NRL news from around the web
NRL to investigate images of rising star circulating online
from Stuff.co.nz - League
Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi is seemingly smoking a substance in the photos that have sparked an invesitgation by the NRL and his club. Adrian Proszenko
Test prop released by Warriors as heartbreaking reason, likely new clubs revealed — NRL Daily
from FOX SPORTS League
The Warriors have dropped a bombshell with skipper Mitch Barnett released from the final year of his deal to return to Australia for personal reasons.
Warriors co-captain to leave club at season’s end due to child’s medical needs
from Stuff.co.nz - League
Mitchell Barnett is headed back to Australia. Stuff sports reporters
‘It follows me’: Matt Lodge opens up on US return after New York rampage... and his shock offer to Cowboys
from FOX SPORTS League
Cowboys prop Matt Lodge has spoken for the first time since touching down in Las Vegas for this Sunday’s blockbuster NRL season opener – describing the week as a path to him finally finding “closure” over the infamous 2015 New York rampage that saw him jailed.
'Going down a dark road': Kiwis star opens up on off-field issues
from Stuff.co.nz - League
Brandon Smith revealed he has been alcohol-free and checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic. He also attends Alcoholic and Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Lachlan Harper
Cleary's ban overturned as father acts as counsel at NRL judiciary
from ABC News: Rugby League
Ivan Cleary's legal prowess comes in handy as his son, Panthers star Nathan Cleary, sees his two-match suspension overturned at the NRL judiciary.
The big unknown in new Sea Eagles era... and superstar facing make-or-break year
from FOX SPORTS League
The home locker room at the northern end of 4 Pines Park is a world away from the Brookvale of old. It’s fresh, expansive, and smells of ambition. But just a few hundred meters away, the away sheds remain a relic of a harder era—pokey, cramped, with that famous padding on the low ceilings to keep even the short players from knocking themselves out before they hit the field.
NRL great Wendell Sailor pleads guilty to resisting police during late-night incident
from FOX SPORTS League
Ex-NRL star Wendell Sailor has pleaded guilty to resisting police following a late-night incident on a Wollongong street late last year.
‘Very good case’: How Cleary can escape ban as Panthers set for line-in-sand hearing
from FOX SPORTS League
Penrith star Nathan Cleary has “a very good case” in having his grade two careless high tackle charge downgraded at the NRL judiciary tonight — and according to one of the NRL’s most prominent player representative lawyers it could set a precedent for the 2026 season.
Ciraldo’s $100m Vegas surprise for Bulldogs... as shock change of plans left stars stunned
from FOX SPORTS League
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo and captain Stephen Crichton will join NRL 360 for the first show of 2026, from 3.30pm on Thursday, February 26.