Footy IQ

The Canberra Raiders have kicked off 2026 with a wild 29–28 golden point win away to Manly – coming from 14–0 down, leaning on a young core and a brand new No.7 who nailed the match‑winning field goal.In this episode we break down how they did it, what Ethan Sanders and the kids showed about Canberra’s ceiling this year, and whether it’s fair to start talking about the Raiders as genuine threats or if it’s just Round 1 noise

Round 1 in Las Vegas is in the books – but how much did the referees really influence the results?In this episode we break down the biggest calls from the Vegas double‑header, whether they genuinely changed the games or just gave everyone something to blow up about, and why the Dragons might’ve been the quiet winners of the weekend.We also look at what each club actually took out of the trip: combinations, branding, Vegas week off‑field benefits and whether this thing is becoming a genuine launchpad for a season instead of a distraction.

Hull KR just beat the Brisbane Broncos to become world club champions… and half of Australia has already filed it under “trial form” and “they didn’t care”.In this episode we break down how the Robins actually out‑played the NRL premiers, why this result fits a bigger pattern of Super League wins, and why Aussie media and fans still refuse to give the comp proper respect.

The NRL has officially announced revised State of Origin eligibility rules, and the debate is already heating up. But are these changes really a step backwards — or could they actually be exactly what rugby league in Australia and New Zealand needs?In this episode of Footy IQ, we break down what the new rules mean, why they’re a move in the right direction, and how they could finally bring clarity and balance to international representation. From player development pathways to the impact on Origin’s intensity, we unpack every angle.