What's Trending in the NRL

Today we are looking some of the most trending topics in the NRL over the past week.

1. Wayne Bennett's Potential Move to PNG's NRL Team

Wayne Bennett, the seasoned coach, is being considered for a role with the upcoming Papua New Guinea NRL franchise set to debut in 2028. Bennett has a history of successfully launching new teams, like the Broncos and Dolphins.

The ARL Commission sees him as instrumental in establishing the PNG team.
Bennett's current contract with South Sydney runs until 2027, but discussions about his future are ongoing.
The PNG team aims to be competitive from the start, targeting a top-eight finish in their inaugural season.
The franchise is backed by significant investment and aims to offer players a unique "resort-style" lifestyle.

2. Feud Between Aaron Woods and Billy Slater

A public spat has erupted between former Wests Tigers captain Aaron Woods and Queensland Origin coach Billy Slater.

Woods labeled Slater a "grub" before a match, sparking controversy.
Former NSW player Ryan Hoffman criticized Woods, calling him a "coward" for his remarks.
Slater responded emotionally, referencing the late coach Paul Green, for which he later apologised.
The incident highlights the intense media scrutiny during Origin season.
There's a growing call for greater responsibility in sports commentary.

3. Mal Meninga's Appointment as Perth Bears Coach

NRL legend Mal Meninga has been appointed as the inaugural head coach of the Perth Bears, who will join the competition in 2027.

Meninga's new role ends his tenure as head coach of the Australian national team.
His appointment is seen as a significant step in expanding the game in Western Australia.
The Bears secured the NRL's 18th license through a $65.6 million deal.
Meninga's experience is expected to be invaluable in building the new team.
His leadership will focus on team building and community engagement in WA.
It will be interesting to see who the Bears sign first as the Dolphins had to pay over to secure some of their marquee signings.

4. Selwyn Cobbo's Potential Transfer to Cowboys

The Cowboys are making moves to sign Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo before the June 30 transfer deadline.

Cobbo is a rising talent, and his acquisition would be a significant boost for the Cowboys.
The Broncos face the challenge of retaining their young stars amid salary cap pressures.
Cobbo's potential move could reshape the dynamics of both teams.
The transfer window's closing adds urgency to the negotiations.
Fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of Cobbo's future.

5. Optus Exiting Sports Streaming Market

Optus Sport is set to exit the Australian sports streaming market, leading to shifts in broadcasting rights. The new NRL CBA rights are up for negotiation in 2028 so it is going to be interesting to see what happens in this space.

Stan Sport is expected to acquire Optus' sports rights, strengthening its position.
The move reflects the competitive nature of sports streaming in Australia.
Fans may need to adjust their subscriptions to continue watching their favourite sports.
The exit opens opportunities for other players like Amazon and Disney to enter the market.
The change underscores the evolving landscape of sports media consumption.

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