Rugby League News | Raidercast

Tue, 30th June, 2026, 22:02 AEST
Storm's Vaalepu Joins Leigh Leopards
Lazarus Vaalepu leaves Melbourne Storm to join Leigh Leopards after 11 games since his NRL debut in 2024.
LeagueNews.co
The Melbourne Storm have officially announced the departure of Lazarus Vaalepu, who is set to join the Leigh Leopards in the English Super League.
Since his NRL debut in 2024, Vaalepu has played 11 games for the Storm.
In his inaugural season, he participated in seven matches, including the grand final, while last year he added another four games to his record. This season, however, he has yet to play at the top level, focusing instead on the NSW Cup.
Vaalepu joined Melbourne's roster at the beginning of the 2023 season and gradually made his way to first-grade status, having previously developed through the Storm's feeder team, the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
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Tue, 30th June, 2026, 21:16 AEST
Johnston Injured, Missing Upcoming Matches
Alex Johnston is sidelined for 2-3 weeks due to a calf injury; Edward Kosi will replace him.
LeagueNews.co
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have disclosed that NRL's all-time leading try-scorer, Alex Johnston, is sidelined due to a calf injury that will keep him out for several weeks.
In his last game against the Parramatta Eels, Johnston played the entire 80 minutes, helping secure a 32 to 12 victory while covering 125 meters from 13 carries.
Although there were no visible signs of trouble during the match, the club has confirmed that he sustained a calf injury, which, while minor, will require a recovery period of about two to three weeks.
With Edward Kosi ready to take the field on the opposite wing, Dayne Jennings is set to start against the weakened Penrith Panthers this weekend. Additionally, Jack Wighton makes his return to the backline after recovering from a broken arm, shifting Tallis Duncan back to the second-row position.
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Tue, 30th June, 2026, 18:38 AEST
Dragons v Raiders: Fuimaono returns; Blackwell's new role
Dragons welcome new players while Raiders aim to improve their record with strong recruits. Excitement surrounds upcoming competitions.
NRL.com
With Maroons coach Nathan Cross at the helm, the Red V have a notable new face in young fullback Montaya Hudson, while Maroons gun Shenae Ciesiolka also adds spark to a Dragons backline that will be looking to create more attacking variation.
Dragons captain Brooke Anderson said the gap between all of the teams this year was closing and she was "excited to see how everyone goes".
The Raiders will be fired up to improve on their 3-8 record in 2025 and have set themselves up for success with the recruitment of Sheridan Gallagher, Bobbi Law, Krystal Blackwell and Ellie Brander, adding to a squad that already boasted established leaders Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara, Grace Kemp and Hollie-Mae Dodd.
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Tue, 30th June, 2026, 3:36 AEST
Maroons Announce Squad for Decisive Game
The Queensland Maroons selected a 20-player roster for Game 3, featuring returning players Carrigan, Nanai, and Horsburgh.
LeagueNews.co
The Queensland Maroons have officially announced their 20-player roster for Game 3 of the 2026 State of Origin series, featuring three key returning athletes: Patrick Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai, and Corey Horsburgh.
After missing Game 2 due to a syndesmosis injury, Carrigan is back in action, while Nanai has recently showcased his skills with the North Queensland Cowboys, securing his place once again.
The Samoan international made a significant impact last week, scoring two tries in his team's victory over the Penrith Panthers, prompting coach Billy Slater to reinstate him in the Maroons squad.
Carrigan, having played 48 minutes in Game 1, is expected to bolster the Maroons' middle for this crucial match, marking his 14th appearance in the Origin series.
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Tue, 30th June, 2026, 2:50 AEST
Daley Addresses Coaching Criticism Post-Series
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley plans to address criticism after the series, announcing six changes for Origin III.
LeagueNews.co
Laurie Daley, the coach of the NSW Blues, has indicated he will confront the criticism surrounding his coaching once the State of Origin series concludes.
In a press briefing on Monday, he announced a squad featuring six changes for Origin III, scheduled at Brisbane's Lang Park on July 8.
His coaching choices and bench management faced significant backlash following the Blues' disappointing performance in Origin II at the MCG.
Despite holding a 12-8 lead at halftime, the team ultimately fell 44-24, allowing the Maroons to equal the series.
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