four, but that is not why we do it, we do it to win comps,” Cook said. “It was a pretty smooth process and I guess in my mind in speaking to my manager and family, I knew where I wanted to be and that was South Sydney,” Cook said. “There is no doubt that if I am feeling good, that I want to continue to play here and continue playing footy, so I will play for as long as I can.

A man charged with stealing a winning $10000 TAB ticket from a former NRL star is asking the court to throw out the charge after a two year legal battle.

The court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions decided to prosecute a fresh charge of larceny after he was acquitted of dishonesty charges in September last year. “The crown is pursuing a back up charge, which I submit is an abuse of process,” he declared. Jake Linardos appeared in Sydney Downing Centre on Thursday where he is yet to enter a plea on an allegation of larceny related to the lucrative winnings.

NRL.com identifies three stats the Warriors can look to fix to get back into finals contention in 2023.

While it can get worse, it's unlikely to, with several new recruits expected to help tighten up the side's defensive structures. The stats don't lie here. The Warriors recorded one of their worst seasons on record in 2022 but will go into the new year with a fresh start and host of new players.

The NRL has made controversial changes to junior football in a bid to increase safety and participation, but clubs are rebelling against the new mandate.

Nor should it be up to our Board to continue to chase the simple answers we seek. It is the NRL’s job to ensure a smooth adoption of such a framework … [Adrian Proszenko](/by/adrian-proszenko-hveqs)is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via However, the Herald has spoken to other associations that are considering following the lead of Souths and Manly in snubbing the changes. However, the requirement for youngsters to play a non-contact version of the game, as well as the abolition of competition ladders and grand finals, has caused angst at grassroots level. Our volunteers are stretched to the limit as it is, and it should not be up to them to advertise and sell this new framework.

Raider Joseph Tapine topped the list with a tick under 70m per game, followed by Eel Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Cowboy Jason Taumalolo and another Parra ...

The Sea Eagles had just one player in the top 50 when it came to post-contact metres in 2022... The Sea Eagles' average of 506 post-contact metres per game ranked them 15th overall, ahead of only the Warriors. With a new coach and a reconditioned Turbo, the Sea Eagles are in good shape for 2023, but there's some key areas they'll need to tidy up if they are to return to finals footy.

Gains: Adam Elliott (Raiders), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Tyson Gamble (Broncos), Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers), Greg Marzhew (Titans), Lachlan Miller ( ...

Biggest question mark: The Knights forwards look good on paper but were out-enthused too often last season. He will ensure this team doesn't under-perform the way it did last year. READ MORE:

Cameron Murray has revealed he has weighed up a code switch to rugby union later in his career.

[clicking here](https://login.nine.com.au/login?client_id=wwos&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au&newsletter=true)! [Latrell's brother opens up on suicide attempt](https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/2023-shaquai-mitchell-latrell-suicide-attempt-south-sydney-rabbitohs-9news/06b6ca06-d52f-4194-9300-711734661b8a) ['Feeling the heat': Axe hovers over NRL coach](https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/the-mole-newcastle-knights-adam-o-brien-feeling-the-heat-in-opening-weeks/4f7fd21a-8775-4b1d-ab64-930a4dc3fd83) [All matches streaming ad-free, live and on demand](https://9.nine.com.au/KRnrlm) [Cameron Murray](https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/cameron-murray) has revealed he has weighed up a code switch to rugby union later in his career as new Wallabies coach [Eddie Jones](https://wwos.nine.com.au/rugby/eddie-jones) voiced his interest in the [South Sydney](https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/south-sydney-rabbitohs) captain. [Selection 'disgrace' in spotlight after Aussie flop](https://wwos.nine.com.au/cricket/australia-india-first-test-2023-travis-head-shock-axing-stuns-greats-matt-renshaw-preferred/b9a8e89a-d50d-46b6-bbd4-c8ec6a84e24e)

'Consider it': Souths skipper leaves door open for rugby switch.

[“always been enticed to go back” ](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-transfer-whispers-contracts-signings-canterburybankstown-bulldogs-phil-gould-khaled-rajad-karl-oloapu-josh-reynolds-news/news-story/e1adf819dde3114c341fcfffe343ef7c)to rugby union — and he’d “consider” it if Jones called him. [Bennett’s shock ploy to lure Knights flyer to Dolphins](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-transfer-whispers-signings-contracts-news-newcastle-knights-dominic-young-wayne-bennett-dolphins-tour-facilities/news-story/d768a205a24c1e1c347465ee539a84d8) [Manly lock in boom prop as Storm hand enforcer extension](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-transfer-centre-signings-contracts-recruitment-canberra-raiders-harley-smithshields-seasonending-enjury-news/news-story/c218ee0cad5e20894030cd90eae78e70) [The promise that could deliver Twal first try](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-alex-twal-first-nrl-try-concussion-head-knock-wests-tigers-tim-sheens-benji-marshall/news-story/dda6992980bec57e6c76524a3fb33b23) [Josh Reynolds’ big Bulldogs admission](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-josh-reynolds-top-30-deal-canterburybankstown-bulldogs-cameron-ciraldo-nrl-return-retirement-phil-gould/news-story/2b9b43471479cfba6c8822efb6c54c35) [ Cook wanted a longer deal from Souths, but this won’t be his last](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-damien-cook-contract-south-sydney-rabbitohs-davvy-moale-sam-burgess-josiah-karapani/news-story/3eef31fba78c17c00b9c271cbeea96d9)

