ABC NRL Daily

ABC Sport's resident song-smith Denis Carnahan has been looking into the genesis of struggling clubs getting a raw deal from referees. At least according to Wests Tigers supremo Shane Richardson.  

The great Connor Watson (31:53) is starting to dream of a finals appearance after his Roosters' 64-12 win over fellow finals contenders the Dolphins. He started from the bench and was watching on amused when the game exploded in the 9th minute with Spencer Leniu one of 4 players sent to the bin. But he realises that his team have been far too inconsistent over the whole season to take anything for...

After a surprise loss against the Dragons last weekend, Canberra bounced back in a fractious win over Manly. After a tough first half they asserted their dominance with a hat-trick to Ethan Strange the highlight. Centre Matt Timoko had another impressive match and he told Andrew Moore, Matthew Elliott and Michael Carayannis that after the loss in Wollongong they knew they had to up their levels of...

Penrith's win in the wet in Newcastle saw them ominously jump into the top 4 of the competition. It leaves their sluggish start to the season looking a long way off. And centre Casey McLean (21:36) - a double try scorer against the Knights - reckons that re-focusing on their on and off-field standards has made all the difference. He told Andrew Moore and the team that even little things like clear...

The Broncos not only suffered a comprehensive defeat by the Storm last night that could severely impact their hopes of a top-four finish, but they also lost three players to hamstring injuries. 

It's Indigenous Round in the NRL over the next 2 weekends and one of the best advocates for celebrating and promoting the First Nations contributions is Dean Widders. He told Andrew Moore and Ryan Hoffman how he was inspired by the great Arthur Beetson to see the positive influence that rugby league can have on his community. He also explained that even though there are as many as 6 or 7 incidents...

On Inzane Rugby League this week Zane Bojack was joined by former Raiders half-back Sam Williams, Cowboys inaugural captain Laurie Spina and rugby league immortal Wally Lewis to pay tribute to the late Maroons legend Sam Backo. 

NRL Round 22 saw some monumental upsets, key injuries and plenty of wild weather. Brett Sprigg and Andrew Moore also discuss NRLW Magic Round and the passing of Queensland and Australia great Sam Backo.

It's long overdue but Denis Carnahan turns his attention to the strong hips and pest qualities of the Human Pinball - James Tedesco.

The Sydney Roosters kept their slim finals hopes alive with a gritty win in the wet at Brookvale Oval. Centre Billy Smith (32:29) was among the try scorers but he told Andrew Moore and the team what pleased him most was keeping Manly to 4 points. You can also get the opinions of Luke Lewis and John Gibbs on the big issues of the week in 6 Again (10:05), there's a First thought on Devastating Injur...

Manly and the Roosters play for the Gotcha4Life Cup with the brainchild of Gus Worland raising money for suicide prevention. Worland was motivated to start the charity of the loss of a close family friend. And while they have raised plenty of money to improve Australia's mental fitness, there is a lot of work still to be done. He told Andrew Moore and the team how they are working in schools to re...

Who are the Brisbane Broncos this season? The team that suffered a shock loss at home to Parramatta? Or the one eyeing the Top 4 after putting 60 points on South Sydney? Hooker Ben Hunt (22:39) reckons they should definitely be aiming up this season and that they are capable of going the whole way. He also told Andrew Moore and the team that he's noticing the workload in his body since donning the...

Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs go through the roof in round 22's Friday night pre-game show. 

It's been a boys own career for Chad Townsend. A Sutherland Shire local who won a competition with his local team and played over 250 games in first grade with the Sharks, Warriors, Cowboys and Roosters. He explained the emotional way he realised it was time to retire, what might be next for him and mentioned some of his favourite team mates. Plus you can get all the latest rugby league news - and...

On Inzane Rugby League this week - Zane Bojack and Sam Williams are joined by Quentin Hull and Maroons legend Quentin Hull for a rugby league round table discussion on International eligibility. 

Have the Bulldogs made a statement? Does Jahrome Hughes' injury put a dint in Melbourne's premiership push? Have Wests Tigers got the most out of Jarome Luai? How do the massive upsets impact the seemingly settled top four? All that and more in the ABC NRL Daily wrap up of NRL Round 21 and NRLW Round 4 with Brett Sprigg and Andrew Moore.

This week's song of the week from Denis Carnahan features Wayne Bennett trying to fend off his first-ever Wooden Spoon as a head coach. 

On NRL Sunday - Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and John Gibbs were joined by Penrith winger Tom Jenkins who described his season journey including starting in Ron Massey Cup. 

In a statement North Queensland fans and no doubt their coaching staff can agree with, young back Jaxon Purdue reckons they are responsible for most of their issues this season. He was among the try scorers in the 6 point win over St George Illawarra but he told Andrew Moore and the team, it shouldn't have been as tough a match as it was. He also explained that although many pundits think he's a f...

Kevvie Walters joins Andrew Moore, Matt Elliott and Michael Carayannis to talk about his appointment as the Kangaroos new head coach. The team also chat to Manly forward Ethan Bullemor. 

On Inzane Rugby League this week, Zane Bojack and Sam Williams are joined by AAP reporter Joel Gould to talk about the NRL's discussions in the US with Disney, DAZN and Netflix ahead of the next broadcast deal. 

The Panthers roll on to six straight wins. The Roosters cop a blow to their dwindling top eight hopes. Which side has the best young roster? Where's the best position for Tigers hero Adam Doueihi? Kevin Walters revealed as the new Kangaroos coach. All that and more in the ABC NRL Daily wrap up of NRL Round 20 and NRLW Round 3 with Brett Sprigg and Andrew Moore.

For his Song of the Week in Round 20 Denis Carnahan has retreated into his happy place. He's combined two of his great loves - the Canberra Raiders and strutting around in a tight white vest to pay homage to one of the heroes of the Green Machine - Zac Hosking.

The great Royce Simmons (35:49) is on about to be on the march again with another of his Big Walks to raise money for dementia care. And this year Royce is calling on the Rugby League family to buy some virtual steps to help him achieve his fundraising goal. Luke Lewis  and John Gibbs tackle the big topics in the NRL with 6 Again (7:53) while the First Thought is Rugby League man crushes. You can...

Cronulla won a vital clash against the Roosters to re-ignite their charge for the finals in round 20 of the NRL. The Sharks have now won their last 2 having lost 4 of their previous 5. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon told Andrew Moore and the team that he thought they lacked substance in their losing streak. But he joined in with the chorus of praise for last night's player of the match Blayke Brailey - ev...