Australian rugby league's showpiece event will head across the Tasman for the first time, with the men's State of Origin confirmed for Auckland next year.

Billy Slater's old pair of assistants in Matt Ballin and Ben Te'o loom as the two leading candidates to take over as Queensland coach, after Cameron Smith and Kevin Walters rule themselves out of the race.

Nathan Cleary is reportedly set to head to free agency to test his value with one rival club emerging as the leading contender to sign the superstar halfback.

“I’ll argue against any move to Eden Park for the finals,” CEO Cameron George said. “Our stadium fits the bill when it comes to hosting finals.” Christian Nicolussi

The minor premiership race is between just three teams with three rounds remaining and it’s set to come right down to the wire.

Debate has erupted following the controversial high-tackle penalty on Mitchell Moses that proved decisive in the Eels’ win over the Cowboys in Round 24.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire says he knows what has gone wrong during a disastrous 2026 campaign compounded by a 40-6 loss to the Warriors - but wants to “keep that between us”.

Luke Hanson is built for an injury crisis like this, but there’s one side detail that could make an NRL debut for Jett Cleary the right choice. Mat Kermeen

Raiders legend Josh Papalii has announced his retirement from rugby league, with the club’s most-capped player to run out at home for the final time when the Green Machine takes on the battling Broncos.

It has been one of the most-watched injury returns this year. Will Latrell Mitchell finally lace up the boots again for Souths this weekend?