40/20

The Brisbane Broncos are the gift that keeps on giving for rugby league journalists. The reigning premiers can’t stay out of the headlines, and now we have defensive coach Ben Te’o resigning after a heated altercation with head coach Michael Maguire.So why are the Broncos imploding so close to their grand final win?And how will Manly fans react as Daly Cherry-Evans runs out for the Roosters at Brookvale?Plus, is Wayne Bennett getting grumpier and grumpier in press conferences every week and will we ever see a journo stand up to him?This week, Herald rugby league writer Christian Nicolussi breaks down all the latest in the NRL with Zac Bailey from Nine News.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bronson Xerri has thrown his toys out of the cot after being dropped to reserve grade by Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo. But did a breakfast with general manager Gus Gould smooth everything over?And who’s more under the pump this week – the Sea Eagles or the Broncos? After shockingly poor performances last weekend will we see them turn things around?This week, Herald league reporter Christian Nicolussi joins national sports editor Neil Breen to break down the latest NRL news with host, Channel Nine’s Zac Bailey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first week of the finals did not disappoint, and with the Roosters and Warriors exiting the competition, six teams now remain.So this week, can the Sharks earn the respect they’ve asked for or will the Raiders prove too difficult?Can young gun Lachy Galvin steer the Bulldogs to a win over the Panthers?And Victor Radley has been slapped with a 10 game ban, and another $30,000 fine.Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald break down the news of the week ahead of two massive semi-final clashes.*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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finals footy is here and although grand final day is only four weeks away, no one can settle on a favourite to lift the trophy. Will the Bulldogs return to form as Sexton comes back in and Mahoney is axed?Will the Warriors fans rattle the Panthers in Auckland on their quest for five premierships in a row as they start from the back of the pack?And will we see ‘Big Papa’, Josh Papalii, line up in Canberra as the Raiders mount their finals campaign starting in pole position?Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald dive head first into finals week one for 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special bonus episode of 40/20, Michael Chammas comes to you with breaking news from the NRL.The Newcastle Knights are in crisis as star fullback Kalyn Ponga's management is in talks with New Zealand Rugby Union teams about a sensational code switch, while Knights coach Adam O'Brien's time in Newcastle looks all but over at season's end.Today, Nine Publishing's national head of sport Neil Breen and Sydney Morning Herald sports reporter Michael Chammas with all the developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, in an almost perfect performance Queensland have ambushed New South Wales to claim the Origin series for 2025. The decider will go down as one of the Maroons most empathic performances, defeating the Blues 24 points to 12 in Sydney.  The contest effectively over at half-time with Queensland leading 20 nill.  So how did Queensland turn it all around from Game 1?  And where did it all go wrong for New South Wales?  Today, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald, break down the decider. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well no one saw this coming but State of Origin 2025 is one all, and we are off to a decider. Queensland defied the odds after an emotional build up to game 2, holding on to defeat New South Wales in Perth… but only just.  So can the new Maroons captain, Cameron Munster, inspire his state again?  Or can the Blues finally deliver an 80 minute performance and lift the shield at home in Sydney?  With a raft of back line changes, an unlikely hero’s return and injury clouds swirling, Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald discuss the team line ups for the decider. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a gutsy under dog performance, fighting for their survival - Queensland have held on, defeating New South Wales in Perth by 26 points to 24 in State of Origin Game 2, sending the series to a decider in Sydney. And one thing has never been more true, it’s that you can never write Queensland off. So, who will win the series? Can the Maroons go one more and down the blues at home? Or will the Blues finally put all the pieces together and seal the deal? Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi from The Sydney Morning Herald, in Perth break down the match.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After heavy back-to-back defeats in Brisbane not seen since the ‘97 & ‘98 series, Billy Slater has swung his axe, sensationally dropping Queensland halfback and captain Daley Cherry-Evans for State of Origin Game 2. The Blues now have the Maroons on the ropes and are in a prime position to throw a knockout blow and claim the Origin series in Perth next Wednesday night. Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi discuss the new team line-ups ahead of next week's game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 State of Origin series is underway, with a huge crowd witnessing another Queensland defeat at Suncorp Stadium… the Blues downing the Maroons 18 points to 6.  Queensland have now lost four of their past five matches against New South Wales, as the Blues recorded back to back wins in Brisbane for the first time in 17 years. So can Queensland bounce back? Will Billy Slater wield his axe for game 2? Or will the Blues seal the series in Perth? Christian Nicolussi joins Michael Chammas to break it all down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the first edition of 40/20, a new NRL podcast where we’ll be breaking down the biggest stories across the game, with the best journalists and NRL insiders from around the country. It’s Monday, May 19 and the much anticipated State of Origin team lists for Game 1 have been locked in…with returning Blues coach Laurie Daley staying loyal as Billy Slater bloods three debutants for the Maroons…Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi discuss the New South Wales and Queensland line ups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

40/20 is a brand new NRL podcast from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. During this year's State of Origin and Finals series we'll be breaking down the biggest stories from across the game with the best journalists and NRL insiders from around the country. We'll be giving you press pass access as we breakdown the latest news, controversy and performances from the biggest matches in the Rugby League calendar. To listen to our episodes as soon as they drop follow 40/20 wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.