Sydney desk

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

Sports · 22 September 2026

McVay’s Aussie Blunder: Rams Coach Calls Himself ‘Dumb Arse’ After Failed Sydney Trip

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The LA Rams’ planned preseason trip to Sydney collapsed when logistical mishaps left the team stranded, prompting head coach Sean McVay to publicly admit he’d been a ‘dumb arse’ for orchestrating the disaster.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Wallabies Prepare to Be Scrambled in Perth, Springboks Still Scented with Rotated Line‑ups

Glenys Pike, Melbourne desk

The Wallabies are braced for a physical showdown against a South African side that has swapped out key players, yet the Australian team remains convinced the clash will deliver the same fierce scrum and maul that the wor…

Sports · 22 September 2026

Lachie Neale’s Grand Final Dream on the Line: Brisbane Lions’ Tribunal Tussle Leaves Fans on the Edge of Their Seats

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale faces a one‑match ban for striking Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan, and his club is racing the AFL tribunal to keep him fit for Saturday’s grand final against Fremantle.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Colorado Rapids' Gold Rush: Sydney FC Teen Set to Ride the MLS Wave

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Colorado Rapids are chasing a fresh talent from Sydney FC, hoping the next Lucas Herrington will bring the same flair to the MLS. The teen, still a junior, has already sparked speculation that the Rockies are chasing…

Sports · 22 September 2026

Bears’ New Kid on the Block: Zane Murray’s Three‑Year Deal Spurs Hype in Perth

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Perth Bears have inked 17‑year‑old Zane Murray on a three‑year contract, with coach Mal Meninga personally delivering the papers in a ceremony that felt more like a rookie parade than a signing. The move has fans b…

Sports · 22 September 2026

NRL Grand Final Goes Silent as Tones and I Drop Out, AFL Hits the High Notes

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The NRL grand final will be a dead‑panned, music‑free showdown after talks with Tones and I fell apart, while the AFL’s decider promises Kylie Minogue’s glitter‑packed opener.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Diamonds Keep Sparkle Despite Swifts‑Style Skirmish

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

Sarah Klau remains in the Australian Constellation Cup squad after a guilty plea for assault, proving that even a guilty kick can still land a spot in the big leagues.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Silent Shadows: Trampling the Disrupted Lunch and Laneways

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

The Melbourne tram system encounters unexpected drama at lunchtime when startup 'Tramvention' sets up shop, leaving trams grounded and lunch schedules in turmoil. A hidden agenda brings the city's startup scene to a halt…

Sports · 22 September 2026

Roosters Reject Shiny Back‑Rower as Tricolours Load Up on New Forward Boom

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

In a baffling turn of events, the Roosters have declined a high‑priced back‑rower, while the Tricolours have already stocked up on the next generation of forwards in their iconic colours.