Malcolm Knox

Among the “Australian values” on our citizenship test is that 25-plus million of us become Socceroos tragics for a couple of weeks every fourth year, and then magically transform back to normal indifference as the bandwagon empties.

June 15, 2026 — 7:30pm

Sure, there’s a good case for putting the NRL on hold during the interstate series. But the weekend’s action provided ammo for the other side of the debate.

Sure, there’s a good case for putting the NRL on hold during the interstate series. But the weekend’s action provided ammo for the other side of the debate.

Well, NSW got that flying start they wanted. After a string of poor beginnings, Laurie Daley had talked about a good opening as if that was the match.

With two tries in the first 20 minutes and a priceless 10-point lead, a shortcut to the Origin shield lay wide open for the Blues.

June 22, 2026 — 3:30pm Rugby league's debut at the new covered stadium in Christchurch was a sparkler, the Warriors' game against the Cowboys selling out faster than any fixture in the Kiwi franchise's existence.

Forecasts of disaster at this tournament were, it appears, exaggerated. Players and fans have been largely able to travel unmolested.