Rugby League News | Raidercast

Thu, 11th June, 2026, 17:06 AEST
NSW Under 19s Squad Revealed for Origin
The NSWRL announced its Under 19s squad for State of Origin, featuring talented players, including five from the Roosters.
LeagueNews.co
The NSWRL has revealed the roster for the Under 19s matchup against the Queensland Maroons in the upcoming State of Origin event.
This squad includes 20 of the nation's most promising players drawn from the NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg, and SG Ball competitions.
The squad is heavily influenced by the 2026 SG Ball champions, the Sydney Roosters, who contribute five players including the Player of the Year, Carter Mareko, along with teammates Rex Bassingthwaighte, Darcy Smith, Eddy Cayless, and James Finegan.
Additionally, Toby Winter and Diesel Hagan from the Newcastle Knights, who faced off against the Roosters in the SG Ball Grand Final, have also secured a spot.
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Thu, 11th June, 2026, 13:10 AEST
Phil 'Gus' Gould has criticised NSW coach Laurie Daley's decision to dump Haumole Olakau'atu for Origin II
Phil Gould criticized the Blues' decision to drop Haumole Olakau'atu, questioning Laurie Daley's Origin selections ahead of game two.
The Australian
The Blues have turned on each other once again after NSW's greatest ever coach Phil Gould savaged Laurie Daley's Origin selections.
Gould has turned the blowtorch on the Blues' brains trust following their decision to dump in-form Manly backrower Haumole Olakau'atu for game two at the MCG on Wednesday.
Olakau'atu has been replaced by Newcastle rookie Dylan Lucas, who will make his Origin debut when the Blues look to wrap up the series against Queensland following a controversial game one victory in Sydney.
Gould, 68, remains the most successful coach in NSW history after leading the Blues to six series wins from eight attempts (one draw).
"Gus" raised concerns about Blues prop Addin Fonua-Blake and couldn't fathom the decision to drop Olakau'atu and create a log-jam of left edge specialists in Hudson Young and Lucas.
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Thu, 11th June, 2026, 4:18 AEST
New South snails: Blues seek to stop slow Origin starts
Hudson Young emphasizes the NSW Blues need to improve their slow starts after a comeback win in Game One of State of Origin, highlighting persistent first-half struggles.
The Canberra Times
NSW back-rower Hudson Young says the Blues must kick the habit of starting slowly, after escaping from the series opener by conjuring the biggest comeback in State of Origin history.
Trailing 20-6 at halftime before winning 22-20, the game-one victory in Sydney - sparked by Kalyn Ponga's controversial second-half send-off - papered over the Blues' cracks.
In Laurie Daley's four games in charge of his second stint as NSW coach, the Blues have leaked 68 first-half points while scoring just 26 in the same period.
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Tue, 9th June, 2026, 18:48 AEST
Simonsson Reflects on Injury Struggles
Bailey Simonsson is rehabilitating a dislocated ankle suffered during a mid-air tackle, discussing injuries and transfer rumors on a podcast.
LeagueNews.co
Bailey Simonsson, the outside back for the Parramatta Eels, is diligently working on his rehabilitation after sustaining an ankle injury on Easter Monday earlier this year.
In Round 5, during a challenging high ball contest, he faced a tackle in mid-air from Wests Tigers winger Luke Laulilii.
Simonsson landed awkwardly on his ankle, resulting in a dislocated ankle and fracture that prematurely ended his season.
On the Season Ticket Holders Podcast, he recounted the whirlwind of injuries he has struggled with throughout his career, including the pivotal tackle on Easter Monday, and addressed rumors from last season suggesting he intended to leave the Eels.
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Tue, 9th June, 2026, 16:52 AEST
Eels v Raiders: Ryles maintains the faith; Patuki Case to debut
Eels aim to rebound against Raiders, debuting Patuki; Ryles praises defensive commitment despite recent narrow loss to Bulldogs.
NRL.com
With a relatively short turn-around, the Eels will be hoping to put the disappointment of their close King's Birthday loss behind them when they take on the Raiders.
Despite being under the pump and behind in possession for much of the game in Monday's loss to the Bulldogs, the Eels were in the fight, but some poor game awareness at the end of the match cost them their opportunity to add to their wins tally.
However, coach Jason Ryles would have bee pleased with the way they committed in their defence, with last-ditch efforts helping keep things close in their 14-12 defeat.
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