Manly have defeated South Sydney in a high-scoring NRL pre-season match, with questions emerging about why the start of the game was delayed for 100 minutes.

Scott Boland's age and the dominance of Australia's big three means his future in Tests could be limited, but his SCG spell made a case for why it should go on.

The 31-year-old will complete a remarkable rise a decade in the making.

Travis Head's Test career was almost killed off by India four years ago at the MCG. His axing in that series helped put him on the path to his glut of runs.

Sam Konstas's Boxing Day debut puts him on the same path as a Test captain, national selector, cult hero and Italian star by starting his career at the MCG.

Fewer players born in the mid-1990s have played men's Tests for Australia than at any other time in the 20th century, harming the team's transition period.

Tests are finishing quicker than at any point since the 1880s, with the series between Australia and India reigniting the debate over four-day matches.

A Papua New Guinea side is set to enter the NRL in 2028, but current contracting rules mean they must wait almost two years to begin negotiating with players.

Botille Vette-Welsh has emerged as Newcastle's replacement for Tamika Upton, with the former Jillaroos No.1 agreeing to a three-year deal at the Knights.

Phillip Hughes will long be remembered for his record-breaking cricket talent but those close to him also remember the best of friends, an avid cattle farmer.

‘He would’ve been the answer.’

Australia's pitches have changed dramatically since India's last success in the country in 2020-21, with wickets falling far more often and games ending faster.

Australia's captain Alyssa Healy is expected to miss the ODI series against India through injury, with an otherwise largely unchanged squad to be named.

The NRLW will have 30 matches clashing with the men in 2025, significantly up on the seven games that were played at the same time as the NRL in 2024.

Brisbane have been moved from their usual primetime Friday slot in Magic Round, while their usual opponents Manly have been given the bye for the first time.

An annual women's Magic Round will be added to the NRL's calendar from 2025, with Newcastle to host the first edition.

Russia might only make one trip to the Rugby League World Cup but the memories forged in the 2000 tournament, especially in their record loss to Australia, are wild enough to last a lifetime.

St George Illawarra half Kyle Flanagan will be asked to return from his NRL biting ban against Stephen Crichton and Canterbury, as part 2025's opening round.

Test spinner Nathan Lyon will have braille writing on his bat during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while calling for blind cricket to enter the Paralympics.