40/20

Why NRL can't ignore Kane Evans, and Origin's shock changes

Former NRL player Kane Evans came out as gay in a raw and vulnerable interview earlier this week with James Bracey on Nine’s 100% Footy. Kane is just the second former NRL player to speak publicly of their homosexuality, following Ian Roberts in 1995. So, how will the NRL respond, and what will this mean for the wider community? Plus, with changes to both the Blues and Maroons line-ups for State of Origin game two at the MCG next week, can NSW claim a series win or will Blues coach Laurie Daley be under the pump heading to Queensland for a decider in game three? This week, sports reporter Billie Eder joins rugby league writer Christian Nicolussi alongside national head of sport Neil Breen to break down the latest NRL news. If this episode is triggering or you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, you can contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Read how the rugby league community reacted to Kane Evans story here [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/this-is-the-moment-trailblazer-ian-roberts-reacts-to-kane-evans-revelation-20260609-p6050i.html?utm_source=omny&utm_medium=podcast_notes&utm_campaign=40/20&utm_content=&utm_term=newsroom] And more detail on Mitchell Moses' fitness timeline for Origin game two here [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/watch-live-nsw-coach-laurie-daley-addresses-team-changes-after-crichton-injury-20260608-p604x4.html?utm_source=omny&utm_medium=podcast_notes&utm_campaign=40/20&utm_content=&utm_term=newsroom] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Why Canterbury’s season is a ‘dog’s breakfast’

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have recorded six losses in their past seven matches and questions from fans are growing louder as to who should be held accountable for their inconsistency and lack of form. Should coach Cameron Ciraldo be blamed or does the fault land with halfback Lachlan Galvin and captain Stephen Crichton? And 'Fozball' has been locked in for the next three seasons at Manly with Kieran Foran signing an extension to remain as head coach of the Sea Eagles until the end of 2029. In Origin news, Payne Haas and Mitchell Moses are now fit and likely to return to the NSW starting line-up for game two. This week, sports reporter Billie Eder joins rugby league writer Christian Nicolussi and national head of sport Neil Breen to break down the latest NRL news. Read the latest on Kieran Forans's extension here.  [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/done-deal-kieran-foran-signs-with-manly-until-end-of-2029-20260602-p6037g.html?utm_source=omny&utm_medium=podcast_notes&utm_campaign=40/20&utm_content=&utm_term=newsroom] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Blues great escape in Origin thriller

The NSW blues have claimed the opening match of the State of Origin series for 2026 - but only just. After 20 minutes the Blues were down 20-0 and the game seemed over, but after Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge in the second half, the Blues pulled off one of their greatest comebacks and escapes of all time. But should Kalyn Ponga have been sent off or did he only deserve 10 minutes in the sin bin? And did the best team actually win? This week, national sports editor Neil Breen and rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi with Zac Bailey from Nine News break down Origin game 1 and bring you the latest insight from the NRL. Read Christian Nicolussi's analysis here. [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/why-origin-referee-was-entitled-to-ignore-the-bunker-and-send-off-kalyn-ponga-20260528-p601hf.html] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Origin teams locked in: What will ‘Lozball’ look like for the Blues?

The State of Origin teams have been selected and concern about the balance of the Blues' side is mounting ahead of game one in Sydney next week. But could coach Laurie Daley’s selections be a masterstroke given the new rules and changes to the pace of the game? And why has Maroons coach Billy Slater not only opted for a new fullback, but left Reece Walsh out of the Queensland squad entirely? To tackle all these issues and inside mail are Sydney Morning Herald league reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Prosenko, and Nine's Zac Bailey. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Will the Bears sign a marquee player? And State of Origin selection begins

The PNG Chiefs' signing fanfare of the past few weeks has left serious questions circulating about the Perth Bears' recruitment. With the Bears set to join the NRL next year – a year before the Chiefs - can coach Mal Meninga secure a marquee player for the Bears? And with the State of Origin teams to be selected at the end of the NRL round this weekend, the biggest question for NSW selectors is who will play fullback for the Blues: the incumbent Dylan Edwards or veteran James Tedesco who is in sparkling form? This week Sydney Morning Herald rugby league writers, Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko discuss those questions and preview Magic Round. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.