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.
Sea Eagles seek to bring finals home
KICKING OFF
Mitchell hits back against abuse
Wighton’s Blue benefit
Ponga pushes through pressure
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
Marsters not kicking himself
Round 22 ROUND-UP
NUMBERS GAME
Josh Kerr
Big League Weekly Edition
HOT SHOT
Top 8 NRL returns • Joining a European club traditionally signals the end of a player’s time in the NRL, but a Super League stint has also rejuvenated many careers.
The reality of recovery
Power struggle • It seems unthinkable today, but for a long time some of the biggest decisions in rugby league were made by a dictatorial regime that ultimately fell on its own sword.
BIG LEAGUE Round 23 TOP TIPS
LOCKER ROOM
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
Sutton bids farewell
Back in the water • Whether he’s being brutally honest with the media or brutalising the defensive line, Wade Graham is determined to pick up where he left off after a disrupted season.
The Green dream • They were already embedded in the top four, but one magical win in Melbourne means the Raiders are no longer a ‘form side’ – they’re genuine contenders.
Forward thinking • Just when you thought forwards couldn’t get any more impressive, a new wave of big men have changed the game once again.
Chance of a lifetime • It was a random moment some would call fate that brought the Warriors’ NRLW coach together with two new Fijian flyers, and together they’re ready for the season ahead.
Plugging the gaps • Players who can step into different roles are prized assets in today’s game. With injury management and tactical changes, it’s no longer a curse to be branded as a super-sub.
The NRL’s top five utilities
CLUB NEWS
LITTLE LEAGUE
CAMERON MUNSTER
1,032 TACKLES MADE BY CAMERON McINNES IN 2019
Twists and turns • Just when you thought it was safe to use your trades, a late-season injury crisis has thrown Fantasy finals into chaos.
Bulldogs aiming to thwart Eels’ ambitions
Must-win clash for Cleary’s Panthers • 1300SMILES Stadium Friday 6pm
Broncos ready to topple teetering Rabbitohs • Suncorp Stadium Friday 7.55pm
Sharks determined to clean up their act • PointsBet Stadium Saturday 3pm
Knights out to prove that they’re not done • Campbelltown Stadium Saturday 5.30pm
Roosters building ominous head of steam • Netstrata Jubilee Stadium Saturday 7.35pm
Titans headed for Storm destruction • AAMI Park Sunday 2pm
Confident Raiders push for top two finish • GIO Stadium Sunday 4.05pm
CANTERBURY CUP NSW
Review: Bulldogs upset keeps minor premiership race alive
JERSEY FLEGG
Review: Roosters back on top, Tigers thrash Panthers
INTRUST SUPER CUP
Review: Coast go clear as Dolphins continue to climb
HASTINGS DEERING COLTS
Preview: Bears and Wynnum racing to the finish
RON MASSEY CUP
Preview: Sunshine state bounces back
STAT ATTACK
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
NRL DRAW
