ABC NRL Daily

North Queensland centre Jaxon Purdue joined NRL Monday with Andrew Moore to discuss the Cowboys’ topsy-turvy season, what they need to get right for the finals, and his preferred position. We also discuss which teams will provide the ideal grand final match-up, Brisbane’s horrible title defence, and whether the Sydney Roosters can win without Sam Walker. Luke Lewis swings by the studio to discuss the build up to the finals series, what’s wrong with Cronulla, and Jai Arrow’s emotional 99th ‘game’ for the Rabbitohs.

At the pointy end of the NRL season every incident can an amplified effect and that's the way it looks with the injury to Roosters' half back Sam Walker. He's facing surgery on his ankle that's likely to rule him out for the rest of the season and Luke Lewis told Andrew Moore and Matthew Elliott in 6 Again that it rules the Roosters out of winning the Premiership. The team also spoke to Warriors CEO Cameron George who talked about growing the game in New Zealand and about the prospect of hosting finals matches at Mt Smart. You can get to know Rooster Jayme Fressard, hear a First Thought on rule changes and there's a Denis Carnahan Song of the Week from the vaults from our sexagenarian song smith.

A special event on ABC Sport as Jai Arrow - proud father, husband and NRL star walks out in front of a packed house at Robina Stadium for his 99th appearance as a South Sydney Rabbitoh. 0:20 - Jai Arrow walkout - called by Quentin Hull 4:53 - Alex Johnston try and full-time 6:42 - Cameron Murray with Zane Bojack 9:59 - Jai Arrow with Zane Bojack

In an ominous sign for the rest of the NRL Penrith showed a bit of their best gritty finals form to beat the Bulldogs in round 26. Back rower and top man Scott Sorensen told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis he felt a lift in intensity at training during the week. Plus there was a "big" MC's Hammertime (even if Grimesy took the wind out of Michael's sails), and Manly points scoring machine Reuben Garrick chatted about his final match at Brookvale Oval in what he admitted has been a strange season. There's also a good debate about whether the NRL should follow the AFL in adopting a wildcard round.

There will be 2 emotional games left in this NRL season for South Sydney with Jai Arrow set to notch up his 99th & 100th appearances for the club. The Rabbitohs approached the NRL for special permission to name the Motor Neurone stricken player so he could reach his milestone. Souths CEO Blake Solly told Quentin Hull and Billy Moore that the game has pulled together to honour the popular figure and make this happen. Plus Billy and Q dissect why last season's Grand Finalists - Brisbane and Melbourne - are meeting in a dead rubber match with a potential rule change being trialled in it.

With Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds announcing his retirement we talk about a long list of players calling it a day at the end of 2026. Kevin Walters joins the show to chat about his decision to quit as Kangaroos coach to take up a post with St Helens in the English Super League. Sydney Roosters star Connor Watson is in studio to discuss the signing of Joey Manu at the PNG Chiefs, his team’s shock loss to Wests Tigers, and becoming a dad in 2027.

Canterbury prop Max King's 6th career try typified his team's performance in the round 25 win over St George Illawarra. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Matthew Elliott that it was their ability to save tries being scored that pleased him most. While he's not a regular scorer of the 4 points he revealed that his Dad David had always led him to believe he was far more prolific than he actually was in his playing days. Lewey and Matty talk about Corey Horsburgh, the bunker and the Warriors in 6 Again and there's a 1st thought on the 2010s. You can get to know dual Premiership winner Chris Heighington and hear Denis Carnahan's Song of the Week.

It's been a season to forget for the Broncos in their Premiership title defence but they showed plenty of fight in their round 25 win in Canberra. Hooker Billy Walters missed most of the season and has been frustrated watching on while his team struggled. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis that he accepts the stick the team has copped as part and parcel of playing for Brisbane. The team also chatted about the prospects for the Dolphins who are currently Queensland best hope of holding on to the NRL title. Penrith Panthers legend Royce Simmons dropped by for a chat as he prepares to set off on another fundraising big walk and you can catch all the latest rugby league news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime.

Quentin Hull and Ryan Hoffman chat to Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf about their first ever finals appearance. Plus they discuss the majority stake purchase of the Storm and get the latest headlines in MC's Hammertime.

