ABC NRL Daily

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off in Sydney this Thursday night, with Australia’s Kangaroos taking on New Zealand’s Kiwis in the tournament opener. ABC Sport will bring you every match live on ABC listen.

Catch the all the post match analysis and reaction from the 2026 NRL Grand Final with Andrew Moore and Luke Lewis, plus all the player reaction with Michael Carayannis, including interviews with Daly Cherry-Evan, Sam Walker and Clive Churchill medallist James Tedesco.

Champion Sydney Roosters full back Anthony Minichiello is thrilled to see his former side into the Grand Final again. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis, Matthew Elliott and Michael Carayannis that while plenty has been made of Newcastle's working class roots the Eastern Suburbs has a similar history. While it's now the top end of town Mini explained that in the early days of the game the Eastern Suburbs were a very different place. Plus you can hear Moorey guide the panel through the big issues on the game in 6 Again.

It's 25 years since Newcastle played in a Grand Final and almost 30 since the remarkable Darren Albert try clinched the Knights first ever Premiership. He joined Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis, Ruan Sims and Michael Carayannis to explained how he feels fortunate to have scored that try - and to have got hold of some tickets to go to the 2026 Final! MC is in season's best form with his edition of MC's Hammertime, Brisbane Broncos' NRLW coach Scott Prince discusses his team's chances or retaining the title against the Roosters. And it's 20 years since Brisbane won a Grand Final against the Storm and Brent Tate told Moorey all about it

In the final NRL Monday for the year we discuss the epic preliminary final between Penrith and Newcastle, the send-off of Phoenix Crossland, and the injury suffered by Nathan Cleary. Newcastle’s General Manager of Football Chris James joins the show to chat about the Knights’ surge into the decider and Michael Carayannis takes us through the storylines of Grand Final week including whether or not Sydney Roosters star Connor Watson will play. And Ruan Sims swings by the studio to announce the winner of the NRLW player of the year and talks about the massive build up to Grand Final day.

Andrew Moore is joined by Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis one week out from Grand Final day! Manly winger Jason Saab talks about his journey into the Lebanon team ahead of the World Cup. We go back to 1996 and revisit the Sea Eagles' premiership win over the Dragons with David 'Cement' Gillespie. And Moorey, Lewy and MC look over current topics with Six Again.

On NRL Monday with Andrew Moore we review the contentious refereeing decisions made in the NZ Warriors v Newcastle game in Auckland. We’re joined by former Newcastle premiership winning coach Michael Hagan to reflect on the Knights’ incredible turnaround in 2026, the upset win over the Warriors, and what they must do to topple Penrith. Clive Churchill medallist Luke Lewis is in studio to talk about the second weekend of finals, what to expect from the prelim finals, and what it takes to win a premiership.

Andrew Moore is joined by Luke Lewis, Michael Carayannis and Matthew Elliott for NRL Sunday. Roosters utility and ABC Sport friend Connor Watson joins the boys after the Chooks' win over the Sharks in last night's semi final, and we also hear from their next-up opponent with Max Plath from the Dolphins. Plus we get to know Raiders back rower Zac Hosking and reflect on the Parramatta Eels' 1986 premiership triumph with the great Steve Ella. Plus the boys ponder all of the game's current issues with Six Again.

NRL Saturday is jam-packed as Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis build up to tonight's semi-final between the Roosters and Sharks. They are joined by Luke Ricketson to unpack the Roosters' chances of bucking a trend that's held all season, with no team bouncing back following the week after a physical encounter, but can the Roosters be the exception? Plus they talk to Raiders NRLW prop Jordyn Preston, Eels emerging talent Luca Moretti, former Warriors coach Tony Kemp, and Sharks NRLW winger Cassie Staples.

On NRL Monday with Andrew Moore we dissect week one of the finals and look ahead to week two. Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland also joins the show to discuss the Knights’ upset win over South Sydney and what they expect from the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland. Matthew Elliott swings by the studio to discuss whether Nathan Cleary should have been suspended, what impresses him most about the Dolphins, and his football catching ability.