NRL players could decide late on Friday whether they will use the new pre-season competition to protest at the governing body's handling of protracted ...

"We hope the NRL can come to the party as well and we can move on so we can play the game that we love." "We have the right to have those funds open to us when the game does stop." The two bodies have been in talks all week, with a CBA for NRLW players a high priority for the game's male players.

The game's top players had threatened to delay start times for trial matches and cover NRL insignia on jerseys. But they've made a call before Friday ...

[Warriors thumped the Tigers](/link/follow-20170101-p5cj63) in the opening match of the two-week competition on Thursday night. [Thursday deadline](/link/follow-20170101-p5cj0v) to reach agreement with the NRL on three key conditions of the CBA talks, but opted to decide by lunchtime on Friday about whether to disrupt the trial matches. The Sharks will tackle the Knights, and the Sea Eagles play the Rabbitohs, in Gosford on Friday night.

Players are threatening to delay the kick-off time in pre-season matches this weekend, cover NRL logos on jerseys, and refuse media requests to promote the game ...

Penrith Panthers is delighted to announce contract upgrades for talented young players Jack Cole and Jesse McLean.

“Not only did Panthers see the importance of retaining the talented duo, but Jack and Jesse also saw the value of remaining with the club to progress their rugby league careers.” “Jack and Jesse epitomise what we stand for as a development club and our built from within mantra. Penrith Panthers is delighted to announce contract upgrades for talented young players Jack Cole and Jesse McLean.

Fans can expect business as usual during this weekend's NRL pre-season challenge with players unlikely to boycott matches or cover any logos after weeks of ...

“It’s been a long process and there’s quite a battle on now. Hopefully that can be done soon.” “We want it done as much as they do, but we’ve got to stand strong.

The NRL has been excluded from this year's Mardi Gras parade as a direct consequence of the Manly pride jer...

"The NRL is committed to creating an environment of respect, equality, and inclusiveness, ensuring everyone has 'Pride in League'. "Priority for parade selection always goes to LGBTQIA+ groups. 'Pride in League' represents the pride we have in our game and its people, the pride we have in the diverse backgrounds that makes up the rugby league community, and the pride we have in our ability to rise to the occasion and support our teammates. "The NRL received Bronze Award at the 2022 Pride In Sport Awards, recognising our support of the community." For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by "The NRL has proudly participated in the Mardi Gras for seven years and applied to participate in the 2023 event having been successful with our 2022 application," a statement sent to Wide World of Sports by the NRL said. "The NRL's involvement in the Mardi Gras does not change its commitment to creating an inclusive sport and specifically to the LGBTQIA+ community. "The NRL was informed on 12 September 2022 that we were unsuccessful in our application to participate in the 2023 Parade. "To ensure the safety and security of all our participants and spectators, we must adhere to strict limits on numbers of both people and vehicles involved in the event. "In total there will be a record 207 groups represented in the 2023 Mardi Gras parade, sharing a stunning array of creative concepts from all walks of LGBTQIA+ life." [NRL](https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl) is believed to be a direct consequence of the massive controversy caused by [Manly's decision to wear a Pride jumper last season](https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2022-manly-sea-eagles-owner-chairman-scott-penn-statement-pride-jersey/131377a8-3624-4d31-8948-b967da8e5921). [seven players boycotting the game against the Roosters that weekend](https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/manly-sea-eagles-gay-player-devastated-by-pride-jersey-boycott-the-mole/fed46d7b-4887-4b83-814b-8af2ea042a00) late in the 2023 season.

NRL strike action over the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with the NRL have been put on hold for now, with players to go ahead with ...

RLPA boss Clint Newton has been working with the NRL on a range of conditions that players want met in the new CBA The Rugby League Players Assocation [RLPA] initially set a Thursday deadline to reach an agreement with the NRL on three of the key conditions in the CBA talks, but opted to decide by lunchtime on Friday about whether to disrupt the trial matches. In a major boost for the upcoming NRL season, players have agreed not to carry out industrial action that would impact the trials.