Rugby League 2026

The story so far

The Warriors' NRL season ended in a finals defeat, and referee Ashley Klein was dropped after controversial calls in their semi-final. Newcastle beat Penrith 22-14 to reach the grand final, but Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland was sent off for a hip-drop tackle that caused a compound ankle fracture for Nathan Cleary.^{27 Sep} Crossland pleaded guilty and was banned for four matches, ruling him out of the grand final and the first three games of New Zealand's World Cup campaign. The Sydney Roosters then edged the Knights in the grand final.^{29 Sep; 3 Oct} Ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, Dane Gagai was cleared to switch from Australia to New Zealand and joined Kalyn Ponga in the Kiwis squad. Warriors hooker Wayde Egan made himself unavailable, and Jacob Laban chose the Kiwis over Samoa.^{3, 6, 7 Oct} The Kiwis lost their opener 24-22 to defending champions Australia in Sydney, and Ponga broke his arm.^{13, 16 Oct}

Latest

The Kiwis beat the Cook Islands 82-16 in Christchurch, though aerial issues and conceded intercept tries remain a concern. The Kiwi Ferns followed their 18-12 win over Fiji with a 92-0 win over France.^{17, 24, 25 Oct} Ponga has had surgery on his fractured arm.^{21 Oct}

Key moments

1. 27 SepKnights beat Panthers to reach grand final; Crossland sent off, Cleary badly injured.
2. 29 SepCrossland banned four matches after guilty plea over Cleary tackle.
3. 3 OctSydney Roosters edge Knights in the NRL grand final.
4. 3 OctDane Gagai cleared to represent the Kiwis at the World Cup.
5. 13 OctKangaroos beat Kiwis 24-22 in the World Cup opener.
6. 16 OctPonga breaks arm in loss but Kiwis remain on track for semi-finals.
7. 17 OctKiwi Ferns beat Fiji 18-12 in their World Cup opener.
8. 24 OctKiwis thrash Cook Islands 82-16 in Christchurch.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.