Australia will go into the Rugby League World Cup as favourites, but do they deserve to be?

The Sydney Morning Herald - Oct 14, 2026

In what promises to be one of the most competitive World Cups ever, we sort the contenders from the pretenders.

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Former World Cup winner Corey Parker predicts 2026 tournament in Australia to be ‘all-time’

Oct 14, 2026

Former World Cup winner Corey Parker predicts 2026 tournament in Australia to be ‘all-time’

Former World Cup winners Corey Parker and Aaron Woods have warned rugby league fans to strap in as the Seven commentators predicts an ‘all-time’ World Cup on Australian shores.

‘Pick and stick’: Waugh urges Aussie selectors to stop ‘messing about’

Oct 14, 2026

‘Pick and stick’: Waugh urges Aussie selectors to stop ‘messing about’

After Matt Renshaw’s heroics in the first Test against South Africa, Steve Waugh has called on selectors to give the Queenslander a chance to settle in the middle order.

As many as seven players wait in limbo on AFL trade deadline day

Oct 14, 2026

As many as seven players wait in limbo on AFL trade deadline day

All 18 AFL clubs are racing the clock as the trade period enters its final hours, leaving up to seven players waiting on their futures.

All Blacks combine with Kiwis to double down on trans-Tasman dominance

Oct 14, 2026

All Blacks combine with Kiwis to double down on trans-Tasman dominance

Fresh off a win over the Wallabies, the All Blacks teamed up with the Kiwis in a bid to inspire a double shut-out of their trans-Tasman rivals.

Australia unleash Schutt to kill off Bangladesh in ODI

Oct 14, 2026

Australia unleash Schutt to kill off Bangladesh in ODI

Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt took 4-16 to restrict Bangladesh to 172 all out in the third ODI against Bangladesh.

FIFA readies huge funding splash proposal

Oct 14, 2026

FIFA readies huge funding splash proposal

National associations are set to get a boosted amount of $35.7 million each from FIFA, according to a document reviewed by Associated Press..

'Take Canberra and put it on the world stage': retractable field, roof on table for lakeside stadium

Oct 14, 2026

'Take Canberra and put it on the world stage': retractable field, roof on table for lakeside stadium

Stadium designer appointed to deliver "bang" for Canberra's "buck".

How mum's advice helped Nigerian talent land in ALM

Oct 14, 2026

How mum's advice helped Nigerian talent land in ALM

Born in Nigeria and fluent in Japanese, youngster Oriola Sunday is the latest international talent given the nod to lead Sydney FC's attack in the A-League Men.

Former Port Adelaide AFL player accused of driving exam scam

Oct 14, 2026

Former Port Adelaide AFL player accused of driving exam scam

Two decades ago he was lining up for Port Adelaide in the AFL –now this former pro footballer is facing court on 12 charges.

Dawn of new WNBL era as stars return, Jewels add polish

Oct 14, 2026

Dawn of new WNBL era as stars return, Jewels add polish

The WNBL's new season tips off on Thursday, and it will mark a new era for the league as a ninth team is added, players return, and full-circle moments occur.

Australia barbecued South Africa in Durban. This team’s sunset may be glorious

Oct 14, 2026

Australia barbecued South Africa in Durban. This team’s sunset may be glorious

It was the kind of performance that, by its sheer dominance, should be cause for a reappraisal of Pat Cummins’ team.

The A-League can’t afford to play more games. It also can’t afford not to

Oct 14, 2026

The A-League can’t afford to play more games. It also can’t afford not to

The A-League’s 26-match season is the longest of any Australian football code, and yet too short by global standards, undermining the ability of clubs to properly develop and sell players.

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