The Bombers gave up Merrett without a fight. This is why it was the right move

The Sydney Morning Herald - Oct 5, 2026

After holding Zach Merrett to his contract in 2025, sacking a coach midway through the season and finishing dead last; the time for tough talk at Essendon is well and truly over.

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First ton in 11 months: Labuschagne cashes in days out from first South Africa Test

Marnus Labuschagne has responded to all the debate over whether he merits a place in Australia’s Test future by scoring his first century in 11 months – against an invitational South African XI.

NRL grand final celebrations: Roosters celebrate NRL and NRLW premierships

Oct 5, 2026

NRL grand final celebrations: Roosters celebrate NRL and NRLW premierships

Roosters fans across Sydney are celebrating winning the 2026 NRL and NRLW premierships on Sunday. Follow all the action.

AFL trade period day one: Zach Merrett’s trade to Hawthorn almost official; Saints put hefty price tag on ruckman

Oct 4, 2026

AFL trade period day one: Zach Merrett’s trade to Hawthorn almost official; Saints put hefty price tag on ruckman

The trade period officially kicks off on Monday when clubs meet at Marvel Stadium to eyeball each other before 10 days of gamesmanship and deals.

‘Boots, pompoms’ and premiership bling: Inside Leniu’s kitbag for last Roosters ride

Oct 4, 2026

‘Boots, pompoms’ and premiership bling: Inside Leniu’s kitbag for last Roosters ride

The polarising prop accepts his time at the club hasn’t worked out as planned. But he has still won another premiership.

Dance Monkey plays after first grand final try

Oct 4, 2026

Dance Monkey plays after first grand final try

Tones and I's most popular hit was blasted through stadium speakers during the NRL match she was supposed to perform at.

NRLW Roosters head coach hasn't slept yet

Oct 4, 2026

NRLW Roosters head coach hasn't slept yet

John Strange is 'extremely proud' of his winning team, and has yet to go to sleep the morning after the grand final.

De Minaur advances to China Open semis

Oct 4, 2026

De Minaur advances to China Open semis

Aussie tennis star Alex de Minaur advances to the China Open semi finals after beating Andrey Rublev.

Heartbroken Holbrook speaks as team bus pulls into Newcastle

Oct 4, 2026

Heartbroken Holbrook speaks as team bus pulls into Newcastle

Knights head coach Justin Holbrook is 'so disappointed' the team didn't win the grand final, but 'really proud'.

The tiny grand final moments turned on a dime by NRL’s biggest marquee buys

Oct 4, 2026

The tiny grand final moments turned on a dime by NRL’s biggest marquee buys

The Roosters most criticised signings stood tallest. Newcastle’s biggest name produced effort like no other. And the smallest moments mattered most.

Why this nephew of a premiership Pie is getting attention ahead of the draft

Oct 4, 2026

Why this nephew of a premiership Pie is getting attention ahead of the draft

This top AFL draft prospect just obliterated a long-standing combine record and might be about to continue his family’s legacy at Collingwood.

‘You’ve earned it’: How Connor Watson felt about receiving a premiership ring from his coach

Oct 4, 2026

‘You’ve earned it’: How Connor Watson felt about receiving a premiership ring from his coach

Not for the first time, Trent Robinson handed his premiership ring to a player who missed out on a grand final win.

China swimmers Yu Zidi, Zhang Zhanshuo among Asian Games stars who could light up LA Games

Oct 4, 2026

China swimmers Yu Zidi, Zhang Zhanshuo among Asian Games stars who could light up LA Games

The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya close on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a fortnight of competition featuring some record-breaking performances. Among the best performers were the two athletes named Asian Games MVPs: 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi and Thai track and field sprinter Boonson Puripol. Yu, who won all three of her individual events with ease, said “I’m no prodigy” after being named the women’s MVP on Sunday. The schoolgirl, who looks poised to take the Los Angeles 2028...

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