Your weekly guide to the NRL season, including the entire Final Series, the souvenir Grand Final program and our bumper Season Review. Every week Big League will feature stories on the big names, preview the big games and continue our popular Little League section for the young rugby league fans. With official team-lists, extensive statistics and up-to-date news, Big League provides everything you need to follow the NRL.
The challenge facing officials
KICKING OFF
Warriors will keep up the fight
Doing it for ‘Thumper’
Vintage Gal leads the way
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
McInnes to win it
Round 19 ROUND-UP
Team of the Week Rd19
NUMBERS GAME
Ryan Hall • SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Big League Weekly Edition
HOT SHOT
Top 8 Positional switches • Some of rugby league’s greatest players started their careers in very different roles to the ones they would go on to master.
It’s a long race to the finish line
Coming out strong • In the current age of ‘yes’ votes and NRL Mardi Gras floats, it’s worth remembering the trail blazed by one of rugby league’s toughest men more than two decades ago.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
BIG LEAGUE Round 18 TOP TIPS • Wests Tigers v Cowboys Warriors v Raiders Broncos v Storm Sea Eagles v Knights Bulldogs v Panthers Sharks v Rabbitohs Roosters v Titans Dragons v Eels
LOCKER ROOM
Big 2-0
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
UPCOMING ROUNDS
Greener pastures • One year ago he was languishing in reserve grade and bereft of opportunities. Now, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is the NRL’s best buy and destined to cash in on his success.
Best Fus forward • He’s become one of the game’s most reputable tryscorers, but David Fusitu’a could have been lost to rugby league before his career even started.
Gone to the Dogs • This season has been a tale of two halves for the Bulldogs’ newest recruit, but he’s ready to bounce back to his dangerous best.
BULLDOGS FULLBACKS
The mental load • Gareth Widdop was surprised by how much his second shoulder injury affected his confidence but is doing all he can to finish a great career in the Red V.
Nine lives • The footy season will live on after Grand Final day, with a new international tournament set to capture the imagination of league fans worldwide.
CLUB NEWS
LITTLE LEAGUE
KALYN PONGA
DALY CHERRY-EVANS • MANLY SEA EAGLES
Wheeling and dealing • There are few things left to do for Fantasy coaches other than trade their way to the best 17 possible.
Chances running short for Tigers and Cowboys • Leichhardt Oval Thursday 7.50pm
Raiders on the march to September • Mt Smart Stadium Friday 8pm
Stirred Storm ready to strike back • Suncorp Stadium Friday 7.55pm
Sea Eagles rediscover their swagger • Lottoland Saturday 3pm
Respect Bulldogs or pay the price • Bankwest Stadium Saturday 5.30pm
Pressure building on shaky Sharks • PointsBet Stadium Saturday 7.35pm
Minor concerns for high-rolling Roosters • Sydney Cricket Ground Sunday 2pm
Eels firming for finals footy • Netstrata Jubilee Stadium Sunday 4.05pm
CANTERBURY CUP NSW
Review: Rabbits and Panthers go top after other contenders flop
JERSEY FLEGG
Review: Sharks slip gives Roosters advantage
INTRUST SUPER CUP
ROUND 19 RESULTS
Review: Magpies and Pride explode in second-half frenzy
HASTINGS DEERING COLTS
ROUND 19 RESULTS
Review: Mackay cut it fine as Devils dominate
RON MASSEY CUP
STAT ATTACK
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
NRL DRAW
