Private jets and prime ministers: how PNG signed Jerome Luai

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.

Private jets and prime ministers: how PNG signed Jerome Luai

After a rockstar red carpet tour of Papua New Guinea, where he met with club and government officials alike, Jarome Luai has become the marquee signing for the PNG Chiefs, who are set to enter the NRL in 2028. Luai will continue to play for the Wests Tigers for the remainder of this season and next, but could the news of the co-captain leaving the club derail their blistering form? Meanwhile, with the Melbourne Storm recording six consecutive losses, how can veteran coach Craig Bellamy rally his troops? Or will this form slump leave a lasting stain on his stellar coaching career? This week, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi and national sports editor Neil Breen, with Zac Bailey from Nine News, break down the biggest stories in the game. Read Christian Nicolussi's latest column here [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/luai-s-private-jet-was-paid-for-by-png-government-20260428-p5zrlp.html] plus Neil Breen's opinion here [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/how-speed-killed-the-bulldogs-and-the-storm-20260426-p5zr4p.html] and follow all our NRL coverage here [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Dragons blood bath and the Red V rebuild

After their seventh straight loss to start the season, St George Illawarra have finally swung the axe with head coach Shane Flanagan departing the club at the start of the week. And new coach Dean Young has wasted no time leaving his imprint on the Dragons after being handed the job on an interim basis; assistant coach Michael Ennis also exiting stage right. So, can Young turn his side's fate around just like Keiran Foran has at Manly? Plus as we get closer to State of Origin, injury woes are mounting for the Blues: star forward Payne Haas set to miss game one. This week, league reporter, Christian Nicolussi joins national sports editor Neil Breen alongside Zac Bailey from Nine News with all the latest in the NRL. Read Christian Nicolussi's latest column here [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/a-day-after-flanagan-ennis-the-latest-coach-to-part-ways-with-dragons-20260421-p5zpql.html?utm_source=omny&utm_medium=podcast_notes&utm_campaign=40/20&utm_content=&utm_term=newsroom]and follow all our NRL coverage here [https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl?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.