Mark Barnes
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Articles by Mark Barnes
‘Should have been called’: NBL admits huge error in controversial finish
The NBL has admitted its referees made a crucial error at the end of the Cairns Taipans' controversial victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers, in another major officiating talking point to hit the competition just days into the new season. Cairns held on for a 93-87 victory on Wednesday night after Tasmania produced a remarkable comeback from 20 points down, but the result was overshadowed by a late no-call that effectively ended the JackJumpers' hopes of completing the comeback.
Raiders lock in trio as club continues to build for future Original
The Canberra Raiders have continued to build for the future by securing the services of three young players, with Jed Stuart, Malachi Smith and Mark Tuialii all signing contract extensions with the club. Stuart has received the longest deal of the trio, committing to Canberra until the end of the 2029 season after establishing himself as a regular member of the Raiders squad since making his NRL debut in 2025.
Huge rival contract offer emerges for Latrell Mitchell to depart Redfern Original
Latrell Mitchell could be in line for a massive payday in Perth, with the new Perth Bears reportedly preparing a multimillion-dollar play for the South Sydney superstar that the Rabbitohs are unlikely to match according to reports at CODE Sports.
NRL in damage control, fumbles grand final entertainment yet again
The NRL has once again spectacularly fumbled the grand final pre-game entertainment — and make no mistake, this is the worst one so far. This is a sport that just signed an approximately $5.3 billion broadcast deal and for their biggest showpiece they couldn’t even organise someone to perform for fans who, in a cost-of-living crisis, are paying through the nose to attend. The seven-year deal is the largest broadcast and media partnership in Australian sporting history.
Rabbitohs make Cody Walker contract decision
Cody Walker is likely to remain at South Sydney for the 2027 NRL season, with the Rabbitohs preparing to offer their veteran playmaker a one-year contract extension. CODE Sports has reported Souths are set to offer Walker a 12-month deal after the 36-year-old finished the 2026 season in outstanding form. The proposed deal would reportedly be worth around $300,000 for the season, with Walker's future having been one of the major questions facing the Rabbitohs heading into the off-season.
Why Latrell Mitchell's Rabbitohs career could be all but over Original
In a shock development reported by CODE Sports, Latrell Mitchell is set to hit the NRL open market on November 1, raising the possibility that one of the club's biggest stars could be heading for the exit. Mitchell remains contracted to the Rabbitohs for 2027, but will be able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 over a deal for the following season, with Souths reportedly prepared to wait before deciding whether to extend his stay.
Former NRL player Jamil Hopoate reportedly arrested
Former NRL player Jamil Hopoate has allegedly been arrested following an incident on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Hopoate, 31, was reportedly arrested after allegedly crashing into a parked car, with reports also claiming he returned a positive roadside breath test. The former forward's alleged arrest comes after a troubled playing career which included stints with both the Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles before he eventually made his NRL debut with the Brisbane Broncos.
Days numbered as a Hawk? Illawarra reportedly back in import market
The Illawarra Hawks have reportedly re-entered the import market just one game into the NBL season, raising questions over the future of championship-winning forward Darius Days. ESPN insider Olgun Uluc reported the Hawks are targeting a big man, with the development coming after Days was given a minimal role in Illawarra's season-opening loss to the New Zealand Breakers.
Broncos superstar Reece Walsh lands NFL deal Original
Reece Walsh has linked with NFL powerhouse the Seattle Seahawks in a deal designed to help the Broncos superstar expand his profile in the United States according to reports today form CODE Sports. Walsh was last week unveiled as a Seahawks ambassador and was in Melbourne for the historic NFL season opener between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams at the MCG.
Peter V’landys backed for historic new role at top of NRL
Peter V’landys is set to take on the most powerful role in rugby league after receiving the backing of the Australian Rugby League Commission to become the NRL’s first executive chairman according to reports at CODE Sports. The move would combine his existing position as ARLC chairman with executive responsibility for the NRL, effectively placing him in charge of both the game’s governing body and its day-to-day operations.
Broncos exodus continues with forward set to join Raiders Original
Canberra has moved to strengthen its forward pack for 2027, with Broncos forward Jaiyden Hunt reportedly agreeing to join the Raiders. According to The Canberra Times, the 28-year-old has secured a two-year deal worth around $350,000 in total as Ricky Stuart continues reshaping his roster for next season. Hunt has spent the past three seasons with Brisbane after returning to Queensland in 2024 following an earlier NRL stint with St George Illawarra.
