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With the State of Origin decider still a few weeks away, the NRL returns to regular programming this week under the watchful eye of under-fire Blues coach Laurie Daley, who will be searching for team changes in the lead-up to Origin game three.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount around the return of Israel Folau to the game. Will we see the veteran back in the NRL? Or should he be avoided at all costs?

Plus, is under-pressure Bulldog Bronson Xerri headed for another club?

This week, sports reporter Billie Eder and national head of sport Neil Breen are joined by special guest, Wide World of Sports chief rugby league commentator Mathew Thomson, for his perspective on the NRL and Origin from the commentary box.
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In front of the largest Origin crowd in history, the Maroons have thumped the Blues at the MCG in game two of the State of Origin series.

After trailing 12-8 at the break, the Maroons came out firing, launching an all-out attack to down the Blues 44-24, sending the series to a decider for game three in Brisbane.

So was Queensland just too good or were the NSW team selections to blame?

Today from Melbourne, national sports editor Neil Breen alongside Herald rugby league writers Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko break down the match and discuss the Blues team changes that need to be made ahead of the decider.
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Former NRL player Kane Evans came out as gay in a raw and vulnerable interview earlier this week with James Bracey on Nine’s 100% Footy. Kane is just the second former NRL player to speak publicly of their homosexuality, following Ian Roberts in 1995.

So, how will the NRL respond, and what will this mean for the wider community?

Plus, with changes to both the Blues and Maroons line-ups for State of Origin game two at the MCG next week, can NSW claim a series win or will Blues coach Laurie Daley be under the pump heading to Queensland for a decider in game three?

This week, sports reporter Billie Eder joins rugby league writer Christian Nicolussi alongside national head of sport Neil Breen to break down the latest NRL news.

If this episode is triggering or you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, you can contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Read how the rugby league community reacted to Kane Evans story here
And more detail on Mitchell Moses' fitness timeline for Origin game two here

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The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have recorded six losses in their past seven matches and questions from fans are growing louder as to who should be held accountable for their inconsistency and lack of form. Should coach Cameron Ciraldo be blamed or does the fault land with halfback Lachlan Galvin and captain Stephen Crichton?

And 'Fozball' has been locked in for the next three seasons at Manly with Kieran Foran signing an extension to remain as head coach of the Sea Eagles until the end of 2029.

In Origin news, Payne Haas and Mitchell Moses are now fit and likely to return to the NSW starting line-up for game two.

This week, sports reporter Billie Eder joins rugby league writer Christian Nicolussi and national head of sport Neil Breen to break down the latest NRL news.
Read the latest on Kieran Forans's extension here.
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The NSW blues have claimed the opening match of the State of Origin series for 2026 - but only just. After 20 minutes the Blues were down 20-0 and the game seemed over, but after Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge in the second half, the Blues pulled off one of their greatest comebacks and escapes of all time.

But should Kalyn Ponga have been sent off or did he only deserve 10 minutes in the sin bin?

And did the best team actually win?

This week, national sports editor Neil Breen and rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi with Zac Bailey from Nine News break down Origin game 1 and bring you the latest insight from the NRL.

Read Christian Nicolussi's analysis here.
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