Match Results
The NRL saw some tight action on Friday. The Redcliffe Dolphins managed to hold off the New Zealand Warriors with a narrow 20–18 victory. Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos put on a dominant display, crushing South Sydney 60–14. The Dolphins’ win secured their spot in the finals, while Brisbane kept themselves firmly in the top four.
Over in rugby union, the Wallaroos had a strong showing against Wales in Sydney, taking the match 36–5. This leveled the two-game series at 1–1 after Australia recovered from their earlier defeat.
Player Transfers & Contracts
Louis Rees-Zammit has decided to step away from the NFL after a year and a half, with plans to return to rugby union. The former Wales wing hasn’t confirmed his next club yet, though there’s speculation about Gloucester or a Welsh region being likely destinations.
Meanwhile, Jamie Hodgson, the 27-year-old Scotland lock, has secured a one-year contract with Newcastle Falcons for the 2025–26 season.
Over in rugby league, Ethan Bullemor has committed to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles with a four-year extension that will keep him there until 2029. The Catalans Dragons have also retained Julian Bousquet, with the 34-year-old French prop signing a one-year deal that extends his stay in Perpignan through 2026.
In other news, the Castleford Tigers have brought in Brock Greacen, a 23-year-old Australian forward, on a two-year deal from the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. He’ll be with them until 2027.
Injury Reports
The Dolphins took a hit in their match against the Warriors when center Herbie Farnworth went down with a hamstring strain. Early scans indicate he’ll be sidelined for four to six weeks. Brisbane didn’t escape unscathed either—prop Xavier Willison fractured his forearm during their 60–14 victory. Coach Michael Maguire estimates Willison could be out for up to six weeks.
Over in rugby union, the Lions have a potential setback ahead of the third Test. English wing Tommy Freeman, 27, is in doubt after a back issue forced him to sit out the final warm-up. Meanwhile, Australia’s hooker depth took a late blow—Dave Porecki picked up a heel injury in training, and Matt Faessler strained his calf, ruling both out of the decider. The team has called up veteran Brandon Paenga-Amosa as emergency cover.
Tournament Progress & Standings
The British and Irish Lions currently hold a 2–0 advantage over Australia in their three-Test series. A clean sweep would mark a significant achievement, as the Lions haven’t secured a 3–0 series victory on Australian soil in over a hundred years. Meanwhile, Australia has selected Nic White to start at scrum-half for his final Test appearance before retirement, with the match set to take place in Sydney.
In the NRL, Brisbane’s recent victory has narrowed the gap to the top four, leaving them just two competition points behind fourth place. The Dolphins, on the other hand, staged a comeback win that effectively locked in their position in the top eight, ensuring their place in the finals. Their performance has made it mathematically certain, though the road ahead remains challenging.
Headlines & Controversies
The situation around Carlo Tizzano has been tough. The Wallabies flanker was dropped from the squad following the second Test, largely due to the intense backlash he faced on social media after a controversial moment during the match. His captain, Harry Wilson, didn’t hold back in condemning the online abuse, calling it completely unjust.
Meanwhile, the conversation around Andy Farrell’s future has already started. Some in the media argue that, after securing the series win, the Lions coach has more than earned the right to decide whether he wants to lead the 2029 tour. Farrell himself has been vocal about the value of these tours, even going as far as saying it would be insulting to do away with them. The speculation is only going to grow from here.