Andrew Moore is joined by Luke Lewis, Michael Carayannis and Matthew Elliott for NRL Sunday. The team discusses the Kangaroos halves pairing for the upcoming World Cup, how last night's loss affects the Warriors premiership chances, plus why Queensland coach Darius Boyd thinks the Maroons coaching position might help leapfrog him into an NRL head coaching position in the future.

It's finals time and Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis are locked in for a bumper show. They chat to Knights veteran forward Tyson Frizell; the General Manager of the PNG Chiefs, Michael Chammas; and in preparation for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, Andrew Moore sits down with Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter.

Leading journalist Michael Carayannis is in studio to discuss the NRL’s plans to have a ‘Disneyland’ for rugby league, the surprise packets of the season, and the NRL abandoning Shark Park as a finals venue. Penrith centre Casey McLean also joins the show to discuss the club’s minor premiership success, the return from injury of Mitch Kenny and Isaah Yeo, and playing in the World Cup for the Kiwis.

Andrew Moore is joined by Luke Lewis and Matthew Elliott for NRL Sunday. The team discusses what the future may hold for the Canberra Raiders, while Warriors veteran Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad joins the program. Plus, all the usual Sunday segments, including Six Again, First Thought, and We Get to Know a Rabbitoh.

Heading into another finals campaign, South Sydney prop, Keaon Koloamatangi, spoke with Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis about what the next month looks like for the Rabbitohs. MC’s Hammertime delivers some news, although even he admits it wasn’t his best work. And, ahead of his final match as a Cowboy, Murray Taulagi joined Andrew and MC for a chat.

Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Ruan Sims react to the news that Darius Boyd will become the next Queensland coach. A Thursday night edition of MC’s Hammertime takes place as they discuss the news around Hudson Young. Later, Parramatta Eels forward Jack Williams joins the team for a chat.

North Queensland centre Jaxon Purdue joined NRL Monday with Andrew Moore to discuss the Cowboys’ topsy-turvy season, what they need to get right for the finals, and his preferred position. We also discuss which teams will provide the ideal grand final match-up, Brisbane’s horrible title defence, and whether the Sydney Roosters can win without Sam Walker. Luke Lewis swings by the studio to discuss the build up to the finals series, what’s wrong with Cronulla, and Jai Arrow’s emotional 99th ‘game’ for the Rabbitohs.

At the pointy end of the NRL season every incident can an amplified effect and that's the way it looks with the injury to Roosters' half back Sam Walker. He's facing surgery on his ankle that's likely to rule him out for the rest of the season and Luke Lewis told Andrew Moore and Matthew Elliott in 6 Again that it rules the Roosters out of winning the Premiership. The team also spoke to Warriors CEO Cameron George who talked about growing the game in New Zealand and about the prospect of hosting finals matches at Mt Smart. You can get to know Rooster Jayme Fressard, hear a First Thought on rule changes and there's a Denis Carnahan Song of the Week from the vaults from our sexagenarian song smith.

A special event on ABC Sport as Jai Arrow - proud father, husband and NRL star walks out in front of a packed house at Robina Stadium for his 99th appearance as a South Sydney Rabbitoh. 0:20 - Jai Arrow walkout - called by Quentin Hull 4:53 - Alex Johnston try and full-time 6:42 - Cameron Murray with Zane Bojack 9:59 - Jai Arrow with Zane Bojack

In an ominous sign for the rest of the NRL Penrith showed a bit of their best gritty finals form to beat the Bulldogs in round 26. Back rower and top man Scott Sorensen told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis he felt a lift in intensity at training during the week. Plus there was a "big" MC's Hammertime (even if Grimesy took the wind out of Michael's sails), and Manly points scoring machine Reuben Garrick chatted about his final match at Brookvale Oval in what he admitted has been a strange season. There's also a good debate about whether the NRL should follow the AFL in adopting a wildcard round.