St George Illawarra coach Dean Young joins Andrew Moore for NRL Monday to discuss the Dragons’ back-to-back wins, the spirit at the club, and speculated roster changes for next season. We also look at the issues at the Brisbane Broncos and whether Cronulla can still challenge for the title following the shoulder injury suffered by Braydon Trindall. Four-time premiership winner Scott Sorensen is in studio to chat about Penrith’s dip in form, how they’re coping without their inspirational leader Isaah Yeo, and a changing of the guard at the Panthers.

This might not be the Raiders year but there's a raft of young talent at the club for fans to get excited about the future. Hooker Owen Pattie told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Matthew Elliott he's excited about the future and he want to repay Canberra's faith in him by winning them a trophy. Matthew and Lewey tackle the topics of the week in 6 Again and the 1st Thought is on season changing injuries. You can get to know another Raider Krystal Blackwell and hear Denis Carnahan's Song of the Week.

One of the best stories of this NRL season has been the return of Matt Dufty to the competition. He returned from England to play in the NSW Cup but has become a mainstay of the South Sydney team as they look set to play finals. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis that Rabbits Assistant Ben Hornby was the main reason he's back where he is. He also explained how Cody Walker made him take a late conversion that nobody else wanted to take! Plus Michael Carayannis is along with an edition of MC's Hammertime that he personally described as "Very Good".

Newcastle's impressive season has seen Fletcher Sharpe develop his all round game. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Ruan sims that while he always saw himself as a full back, he's now loving his time in the halves. He also talked hair and why he rates his there's only one winner in the battle of the Fletchers at the Knights when it comes to mullets. Plus Rugby League's premier news breaker and number 2 ranked MC is along for a Thursday night MC's Hammertime.

PNG Chiefs General Manager of football Michael Chammas joins Andrew Moore for NRL Monday to chat about the signing of Penrith star Brian To’o, the club’s recruitment process and, the overall impact the team is having in Port Moresby. We discuss the merits of the NRL’s plans for Global Round in 2028 versus the lack regional games. And Cronulla Sharks NRLW fullback Jada Taylor is in studio to discuss her team’s disappointing start to the season, Indigenous Round, and the importance of regional rugby league.

South Sydney's man for all seasons Jye Gray had another high achieving game aa his team held on to beat Parramatta. He ran a game high 236 metres on the wing and crossed the line for a try in the stereo-typical game of 2 halves. He told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Ryan Hoffman that the first half was fun to play in - the 2nd half less so! Plus Lewey and Hoffy tackle the big issue in the game in 6 Again, the First Thought is on the most influential people in the game, you can get to know SharkTobias Eric Rudolph and hear Denis Carnahan's Song of the Week.

Incoming New South Wales coach Matt King is already planning the defence of the Origin Shield. But he told Andrew Moore, Luke Lewis and Michael Carayannis he wants the job to have an input across the board with Rugby League in the State. Despite being seen as one of the nicest guys in the game he's confident he's got the steel to make the tough calls needed to run the Blues team. Plus ABC favourite Connor Watson dropped by to talk Indigenous Round and the Roosters scrappy win over the Bulldogs. And you can catch up on all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime.

Some sombre news on NRL Monday with Andrew Moore as we reveal our friend and colleague John Gibbs has cancer. New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster joins the show to discuss the Wahs run into the finals. Matthew Elliott is in studio to react to Gibbsy’s news, he also gives us his thoughts on Laurie Daley’s resignation and Matt King appointment as NSW coach.

Andrew Moore, Matthew Elliott and John Gibbs are back for NRL Sunday. They tackle the big issues in Six Again, and after Andrew's trip to Mudgee, the team discusses whether the NRL should continue taking games to regional centres. Following Penrith's win over Canberra yesterday, Panthers forward Isaiah Papali'i joins the program. Plus, First Thought looks back at the decade of the 2000s, we get to know Shaylee Bent in Getting to Know You, and Denis's song takes aim at the Tigers drama once again.

Greg Inglis was a champion on the field and an inspiration to many. He's admitted he struggled post career including a spending a spell in rehab but he's turned his focus to helping others with his "Stick With It" program. He explains what that is an his experiences helping others. Andrew Moore, Matthew Elliott and Michael Carayannis were also joined in the broadcast box in Mudgee by Penrith CEO Matt Cameron to discuss player retention and the coaching transition plan. The team also reflected on the Friday night matches and you can catch all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime

Broncos star Corey Jensen spoke to Quentin Hull and Grant Bell about his early medical retirement. The team also chat to Souths young gun Ashton Ward as the Bunnies prepare to play the in-form Sharks on Sunday.