Josh Addo-Carr dumped by sponsor as Eels axe reportedly looms
Mark Barnes Mon 14 September 2026 at 3:16 am UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Josh Addo-Carr dumped by sponsor as Eels axe reportedly looms originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Josh Addo-Carr dumped by sponsor as Eels axe reportedly looms
The fallout from Josh Addo-Carr's alleged positive roadside drug test is escalating, with the Parramatta star dumped by a major sponsor as reports emerge the Eels are considering terminating his contract according to Fox Sports report. Addo-Carr allegedly returned a positive indication for cocaine during a preliminary roadside drug test in Newtown on Friday, with a secondary oral-fluid sample sent away for forensic analysis.
BREAKING: Addo-Carr tests positive for drugs in major Eels blow Original
Parramatta star Josh Addo-Carr is facing an uncertain future after reportedly testing positive for cocaine in another major off-field blow for the former NSW and Australian winger. CODE Sports reports Addo-Carr returned the positive result after being pulled over by police for a random roadside drug test on Friday night, with the NRL Integrity Unit informed of the incident.
Stunning Sam Walker update gives Roosters huge premiership boost
Mark Barnes Sat 12 September 2026 at 1:00 am UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Stunning Sam Walker update gives Roosters huge premiership boost originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Sam Walker's seemingly season-ending injury has taken a remarkable turn, with the Roosters superstar already back running at training just 12 days after undergoing syndesmosis surgery.
Stunning Sam Walker update gives Roosters huge premiership boost
Sam Walker's seemingly season-ending injury has taken a remarkable turn, with the Roosters superstar already back running at training just 12 days after undergoing syndesmosis surgery. The Queensland Origin halfback suffered a high-grade syndesmosis injury during the Roosters' Round 26 loss to the Dolphins, with the initial prognosis leaving serious doubts over whether he could play again in 2026.
Christian Tuipulotu lands new club after Dragons departure Original
Christian Tuipulotu will not return to St George Illawarra in 2027 after securing a long-term deal to continue his career in the English Super League. The 25-year-old winger has signed a three-year contract with St Helens, becoming one of the first additions to the club's roster under incoming head coach Kevin Walters. Tuipulotu spent the past three seasons with the Dragons after joining the club in 2024, having previously played in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles.
Tevita Pangai Junior eyes shock NRL return after latest career move Original
Former NSW Origin forward Tevita Pangai Junior is reportedly preparing to return to Australia as he sets his sights on one final crack at the NRL. The 30-year-old is set to part ways with Hull KR at the end of the Super League season following a difficult stint in England, with The Courier-Mail reporting he will return home next month in the hope of securing an NRL contract.
Meninga lands another young gun as Bears poach Cowboys playmaker Original
The Perth Bears have continued building for their historic first NRL season by snaring another promising young talent from North Queensland according to CODE Sports. Cowboys playmaker Zac Herdegen has reportedly signed a one-year development deal with the expansion club for 2027, giving the 20-year-old an opportunity to push for his NRL debut under Mal Meninga.
Alex Toohey lands fresh NBA opportunity after devastating injury setback
Australian young gun Alex Toohey has been handed another opportunity to chase his NBA dream, returning to the Golden State Warriors less than a year after a serious knee injury threatened to derail his career before it had properly begun. The 22-year-old has agreed to an Exhibit 10 training-camp contract with Golden State, giving the former Sydney Kings forward an opportunity to compete for a roster position ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Huge Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow contract demand revealed as Dolphins fight to keep star
The Dolphins face a massive decision over the future of superstar fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, with the Queensland Origin weapon reportedly seeking around $1.4 million a season on his next contract according ot reports at the Courier Mail. Tabuai-Fidow is contracted until the end of 2027 but can negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, with preliminary talks already underway as the Dolphins attempt to secure their biggest star before he reaches the open market.
Scan results confirmed by Swans after Callum Mills knee injury
Sydney's remarkable push for an AFL premiership has suffered another enormous blow, with scans confirming captain Callum Mills ruptured the ACL in his right knee during Saturday's stunning finals victory over Brisbane. Mills was forced from the field during the opening quarter of the qualifying final after his knee gave way while changing direction near the boundary, immediately raising fears of a serious injury.
Scan results confirmed by Swans after Callum Mills knee injury
Mark Barnes Mon 7 September 2026 at 5:32 am UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Scan results confirmed by Swans after Callum Mills knee injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Reuben Cotter takes judiciary gamble ahead of Cowboys finals clash
North Queensland will take a major gamble at the NRL judiciary as the Cowboys fight to have co-captain Reuben Cotter available for their do-or-die final against Cronulla. Cotter has pleaded not guilty to a Grade 2 careless high tackle charge stemming from the opening play of Saturday night's 50-30 loss to Canberra.