There will be 2 emotional games left in this NRL season for South Sydney with Jai Arrow set to notch up his 99th & 100th appearances for the club. The Rabbitohs approached the NRL for special permission to name the Motor Neurone stricken player so he could reach his milestone. Souths CEO Blake Solly told Quentin Hull and Billy Moore that the game has pulled together to honour the popular figure and make this happen. Plus Billy and Q dissect why last season's Grand Finalists - Brisbane and Melbourne - are meeting in a dead rubber match with a potential rule change being trialled in it.

With Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds announcing his retirement we talk about a long list of players calling it a day at the end of 2026. Kevin Walters joins the show to chat about his decision to quit as Kangaroos coach to take up a post with St Helens in the English Super League. Sydney Roosters star Connor Watson is in studio to discuss the signing of Joey Manu at the PNG Chiefs, his team’s shock loss to Wests Tigers, and becoming a dad in 2027.

Canterbury prop Max King's 6th career try typified his team's performance in the round 25 win over St George Illawarra. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Matthew Elliott that it was their ability to save tries being scored that pleased him most. While he's not a regular scorer of the 4 points he revealed that his Dad David had always led him to believe he was far more prolific than he actually was in his playing days. Lewey and Matty talk about Corey Horsburgh, the bunker and the Warriors in 6 Again and there's a 1st thought on the 2010s. You can get to know dual Premiership winner Chris Heighington and hear Denis Carnahan's Song of the Week.

It's been a season to forget for the Broncos in their Premiership title defence but they showed plenty of fight in their round 25 win in Canberra. Hooker Billy Walters missed most of the season and has been frustrated watching on while his team struggled. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis that he accepts the stick the team has copped as part and parcel of playing for Brisbane. The team also chatted about the prospects for the Dolphins who are currently Queensland best hope of holding on to the NRL title. Penrith Panthers legend Royce Simmons dropped by for a chat as he prepares to set off on another fundraising big walk and you can catch all the latest rugby league news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime.

Quentin Hull and Ryan Hoffman chat to Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf about their first ever finals appearance. Plus they discuss the majority stake purchase of the Storm and get the latest headlines in MC's Hammertime.

St George Illawarra coach Dean Young joins Andrew Moore for NRL Monday to discuss the Dragons’ back-to-back wins, the spirit at the club, and speculated roster changes for next season. We also look at the issues at the Brisbane Broncos and whether Cronulla can still challenge for the title following the shoulder injury suffered by Braydon Trindall. Four-time premiership winner Scott Sorensen is in studio to chat about Penrith’s dip in form, how they’re coping without their inspirational leader Isaah Yeo, and a changing of the guard at the Panthers.

This might not be the Raiders year but there's a raft of young talent at the club for fans to get excited about the future. Hooker Owen Pattie told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Matthew Elliott he's excited about the future and he want to repay Canberra's faith in him by winning them a trophy. Matthew and Lewey tackle the topics of the week in 6 Again and the 1st Thought is on season changing injuries. You can get to know another Raider Krystal Blackwell and hear Denis Carnahan's Song of the Week.

One of the best stories of this NRL season has been the return of Matt Dufty to the competition. He returned from England to play in the NSW Cup but has become a mainstay of the South Sydney team as they look set to play finals. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis that Rabbits Assistant Ben Hornby was the main reason he's back where he is. He also explained how Cody Walker made him take a late conversion that nobody else wanted to take! Plus Michael Carayannis is along with an edition of MC's Hammertime that he personally described as "Very Good".

Newcastle's impressive season has seen Fletcher Sharpe develop his all round game. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Ruan sims that while he always saw himself as a full back, he's now loving his time in the halves. He also talked hair and why he rates his there's only one winner in the battle of the Fletchers at the Knights when it comes to mullets. Plus Rugby League's premier news breaker and number 2 ranked MC is along for a Thursday night MC's Hammertime.

