Rugby League News

The Broncos face setbacks with Carrigan's suspension and Mozer's jaw injury after a tough loss to the Cowboys.

The Australian

The Broncos have suffered more crushing blows with Pat Carrigan facing suspension and Blake Mozer breaking his jaw in Friday night's costly 35-31 loss to the Cowboys.

Carrigan has been hit with a grade-two careless tackle charge for the high shot on Cowboys centre Tom Chester that saw him sin-binned in a wild and thrilling XXXX derby at Suncorp Stadium.

Carrigan will be banned for two matches if he takes an early plea, which would rule him out of Brisbane's upcoming clashes against Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs.

Should he fight the charge at the judiciary, Brisbane's champion lock risks a three-match suspension.

It was a second offence for Carrigan, who was sin-binned and reported for a similar offence in Brisbane's finals clash against Canberra last season.

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The 2026 NRL season sees Penrith leading, with Wests Tigers and Newcastle surprising in the top four; Dragons remain winless.

Zero Tackle

Five rounds into the 2026 NRL season and the ladder is already beginning to take shape.

The Penrith Panthers have returned to the top of the pedestal, while the Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights have shocked everyone by sitting in the top four.

Surprisingly, last year's minor premiers and premiers, the Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos respectively, both find themselves outside of the top eight.

Then languishing at the bottom are the winless St George Illawarra Dragons.

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Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart praised Perth Stadium, noting its clean facilities and safety, contrasting it with issues at Canberra Stadium amid preparation for their upcoming game.

The Canberra Times

"Very impressive." That's Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart's first impressions of the new Perth Stadium.

It's not surprising really, given there's no leaks or hideous smells in the change rooms.

And, at this stage, the coaches' boxes haven't maimed anyone.

Unlike at the Raiders' home ground - Canberra Stadium - which has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

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Mal Meninga dismissed rumors of infighting at the Perth Bears, noting they weren't discussed in recent board meetings amid the team's promotional events.

The Canberra Times

NRL legend Mal Meninga has played down rumours of infighting at the Perth Bears, saying it wasn't even mentioned at the expansion club's board meeting on Friday.

The NRL road show has hit Perth this week, with Saturday's double header at Optus Stadium to feature South Sydney up against the Canberra Raiders before the Cronulla Sharks take on the Sydney Roosters.

The Perth Bears, who will enter the competition next year under the guidance of veteran coach Meninga, have used the week to launch the club's merchandise and also unveil its mascot - Kodi.

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Rugby league surprises with unexpected team standings; Flanagan's Dragons face scrutiny over underperforming recruits and strategic salary cap challenges.

Fox League

Rugby league continues to find ways to surprise us.

The Tigers and Knights sitting in the top four after five rounds. The Raiders down near the bottom. The Storm losing three straight. There is plenty to unpack.

But the biggest story of the week is the Dragons.

Shane Flanagan is under pressure. The big-money recruits are underperforming. So what is the real issue? And regardless of whether Flanagan is the coach moving forward, what actually needs to change?

Every year, a certain percentage of players in the NRL - let's call it 30 per cent - come off contract. If you're strategic, that needs to line up with your salary cap and your roster needs at key positions. The problem is, what you need does not always match what is available in the market.

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