The Sporting Base

That is, right up until they played the games last weekend. DON’T MISS OUR NRL TIPS – Click here to download our app on iPhone WIN CASH IN OUR NRL COMPS – Click here to download our app on Android CHECK OUT OUR NRL MATCH CENTRE: View stats, odds, betting insights, team lists, tips here More than 172,000 people poured into the MCG over two nights, with another 7.4 million watching at home. And while Melbourne-Carlton was a decent game, Western Bulldogs vs.

There’s a whole exodus heading out the door next season, including Apa Twidle, Jonah Pezet, Sean Russell, Kelma Tuilagi, Dylan Walker, and Ryan Matterson.

Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams, transforming an already formidable Super Bowl contender less than two weeks before its historic season opener in Melbourne. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has signed a one-year contract reportedly worth US$20 million, with incentives capable of increasing its value to US$30 million. Donald, 35, has not played since the Rams’ wildcard defeat to Detroit in January 2024.

The Sydney Roosters have left the door open for Sam Walker to make a remarkable late-season return after confirming their star halfback underwent successful surgery on a serious ankle injury. Walker suffered a high-grade syndesmosis injury during the Roosters’ damaging 26-12 defeat to the Dolphins at Allianz Stadium. Initial reports indicated the injury would end his 2026 campaign, with the 24-year-old expected to require approximately six to eight weeks of rehabilitation.

The Western Bulldogs have publicly declared they remain “all-in” on Zak Butters despite Geelong emerging as the reported frontrunner to secure the departing Port Adelaide superstar. Butters has formally informed Port Adelaide that he intends to exercise his rights as a restricted free agent and return home to Victoria. He has not yet nominated a preferred club, leaving Geelong, the Bulldogs and Richmond competing for one of the AFL’s most valuable midfielders.

Nathan Cleary has won four premierships, two Clive Churchill Medals and now a State of Origin series as its dominant player, yet the Penrith superstar is still missing the NRL’s most prestigious individual award. That glaring omission could finally disappear in 2026. Cleary led the Dally M Medal standings when voting went behind closed doors after Round 12 and has remained central to Penrith’s push for another minor premiership.

Among them are horses that overcame unsuitable race shapes, covered additional ground or recorded eye-catching closing sectionals without enjoying the clearest of runs. Follow each runner through our free Black Book to receive a notification before they race again and avoid missing their next win.

Parramatta has been competitive without finding consistency, while Cronulla remains firmly in the finals hunt despite a recent dip in form. We’ve broken down the latest results, head-to-head record and scoring trends to give punters the key numbers before kick-off. Looking for the latest betting insights? You’ll find the key stats, betting trends, current odds and our expert tips below the Recent Form section to help you make more informed betting decisions before kick-off.

The 2026 United States Open commences on Sunday from Flushing Meadows, New York. Here are the 12 best first round matches. (10) Arthur Fils–FRA vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas–GRE Here we have Fils, the winner at Cincinnati, against Tsitsipas, the 2021 French Open finalist, and 2023 Australian Open finalist. Fils has won all five meetings against Tsitsipas, including a 6-0, 6-1 win in the third round of Miami this year. (13) Lorenzo Musetti–ITA vs. Arthur Fery–GB Here we have two grand slam semifinalists.

The official team lists are in for Eels vs Sharks, with Parramatta regaining Dylan Walker and Bailey Simonsson while highly rated prop Ryda Talagi is set to make his NRL debut. Cronulla have made minimal changes as they continue their push for a top-four finish, creating some strong angles across the try-scorer, playmaker and forward markets. Ronald Volkman Volkman has now scored a try in three consecutive games, making him one of the more interesting Eels options at a potentially bigger price.