Author: Don Pizzy

Addie Savea’s incredible 2025 season has ignited widespread debate across the global rugby community, with many fans and pundits arguing that the All Blacks powerhouse *deserved* a place in the 2025 World Rugby Men’s Dream Team of the Year. Despite producing yet another campaign marked by consistency, work rate, and leadership, Savea was left out of the final selection—an omission that has raised eyebrows and intensified discussions surrounding the criteria used for the prestigious team. Savea, who has long been recognised as one of the most dynamic forwards in world rugby, continued his trademark form throughout the 2025 international…

The Parramatta Eels have secured another major commercial win ahead of the 2026 season, officially announcing Budget Car and Truck Rentals as the club’s newest corporate partner. The agreement marks a significant step for both the NRL and NRLW programs, with Budget signing on as the club’s official car and truck rental partner as well as the inaugural back-of-shorts partner for the Eels’ NRLW team. The partnership, unveiled on Monday, strengthens the Eels’ rapidly growing commercial network and aligns the club with one of Australia’s most trusted names in vehicle rental services. Budget’s branding will feature prominently across multiple club…

The NRL’s off-season has entered its most intense phase, with all 17 clubs finalising their Top 30 rosters for the 2026 campaign. After months of retention battles, contract negotiations, player exits and recruitment raids, every team has now lodged their official squad list—offering fans the clearest picture yet of how next season will shape up. The release of the full Top 30s has sparked immediate debate across the league, with several clubs emerging as major winners of the off-season while others face renewed scrutiny over depth, roster balance, and long-term planning. Some of the biggest headlines centre on powerhouse clubs…

New Gold Coast Titans head coach Josh Hannay has wasted no time stamping his authority on the club, launching an assertive recruitment push that signals a bold new direction for the 2026 NRL season. Fresh off overseeing the re-signing of two of the Titans’ most promising talents earlier in the week, Hannay has now secured the signature of a dynamic outside back—an acquisition already being hailed as one of the most exciting moves of the off-season. The arrival of the explosive flyer, whose speed and evasive ability have drawn comparisons to some of the NRL’s elite finishers, is the first…

The Dolphins have received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming NRL season, with one of the club’s most promising young stars revealing a long-awaited timeline for his return after enduring a brutal two-year battle with a recurring shoulder injury. The setback, which has sidelined him for back-to-back seasons, has tested his resilience, patience, and mental strength—but now, he says he can finally see the finish line. After undergoing multiple rehabilitation phases and a deeply challenging recovery process, the Dolphins utility confirmed he is targeting a mid-season return in 2025, marking what would be his first appearance in top-grade football…

Former St George Illawarra Dragons playmaker Lachlan Ilias has spoken publicly about the lingering frustration he still carries after his abrupt fall from first grade, admitting he remains “bitter” about how his time at the club ended. The young halfback, once viewed as one of the Dragons’ brightest long-term prospects, says the lack of another opportunity in the top squad left him stunned and disappointed. Ilias, 24, was dropped from the Dragons’ NRL side earlier in the season after a difficult run of form, and despite strong efforts to regain his position, he was never recalled. Speaking candidly this week,…

North Sydney Oval is set to host one of its most exciting rugby league showcases in recent years, with confirmation that a blockbuster U19’s double-header will take place in 2026. The historic venue, known for its rich sporting culture and vibrant match-day atmosphere, will welcome the next generation of rugby league stars as two elite youth fixtures headline a major day on the 2026 junior representative calendar. The double-header is expected to feature some of the brightest emerging talent from across the state, with both boys’ and girls’ U19 teams tipped to participate in high-stakes representative clashes. For many young…

The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) enjoyed a night to remember at the 2025 NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony, celebrating excellence, dedication and the ongoing legacy of rugby league across the state. Held in Sydney on Monday night, the event brought together athletes, coaches, officials and administrators from a wide range of sporting codes, with NSWRL standing out as one of the evening’s major highlights. The ceremony honoured individuals and teams who made outstanding contributions in 2024–25, and rugby league was front and centre throughout. NSW’s strongest performers at both junior and senior levels were recognised, reflecting the depth…

The Dolphins have officially confirmed that talented utility Max Plath has been released from the remainder of his playing contract, enabling him to take up a new opportunity with another NRL club. The decision, announced on Monday, marks the end of a promising chapter for the young playmaker and signals a fresh beginning as he prepares to continue his career elsewhere. Plath, who joined the Dolphins as part of their inaugural squad, quickly became a valued member of the club’s developing roster. Known for his versatility, sharp football IQ, and relentless work ethic, he filled multiple roles across the spine…

Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic has long been considered the heart of the Sea Eagles, but according to head coach Anthony Seibold, a defining moment behind closed doors has now cemented the club’s belief that the local junior is ready to shoulder the “ultimate responsibility” as the team’s spiritual and on-field leader. Trbojevic, who grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches and has played his entire NRL career in maroon and white, has battled injuries, pressure, and expectation for years. Yet Seibold revealed this week that the fullback’s mindset has shifted dramatically during a candid, emotional conversation that took place earlier this…