Rabbitohs dealt big injury blow on eve of do-or-die final
South Sydney has been dealt a major injury blow on the eve of the NRL finals, with experienced forward Euan Aitken ruled out for the remainder of the season. Aitken suffered a shoulder injury during the Rabbitohs' 50-20 victory over the Sydney Roosters in their final game of the regular season, leaving the field in the 59th minute. The Rabbitohs have since confirmed the 31-year-old suffered a fractured scapula, bringing his 2026 campaign to a premature end.
‘I'm not very optimistic’: Papenhuyzen delivers brutal Perth verdict amid PNG inequality
Mark Barnes Fri 4 September 2026 at 3:30 am UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. 'I'm not very optimistic': Papenhuyzen delivers brutal Perth verdict amid PNG inequality originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
‘I'm not very optimistic’: Papenhuyzen delivers brutal Perth verdict amid PNG inequality
Former Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has delivered a scathing assessment of the Perth Bears' prospects, questioning whether the expansion club has been given a fair chance to compete with the financial advantages available to the PNG Chiefs. Perth will enter the NRL in 2027, a year before PNG, but concerns have already emerged over the strength of its inaugural roster after struggling to attract the marquee talent many expected.
Broncos snare Knights young gun on multi-year deal
The Brisbane Broncos have continued their recruitment drive by signing promising Newcastle outside back Wilson De Courcey on a two-year deal according to reports at CODE Sports. The 20-year-old will leave the Knights at the end of the season and join Brisbane through to the end of 2028 after opting for a fresh opportunity at Red Hill.
Broncos snare Knights young gun on multi-year deal
Mark Barnes Fri 4 September 2026 at 2:08 am UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Broncos snare Knights young gun on multi-year deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Brisbane Broncos have continued their recruitment drive by signing promising Newcastle outside back Wilson De Courcey on a two-year deal according to reports at CODE Sports.
Nick Kyrgios cleared for immediate tennis return after stunning drug ban reversal
Nick Kyrgios cleared for immediate tennis return after stunning drug ban reversal
Nick Kyrgios cleared for immediate tennis return after stunning drug ban reversal Original
Nick Kyrgios is free to return to professional tennis after avoiding the lengthy suspension that threatened to bring his playing career to a premature end following his positive test for cocaine. The Australian has received a one-month suspension that has already been served after the International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted that his cocaine use occurred out of competition.
Nick Kyrgios cleared for immediate tennis return after stunning drug ban reversal
Mark Barnes Updated Fri 4 September 2026 at 1:09 am UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Nick Kyrgios cleared for immediate tennis return after stunning drug ban reversal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nick Kyrgios cleared for immediate tennis return after stunning drug ban reversal
entertainment news 6 hours ago Couple Found Dead by Kids Near Hot Tub While on Vacation Remembered as New Details About Investigation Emerge People - David Chiu • 6h The married couple who were found dead by their teenage children near a hot tub at a Spanish rental property while on vacation are being remembered as the investigation into their deaths continues. A notice announcing the Aug. 24 deaths of Patrick, of Ireland, and Thomasina Tobin, who was originally …
Dom Young locks in future with major contract decision Original
Dominic Young has ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new long-term deal with the Newcastle Knights that will keep the star winger at the club until the end of 2030. Newcastle officially confirmed the agreement after reports earlier this week indicated the two parties were closing in on a deal, securing Young as an important part of the club's long-term plans.
Ronald Volkman future decided after interest from rival clubs Original
Ronald Volkman has made a major call on his future, signing a new two-year deal with Parramatta despite significant uncertainty surrounding whether he would remain at the club beyond this season. The Eels have officially secured the 23-year-old until the end of 2028, completing a turnaround after Volkman had attracted interest elsewhere and appeared increasingly likely to continue his career away from Parramatta.
Roosters receive major triple boost despite Walker injury blow
The Sydney Roosters are closing in on the return of three key players at a crucial point of their season, providing a timely boost following the devastating injury suffered by Sam Walker. Daniel Tupou, Victor Radley and Angus Crichton are all progressing towards returns over the next couple of as the Roosters prepare for their final regular-season clash against South Sydney before turning their attention to the finals.
Storm grant forward early release for Cowboys move
Melbourne Storm forward Joe Chan will make the move to North Queensland next season after signing a two-year deal with the Cowboys. The 24-year-old has been granted an early release from his contract with Melbourne, which had been due to run until the end of 2028, allowing him to join the Cowboys from the beginning of the 2027 season. Chan's new deal will keep him in Townsville through to the end of 2028 as North Queensland continues to reshape its roster under coach Todd Payten.
