There’s still a bit to play out on Zak Butters’ requested move to the Western Bulldogs, but Zach Merrett’s departure from Essendon to join Hawthorn became official on the first day of the AFL trade period.

Cameron Green is almost certain to be out of the first Test against South Africa in Durban due to the abdominal strain he picked up in the final, dead-rubber ODI last week.

In striking contrast to last year’s protracted, ugly and ultimately failed move, this year Zach Merrett became a Hawthorn player on the opening day of trade period.

The NRL boss won’t appreciate finishing second in this two-horse race. But the grand final entertainment numbers will make him smile.

After holding Zach Merrett to his contract in 2025, sacking a coach midway through the season and finishing dead last; the time for tough talk at Essendon is well and truly over.

For all his success this year, James Tedesco is no guarantee to replace Reece Walsh in the Australian fullback jersey in next Thursday’s World Cup opener.

Ryan Lonergan made his debut for the Wallabies in Auckland last year. He returns this week as one of the team’s most important players.

Daly Cherry-Evans’ recruitment, like Cooper Cronk’s in 2018, proved the difference for the Roosters in 2026 as he owned another grand final.

Goalkeeper Ollie Wright insists Gillingham responded well on Saturday after a heavy defeat at York the week before.

Dark sunglasses, ski goggles and a close call with a tree. The Roosters celebrated their dual premierships in style.

Jaymie Graham has finally won a senior coaching role, landing the coveted position at North Melbourne.

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters names his squad for the Rugby League World Cup.

Roosters fans across Sydney are celebrating winning the 2026 NRL and NRLW premierships on Sunday. Follow all the action.

The polarising prop accepts his time at the club hasn’t worked out as planned. But he has still won another premiership.

Tones and I's most popular hit was blasted through stadium speakers during the NRL match she was supposed to perform at.

John Strange is 'extremely proud' of his winning team, and has yet to go to sleep the morning after the grand final.

Aussie tennis star Alex de Minaur advances to the China Open semi finals after beating Andrey Rublev.

Knights head coach Justin Holbrook is 'so disappointed' the team didn't win the grand final, but 'really proud'.

The Roosters most criticised signings stood tallest. Newcastle’s biggest name produced effort like no other. And the smallest moments mattered most.

This top AFL draft prospect just obliterated a long-standing combine record and might be about to continue his family’s legacy at Collingwood.

Not for the first time, Trent Robinson handed his premiership ring to a player who missed out on a grand final win.

Andrew Johns analyses the brave performance of the Newcastle Knights.

Nick Politis speaks to Nine's Brad Fittler after the Roosters won the NRL and NRLW titles.

George Russell lets out a loud sigh at the Malaysia GP after retiring.

It’s a Roosters double at Accor Stadium, after the Tricolours won both the NRL and NRLW grand final. Follow all the action.

There was no happy ending for the Newcastle fairytale, but the victorious Roosters team was full of good-news stories.

Kalyn Ponga speaks to Johnathan Thurston after Newcastle's grand final loss.

See all of the scoring plays and iconic moments from an unforgettable 2026 Grand Final — the Roosters and Knights faced off for the NRL's ultimate prize!

The Newcastle team needed a miracle – which came tantalisingly close to appearing right at the end of the match.