PNG Chiefs General Manager of football Michael Chammas joins Andrew Moore for NRL Monday to chat about the signing of Penrith star Brian To’o, the club’s recruitment process and, the overall impact the team is having in Port Moresby. We discuss the merits of the NRL’s plans for Global Round in 2028 versus the lack regional games. And Cronulla Sharks NRLW fullback Jada Taylor is in studio to discuss her team’s disappointing start to the season, Indigenous Round, and the importance of regional rugby league.

South Sydney's man for all seasons Jye Gray had another high achieving game aa his team held on to beat Parramatta. He ran a game high 236 metres on the wing and crossed the line for a try in the stereo-typical game of 2 halves. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Ryan Hoffman that the first half was fun to play in - the 2nd half less so! Plus Lewey and Hoffy tackle the big issue in the game in 6 Again, the First Thought is on the most influential people in the game, you can get to know SharkTobias Eric Rudolph and hear Denis Carnahan's Song of the Week.

Incoming New South Wales coach Matt King is already planning the defence of the Origin Shield. But he told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis he wants the job to have an input across the board with Rugby League in the State. Despite being seen as one of the nicest guys in the game he's confident he's got the steel to make the tough calls needed to run the Blues team. Plus ABC favourite Connor Watson dropped by to talk Indigenous Round and the Roosters scrappy win over the Bulldogs. And you can catch up on all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime.

Some sombre news on NRL Monday with Andrew Moore as we reveal our friend and colleague John Gibbs has cancer. New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster joins the show to discuss the Wahs run into the finals. Matthew Elliott is in studio to react to Gibbsy’s news, he also gives us his thoughts on Laurie Daley’s resignation and Matt King appointment as NSW coach.

Andrew Moore, Matthew Elliott and John Gibbs are back for NRL Sunday. They tackle the big issues in Six Again, and after Andrew's trip to Mudgee, the team discusses whether the NRL should continue taking games to regional centres. Following Penrith's win over Canberra yesterday, Panthers forward Isaiah Papali'i joins the program. Plus, First Thought looks back at the decade of the 2000s, we get to know Shaylee Bent in Getting to Know You, and Denis's song takes aim at the Tigers drama once again.

Greg Inglis was a champion on the field and an inspiration to many. He's admitted he struggled post career including a spending a spell in rehab but he's turned his focus to helping others with his "Stick With It" program. He explains what that is an his experiences helping others. Andrew Moore, Matthew Elliott and Michael Carayannis were also joined in the broadcast box in Mudgee by Penrith CEO Matt Cameron to discuss player retention and the coaching transition plan. The team also reflected on the Friday night matches and you can catch all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime

Broncos star Corey Jensen spoke to Quentin Hull and Grant Bell about his early medical retirement. The team also chat to Souths young gun Ashton Ward as the Bunnies prepare to play the in-form Sharks on Sunday.

Andrew Moore unpacks the dramas at the Wests Tigers involving Adam Doueihi and insists the NRL must do more to help regional footy. Cronulla captain Blayke Brailey joins the show to discuss the Sharks’ recent hot form and road to the finals. Ruan Sims swings by the studio to chat about all things NRL and NRLW, including Magic Round in Wagga Wagga and she has some strong words for the critics.

It's a bumper episode as Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs tackle the biggest topics in Six Again. After Canberra's massive win over Wests Tigers, Raider Ethan Sanders joins the program. Plus, First Thought is fast players, we get to know Chelsea Lenarduzzi in Getting to Know You, and Denis's song is one of the best ever.

Ahead of the Bulldogs' clash with the Warriors, Canterbury CEO Aaron Warburton joined Andrew Moore, Michael Carayannis and Luke Lewis to discuss rising ticket prices and the introduction of players' names on the back of jerseys. Michael's Hammertime also provides the latest injury updates from around the league, along with an update on the future of Wests Tigers playmaker Adam Doueihi. Following the Rabbitohs thrilling win over the Storm on Friday night, Campbell Graham also joined the program.

