The State of Origin series hangs in the balance after a controversial Game 2 saw Queensland edge New South Wales 26-24 in a thriller that left Blues fans wondering what might have been. Goal kicking emerged as the critical difference, with New South Wales missing seven out of nine conversions across both games – leaving 14 potential points unconverted and proving the difference between victory and defeat.

Queensland's Cameron Munster led brilliantly as captain while Harry Grant redeemed himself after a poor showing in Game 1. The Maroons' aggressive first-half display built a commanding 24-6 lead before a spirited Blues comeback fell agonizingly short. Questions about refereeing decisions linger, particularly with an 8-0 penalty count and several missed calls that significantly impacted the contest.

Beyond Origin, Round 16 of the NRL delivered surprises galore – the Panthers defeated the Warriors in New Zealand without their Origin stars, the Knights continued their resurgence by defeating the Dolphins, and the Eels found form without their star halves. Perhaps most remarkable is the incredible tightness of the competition, with just four points separating 5th place from 16th with eleven rounds remaining. We break down each match while looking ahead to Round 17's fixtures.

We're also gearing up for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, analyzing their opening loss to Argentina and what it means for their chances down under. As we prepare to head west for their match against Western Force in Perth, we discuss expectations, key players, and what makes this once-every-twelve-year tour so special. Follow our journey across Australia as we attend six matches throughout the tour, bringing you analysis and behind-the-scenes content along the way!

Diving deep into the mid-season NRL team reviews, we hand out report cards for all 17 clubs and analyse what's going right and wrong across the competition.

• Performance of the week goes to Kieran Foran and Jayden Campbell for shutting down Manly's attack through defensive pressure
• Jack Bostock earns recognition for his four-try performance for the Dolphins
• Manly's struggles continue with questionable decisions to play injured Tom Trbojevic
• The Titans parked the bus effectively against Manly, exposing their one-dimensional attack
• Dolphins continue their scoring rampage with 158 points in three games
• Bulldogs defeat Rabbitohs in a lightning-interrupted match
• Mid-season grades: A+ for Warriors and Raiders who've exceeded all expectations
• Panthers receive an F
• Train etiquette in Australia compared to London becomes our "whinge of the week"
• Round 16 predictions focus on how Origin players will back up from Perth

Join us next week as we recap State of Origin and analyse how teams adjust during the representative period.

BONUS Origin 2 Preview! With this weeks full episode being released on Thursday, we break down the upcoming State of Origin Game 2 match in Perth, exploring team changes, tactical decisions, and our predictions for what promises to be a crucial encounter.

Can't wait to see if our predictions hold true or if we end up with egg on our faces after Origin 2!

We discuss the major shifts in the Queensland Maroons team with Daly Cherry-Evans dropped ahead of Origin Game 2 and analyze whether Billy Slater is making the right call with five player changes.

• The importance of mental health awareness during Men's Mental Health Month
• Reece Walsh returns for the Broncos, showing brilliant attack but still raising defensive questions
• The Dolphins emerge as potential dark horses after scoring 100 points in just two games
• Three teams pulling away from the pack: Raiders, Bulldogs, and Warriors establishing themselves as the real deal
• Adam O'Brien's controversial comments about Newcastle fans after their victory over Manly
• Manly's second-half collapse against Newcastle and the tactical failures that led to their defeat
• Predictions for a reduced Round 15 schedule with several teams missing Origin players
• Lachie Galvin's immediate impact at the Bulldogs after his mid-season switch from the Tigers

If you're struggling with mental health issues, remember you're not alone. Reach out to friends, family, or professional services like ruok.org.au - it's important to speak up before things get too severe.

A rejuvenated Manly Sea Eagles team delivered a stunning 34-6 victory over the Brisbane Broncos, sparking debate about whether they've finally found their groove or if this is just another false dawn. The hosts share their firsthand experience of this match, recounting a heated exchange with Broncos supporters that highlights the ongoing question of whether away fans should be segregated at NRL fixtures.

State of Origin talk dominates the middle segment as Chris and Ben break down New South Wales' dominant performance in the series opener. Stephen Crichton earns particular praise for completely nullifying Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, while Spencer Leniu's impact and physicality suggest he'll be targeted in Game 2. The conversation shifts to Lachlan Galvin's signing with the Bulldogs and what this means for both clubs moving forward.

The biggest revelation comes in their discussion of the Canberra Raiders, who continue to defy pre-season expectations. After defeating the Roosters 26-24 without halfback Jamal Fogarty, the hosts make a compelling case that the Raiders might just be the best team in the competition right now. Their physical presence, depth, and ability to win close games has established them as legitimate premiership contenders.

