Melbourne desk

Filed from the Melbourne desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Sports · 18 October 2026

NRL Boss Publicly Declares ‘Man Crush’ on Departing Rooster at Rugby World Cup Opener

Craig Pohutukawa, Auckland desk

During the Australia‑New Zealand Rugby World Cup opener, NRL chief Peter V’landys announced a public ‘man crush’ on Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is leaving the NRL for rugby union, turning the match into an unexpec…

Sports · 17 October 2026

Chad Schofield’s ‘Bold Move’ on Tempted Turns $20 million Everest into a Surprise at Royal Randwick

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

Chad Schofield rode Tempted to a $20 million victory in the Everest at Royal Randwick, dethroning champion Ka Ying Rising in a daring display of strategy.

Sports · 17 October 2026

Andrew Wu and a Mystery Guest Turn Caulfield Track into a Comedy Show

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Reporter Andrew Wu brings an unnamed guest to Caulfield, sparking playful speculation and a side‑show of comedy on the track.

Sports · 17 October 2026

Caulfield Cup Turns Into Fashion Show as Trainer Fined for Dress‑Code Breach

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

Race officials at the Caulfield Cup and The Everest cautioned spectators about possible wardrobe malfunctions and fined a high‑profile trainer for a dress‑code breach away from the track, turning the day into an unex…

Sports · 17 October 2026

Daisy Pearce’s ‘big decision’ fuels former club’s rout of Geelong Tigers

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Daisy Pearce’s return to her former AFLW club sparked a dominant performance that left the Geelong Tigers on the back foot in round 10, highlighting the impact of her move as the finals race tightens.

Sports · 17 October 2026

From Checkered Trousers to Checkered Flags: Kate Waterhouse’s Race‑Day Couture Guide

Nell Hartley, Melbourne desk

Fashion correspondent Kate Waterhouse shares her go‑to advice for looking stylish and staying comfortable at one of Australia’s biggest racing events, turning the grandstand into a catwalk.

Sports · 17 October 2026

From wooden spoon to top‑four: Shaw’s Suns finally see the light

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Coach Shane Shaw has steered the Gold Coast Suns from last‑place wooden spooners to a top‑four spot, with a young, exciting side that has rediscovered its love of football.

Sports · 16 October 2026

Kartal’s Third‑Tournament Triumph: Wuhan Upset That Leaves Svitolina in the Dust

Tom Wick, London desk

Britain’s Sonay Kartal, playing her third event after a long injury lay‑off, stunned fifth‑seed Elina Svitolina to reach her first WTA 1000 semi‑final at the Wuhan Open.

Sports · 16 October 2026

Samoan co‑captains unleash fiery Siva Tau, leaving France momentarily speechless

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Samoan co‑captains Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo performed a powerful Siva Tau before facing France. The intense war cry left the French side looking bewildered, proving that a good chant can be a form of psychologi…