Another busy week of NRL headlines but none stranger than the Tigers theatrics. Andrew Moore, Matthew Elliott and Ruan Sims weigh in on the latest from Michael Carayannis regarding Adam Doueihi telling coach Benji Marshall he wasn't in the right head space to play this weekend. Elsewhere Cronulla front rower Tom Hazleton talks about his head and specifically his hair cut and how his team mates are starting to copy him and coach Craig Fitzgibbon

Leading rugby league journalist, Michael Carayannis drops by the studio for NRL Monday with Andrew Moore. They discuss the breaking news appointment of Dean Young as St George Illawarra coach for the next two years, how it’s all come unstuck at Wests Tigers, and his secret love of AFL. Exciting Gold Coast fullback Keano Kini also joins the show to chat about the Titans victory over Manly, how he deals with mistakes, and his gratitude to just be on the field.

It's a bumper episode as Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs tackle the biggest topics in Six Again, discuss the player movement system after Jarome Luai was booed last night by Tigers fans, and in celebration of Women in League Round, the team chat to Gold Coast Titans majority owner Rebecca Frizelle.

The Broncos started round 20 with an upset when they beat the top-of-the-table Panthers by two points and Broncos coach Michael Maguire joins Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis to discuss the win.

It's Women in League round, and Andrew Moore, Matt Elliott and Ruan Sims celebrate the women on and off the field that help build the rugby league community. MC has the latest news in MC's Hammertime. Plus, Andrew and Matt chat to Titans hooker Oliver Pascoe about how he found his best footy.

Manly legend John Gibbs joins Andrew Moore in studio for NRL Monday. Gibbsy reflects on a sad/beautiful day for rugby league, the first home loss for the Sea Eagles under Kieran Foran, and he puts the red pen through Melbourne’s finals chances. We also replay our heart warming and heart wrenching interview with Jai Arrow at the World’s Biggest Birthday Party.

NRL Sunday with Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs get the party started with Australian music royalty before Jai Arrow's big celebration. Anthony Field from the Wiggles drops by to talk through Jai Arrow's bravery and the MND cause, how well Souths have done by throwing this party and his main rugby league love - the Wests Tigers. As well there's a chat with Ricky Stuart after the Raiders win plus 'First Thought' and 'Six Again'. Plus, if you missed our chat with Jai Arrow check the NRL Daily feed.

Jai Arrow joins the team during the celebrations for his own 'World's Biggest Birthday Party' to chat through his treatment and health, the wedding this week and an upcoming trip to New York to watch the World Cup final. Arrow says he's "never been in a better mindset" in his life and explains why the arrow celebrations and awareness that's being raised for MND is bigger than him and he doesn't know how to thank everyone. Ahead of the Rabbitohs vs Knights game, Arrow also says he's blown away that The Wiggles are playing to help support the Motor Neuron Disease cause.

Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis the news around Jarome Luai leaving the Tigers early. They chat to NSW Blues coach, Laurie Daley, about the incredible win by the Blues on Wednesday night to win the Origin Series on enemy turf. Plus, they chat to Warriors hooker Wayde Egan after the Warriors convincing win over the Tigers on Friday night.

On NRL Friday Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs spoke about the impact Jarome Luai's signing with the PNG Chiefs has had on the Wests Tigers with the club telling him this week he can leave at the end of this season. Luke Lewis says its the deathknell of the Tiger's 2026 finals campaign. The trio also wrapped up NSW's Origin decider win in Brisbane on Wednesday night with John Gibbs criticising the bunker for an inexplicable error. They also reviewed Sunday's clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys with Manly prop Kobe Hetherington.

Luke Lewis is in the house for NRL Monday with Andrew Moore. They break down the weekend of the NRL action, preview the State of Origin decider, and Lewy tells us who he is buying and selling. Queensland legend Chris “Choppy” Close also joins the show to tell us why the Maroons will win Origin III at Lang Park.