Roosters learn extent of Sam Walker injury after scans
Sam Walker's 2026 season is officially over after scans confirmed the Sydney Roosters star suffered a high-grade syndesmosis injury in Saturday's loss to the Dolphins according to CODE Sports. The devastating diagnosis means Walker will require surgery and will miss the Roosters' entire finals campaign in a huge blow to their premiership hopes.
Storm star Katoa makes huge leap towards NRL return
Mark Barnes Thu 27 August 2026 at 2:37 am UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Storm star Katoa makes huge leap towards NRL return originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sharks reveal crucial Braydon Trindall return date Original
Braydon Trindall is on track to make his return in Week 1 of the NRL finals in a huge boost to Cronulla's premiership hopes. The Sharks playmaker has been sidelined since dislocating his shoulder while scoring a try against Canberra in Round 24, with the injury initially creating fears his season could be over. Scans ultimately provided more encouraging news, allowing Cronulla to pursue a rehabilitation program rather than immediately sending Trindall for season-ending surgery.
Joey Manu confirms NRL return in blockbuster PNG Chiefs signing Original
Joseph Manu is officially returning to the NRL, with the former Sydney Roosters superstar signing a two-year deal to join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural season in 2028. Manu will become the seventh player secured by the expansion franchise and will join the Chiefs for the 2028 and 2029 seasons after completing his time in French rugby union.
NRL set to reveal 20th team by Christmas as shock contender emerges Original
The NRL's rapid expansion is set to take another major step before Christmas, with a decision on the competition's 20th franchise potentially only months away and a surprise new contender emerging in the race according to CODE Sports. ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys has revealed work is already underway to determine where the next club should be based, with Queensland and New Zealand at the centre of discussions for a proposed 2029 entry.
Dragons legend Billy Smith passes away as rugby league mourns Hall of Famer Original
Billy Smith, one of the greatest players in St George Dragons history and a member of the NRL Hall of Fame, has died. Smith leaves behind an extraordinary rugby league legacy after spending his entire first-grade career with St George and playing a major role during the club's famous premiership era of the 1960s. The champion halfback made 234 first-grade appearances across 17 seasons between 1961 and 1977, remaining a one-club player throughout one of the longest careers of his generation.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters lands new head coaching role in shock move Original
Kevin Walters has made a stunning decision on his coaching future, accepting a three-year deal to take charge of Super League powerhouse St Helens from the 2027 season with an announcement made by the Super League club thsi afternoon Australian time. The shock appointment comes while Walters remains head coach of the Australian Kangaroos and means this year's Rugby League World Cup is now expected to be his final campaign in charge of the national side.
Raiders table record-breaking offer to keep Hudson Young from PNG
Canberra has made a massive move to keep Hudson Young out of the hands of the PNG Chiefs, reportedly offering the representative forward a three-year deal worth $3.3 million according to CODE Sports. The extraordinary contract would see Young earn around $1.1 million per season and reportedly become the highest-paid player in the Raiders' 44-year history.
Titans shock move to let Brimson exit the Gold Coast Original
AJ Brimson's long association with the Gold Coast Titans could be approaching an unexpected end after the club granted the former Queensland representative permission to speak with rival NRL teams acccording to CODE Sports. Despite being contracted through until the end of 2030, Brimson is now free to investigate opportunities elsewhere following discussions between his management and the Titans.
Storm forward forced into shock immediate retirement Original
Tui Kamikamica's NRL career has come to an end, with the Melbourne Storm veteran announcing his immediate retirement on medical grounds following the stroke he suffered earlier this year. The 32-year-old has not played since Melbourne's Round 4 clash with North Queensland on March 28, before suffering a medical episode just days later that would ultimately change the course of his final season.
Billy Walters makes call on Broncos future after injury comeback
Billy Walters has secured his future with Brisbane, signing a two-year contract extension that will keep the experienced utility at the Broncos until the end of the 2028 season. The new deal provides Walters with some important security after a difficult period that saw the 32-year-old spend much of this season recovering from a serious knee injury.
Clint Gutherson's season over in major Dragons injury blow Original
Clint Gutherson will not play again in 2026 after the St George Illawarra co-captain underwent surgery on the knee problem that has troubled him throughout the season. The veteran fullback underwent a cartilage operation on Wednesday after spending much of the campaign managing the injury and attempting to play through the discomfort.
Roosters lose Michael Cheika in another major coaching departure Original
Michael Cheika will leave the Sydney Roosters at the end of the 2026 NRL season after being appointed head coach of the NSW Waratahs for 2027. The move back to Rugby Union means Trent Robinson will lose another member of his coaching staff at the conclusion of the season, with long-time Roosters assistant Matt King also recently appointed to take over as NSW Blues coach.
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