Sports

Sports · 2 October 2026

Knights' 14‑year‑old hooker set to debut in grand final, sparking a league‑wide debate on child‑protection rules

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Newcastle Knights are ready to let a teenage prodigy take the field in the NRL grand final, a move that could see the league re‑examine its age‑policy and trigger a wave of parental protests.

Sports · 2 October 2026

Heeney’s Medal Moment: Swans Forward Sends Video Tribute After Another Glorious Win

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

After claiming the club’s best‑on‑ground medal, Isaac Heeney surprised teammates with a heartfelt video that captured the Swans’ spirit and has the crowd talking.

Sports · 1 October 2026

England Rest Archer, Recall Rashid and Curran – Crane Returns After Eight Years

Tom Wick, London desk

In the build‑up to the ODI tri‑series in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, England’s selectors have swapped Jofra Archer for a trio of spinners, including a comeback for Mason Crane after eight years away from the national…

Sports · 1 October 2026

Fagan Quits After Three Flags, Lions Left to Pick Up the Pieces

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Three‑time premiership coach Chris Fagan has walked away from the Brisbane Lions after a glittering three‑year reign, leaving the club to reassess its future and its players’ footy fortunes.

Sports · 1 October 2026

VRC Boss Hits the Tackle: Wilson Walks Off After the Melbourne Cup, New Captain Ready to Sprint

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The VRC chairman is stepping down after the Melbourne Cup, with a successor already named. In this satirical take, the transition is treated like a footy final, with the old boss making a dramatic exit and the new captai…

Sports · 1 October 2026

Senator Schmitt’s Perjury Play Turns into a Game of Mis‑Memories

Craig Pohutukawa, Auckland desk

GOP Senator Eric Schmitt tried to expose DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith as a perjurer over a Hawks‑Warriors game attendance claim – but evidence proved the prosecutor had indeed watched the match, turning the senator…

Sports · 1 October 2026

Green’s Tummy Tumble Leaves Aussies Short of Test‑Series Guts

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Australian camp is reeling as fast‑bowler Cameron Green suffers an abdominal injury in the final ODI, forcing a scramble for replacements days before the South Africa Test series.

Sports · 1 October 2026

Foster's Strip‑down: City’s $1.7 billion Bungle Leaves Aussie Legend in a Tumble

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Craig Foster tore up a Manchester City shirt in a fiery protest after a $1.7 billion scandal hit the Premier League, sparking a storm of memes and a council‑led inquiry that might finally clean up the game.

Sports · 1 October 2026

London Marathon Start Order Decided by Rock‑Paper‑Scissors Showdown – City’s Newest Running Drama

Iris Quay, London desk

The elite men’s and women’s London Marathon races will be launched in an order chosen by a single throw of rock, paper, scissors between two senior organisers, sparking a wave of speculation about destiny, strategy a…