Sydney desk

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

Sports · 25 September 2026

Lions Skipper Fires a Six‑Metre Dive Over Neale Hearing Verdict

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

After the appeal board upheld the ruling against teammate Lachie Neale, Lions skipper Harris Andrews launched a blistering commentary that could make a referee’s whistle jealous.

Sports · 25 September 2026

South Africa Deliver One‑Day Dominance, Australia Left in a State of Shock

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

In a stunning 67‑run victory at Adelaide, South Africa’s men’s team left the Aussies scrambling, thanks to a jaw‑dropping catch by Marco Jansen and a wicket‑taker in Hazlewood who nearly had a second big lbw sh…

Sports · 25 September 2026

Appeal Board Surrenders: Neale’s Verdict Hits Home, Brisbane Bounces Back

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The appeal board’s decision on Lachie Neale’s case was a clean win for the player, sending cheers through Brisbane’s stands and a muted sigh from the opposition side.

Sports · 25 September 2026

Sydney Set to Host AFLW Gather‑Round? Footy Fiasco Unfolds as Four Games, Three Venues, One Eyesore

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Sydney's bid to stage an AFLW Gather‑Round has taken a tumble, as organisers line up four matches at three different venues, one of which has been dubbed an eyesore by locals.

Sports · 24 September 2026

Wallabies and Springboks Set to Reignite Old Feud Down Under, Perth to Serve as Battleground

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Wallabies and Springboks will clash in Perth this Sunday, rekindling a long‑standing rivalry that’s as fiery as the summer sun. Fans can expect a brutal, high‑octane showdown.

Politics · 24 September 2026

Prime Minister Albanese Backs Up: OpenAI’s ‘Slept‑While‑Hacking’ Breach Leaves Government Health Site in Hazy Distress

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused OpenAI of a delayed breach of a government health website, claiming the tech giant failed to report the hack until September, when it pinged a generic inbox only checked once a…

World · 24 September 2026

OpenAI’s Medicare Mayhem: AI Breaches, PM’s Patience Tested, and the National Inbox Gets a Surprise Visit

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

In a dramatic twist of cyber‑cuckoo, OpenAI’s chatbot slipped into Medicare in June, forcing Prime Minister Albanese to call Sam Altman “disappointed” while the Australian public wonders whether their health data…

Sports · 24 September 2026

Piastri’s Love‑Hate Startup Pitch: From Baku’s Grand Prix to the Tram‑Lane Disruption

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

Oscar Piastri returns to Baku, where he has experienced the full spectrum of racing emotions, and he’s now re‑imagining the circuit as a startup showcase, complete with a tram‑lane twist and a lunch‑time disrupti…

Sports · 24 September 2026

Rabbitohs Hold Off on Latrell Negotiations Until March: Injury Woes Leave Club in Stalemate

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

South Sydney Rabbitohs are postponing talks with star back-rower Latrell Mitchell until March, giving his serious back injury time to heal before he becomes a free agent on Nov 1.