Round 14 predictions follow, with particular focus on Thursday's Knights vs Manly clash that both hosts will be attending. The episode wraps with cricket talk as tickets for the Sydney Ashes Test are secured, plus quick discussions on Joe Root's masterclass against the West Indies and Max Verstappen's controversial F1 moment. Subscribe for weekly NRL analysis that cuts through the noise with genuine fan perspective.

What happens when you combine some of Australia's favourite beers with its greatest sporting rivalry? We're diving headfirst into Origin week with our ultimate State of Origin Beer Teams!

Like any good selectors, we've carefully chosen our starting 13s for both New South Wales and Queensland, matching iconic brews to rugby league positions based on their characteristics, strength, and playing style. From Stone and Wood's versatile fullback qualities to Tooheys New directing traffic like a veteran halfback, we've created the perfect lineup for the Blues. Meanwhile, Queensland counters with XXXX Gold at the back and the monstrous 9.5% Felons Imperial Stout leading the forward pack.

The selections sparked fascinating debates about which state would triumph in this hypothetical beer showdown. Would Queensland's heavier forward pack (most weighing in above 5%) overpower the more balanced NSW team? Or would the Blues' versatility and combination play win the day? Just like real Origin, the margins are razor-thin, though we're predicting a narrow Queensland series victory - much to our chagrin as NSW supporters.

Beyond our beer-fueled fantasy draft, we break down the actual Origin matchups taking place this week, with both men's and women's games promising high-stakes action. We also dissect last weekend's NRL round, where underdogs reigned supreme across the board, and provide our tips for the upcoming fixtures.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or a die-hard league fan, this unique crossover episode delivers plenty of laughs while showcasing our passion for both brewing and rugby. So grab your favorite tinnie and join us for a different kind of Origin analysis that celebrates the best of both states!

The landscape of the NRL shifts dramatically as Origin selections reshape team rosters and the countdown to State of Origin begins. This episode dives deep into the aftermath of Round 11's most compelling storylines, from the Bulldogs cementing their status as the comeback kings to the Storm's troubling away form.

Recapping our weekend adventure at the newly opened Chalkies bar in Brookvale watching Manly defeat North Queensland, we explore why certain venues enhance the live sports viewing experience before analyzing the standout performances across the round. Clint Gutherson's 233-meter masterclass for the Eels and Koloamatangi's monster 80-minute prop performance lead our performance highlights, while the Knights' continued struggles earn them the dubious "flop of the round" designation.

The Origin team selections provoke passionate discussion about selection philosophies, with Robert Toia's Queensland selection after just ten NRL appearances raising eyebrows. We examine how both teams have balanced experience with form and the potential impact of key matchups, particularly Latrell Mitchell facing off against the rookie Queenslander.

Several fascinating patterns emerge from our game-by-game breakdown: the Bulldogs' remarkable second-half revival abilities under Stephen Crichton's leadership; the Broncos' troubling habit of surrendering early leads; and Melbourne's stark home/away performance disparity that threatens their premiership credentials. We also celebrate Xavier Coates' gravity-defying acrobatics that produced what may be the try of the season.

Looking ahead to Round 12, we provide detailed predictions for each fixture, considering the significant impact of Origin selections on team strength. Will depleted rosters create opportunities for upset victories, and which teams are best positioned to weather the Origin period? Find out as we analyze every matchup while offering our betting tips for the weekend's action.

The week of the comeback sees some extraordinary NRL performances as teams defy halftime deficits to claim dramatic victories. We break down the most impressive individual displays and what they mean for Origin selection.

• Stephen Crichton makes a compelling case for Origin captaincy with his dominant second-half performance against the Raiders
• Latrell Mitchell's 47-meter field goal in wet conditions delivers victory for the Rabbitohs against the Broncos
• Panthers and Cowboys play out a 30-30 draw that exposes Penrith's defensive weaknesses
• Melbourne Storm demolish Wests Tigers 64-0, raising questions about resilience and mercy rules
• Gold Coast Titans complete the biggest comeback in their NRL history against the Newcastle Knights
• Round 11 predictions include several tight contests that could influence ladder positions
• We reveal our full NSW Origin selections based on current form, not reputation
• Controversial omissions from our Origin teams include Tom Trbojevic and Jake Trbojevic

Join us next week as we analyse the fallout from Round 11 and react to the official Origin team announcements.