James Cooney, Senior Sport Reporter, Australia

James Cooney is an Australian journalist and the former editor of Empire Magazine Australasia, UFC Magazine Australia and Football Plus. He has written for a number of publications and has a passion for all sports - particularly boxing, MMA and football. He has a Communications degree from the University of Western Sydney and is the most recent addition to the Daily Mail Australia Sport team.

Coverage: Sport

MOST RECENT ARTICLES FROM JAMES COONEY

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Aussie horse racing caller Darren Flindell reveals how he got caught up in Iran's missile attack on a US military base as he shares shocking video

24/06/25 04:23

Renowned Sydney racecaller Darren Flindell has found himself caught up in Iran's missile attack on a US military base in Qatar as the conflict with Israel and the US rolls on....read

Footy legend James Hird opens up about shock career move that was rumoured to have played a role in his marriage split
24/06/25 02:10
Essendon great James Hird had been tied to chasing coaching jobs in the AFL - but last year he decided to strike out in a very different direction.
- 1 comment
- 47 shares
AFL star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan claims his ute was stolen in startling social media post - but cops know nothing about it
24/06/25 01:05
Troubled Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has faced problem after problem in his hellish season - and now he appears to have a new one on his plate.
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Aussie cricket stars hit back after their former teammate accused them of GREED for putting their careers ahead of the team
23/06/25 06:44
Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have hit back at former teammate Mitchell Johnson's scathing remarks about them in a recent newspaper column.
- 9 comments
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Footy heartthrob Reece Walsh FINALLY reveals what's going on with his love life in heartwarming interview
23/06/25 05:08
Brisbane superstar Reece Walsh split with his ex Freda Puru in 2023 and hasn't opened up about whether or not he's single - until now.
Boxer Jin Sasaki loses SIX WEEKS of memories after being knocked out in world title fight
23/06/25 02:52
Japanese boxer Jin Sasaki suffered worrying symptoms after a monster left hook ended his tilt at the WBO welterweight world crown.
- 3 comments
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Tony Jones is DROPPED for Channel Nine's Wimbledon coverage after offending Novak Djokovic with wild comments at the Australian Open
23/06/25 12:19
Jones has become famous for his off-putting humour while covering sporting events, with his 'kick him out' remark about Djokovic creating headlines back in January.
- 32 comments
- 16 shares
Aussie Olympic legend Leisel Jones breaks down in tears while opening up about suicide moment
22/06/25 06:02
A three-time Olympic gold medal winner became emotional while opening up about her mental health battle and how 14 years ago she almost took her own life.
- 13 comments
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Australian swimming legend Michael Klim opens up on devastating battle with rare autoimmune disorder and symptoms he wishes he hadn't ignored
22/06/25 02:18
Michael Klim has revealed details about his five-year battle with a rare autoimmune disorder which left him unable to walk - and the symptoms he wishes he took more seriously.
- 32 comments
- 88 shares
Controversial footy star Ezra Mam opens up on hitting rock bottom and the regret that he thinks about every day
22/06/25 01:19
Brisbane superstar Ezra Mam has opened up about his infamous drug-fueled car crash, hitting rock bottom and his journey back to the NRL.
- 5 comments
- 121 shares
Watch the bizarre moment a seagull is KO'd during footy match: 'One in a million shot'
21/06/25 11:44
In a bizarre moment during an Aussie Rules match in Victoria, an unlucky seagull became an unexpected casualty when it was hit by a ball, leaving players and footy fans stunned.
- 10 comments
- 13 shares
Troubled footy star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan opens up on mental health struggles in harrowing detail: 'I hit rock bottom and found basement'
21/06/25 10:27
Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has revealed that he 'frequently' contemplated taking his own life, as he opened up about his mental health struggles in a harrowing discussion.
- 2 comments
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Simple photos sum up why eight million people are FURIOUS about State of Origin
19/06/25 02:27
The NSW Blues came tantalisingly close to pulling off their biggest Origin comeback ever in Perth on Wednesday night - but the close loss wasn't the only thing that left a sour taste in fans' mouths.
- 21 comments
- 28 shares
Can you spot the tiny jersey detail that reveals what REALLY sparked Queensland's incredible Origin win?
19/06/25 01:07
Queensland's chances of saving the series in Perth on Wednesday night had been written off by many experts - but they pulled out an underdog win for the ages thanks to some clever motivation.
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Footy fans lash out as the NRL makes a shock move over one of Origin's most controversial moments
18/06/25 11:47
Jarome Luai is public enemy No.1 in Queensland after he was caught on camera in an act many fans felt should have attracted a long suspension.
- 12 comments
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Cult hero footy great Paul 'Fatty' Vautin reveals the sad reason he'll never call matches for Channel Nine again
18/06/25 06:27
NRL icon Paul 'Fatty' Vautin has revealed the sad reason why he doesn't miss calling rugby league matches ahead of State of Origin Game 2 in Perth.
- 2 comments
- 176 shares
Carrie Bickmore hails footy star Scott Selwood's incredible sacrifice just after losing a second brother in 'the most horrific personal circumstances'
18/06/25 03:17
Aussie radio presenter Carrie Bickmore has paid tribute to Scott Selwood after the former footy star completed an incredible act for charity just weeks after the death of his brother Adam.
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North Melbourne AFL team's greatest players refuse to show up to 50th anniversary grand final celebration over one tiny detail
18/06/25 02:51
A group of North Melbourne Football Club legends have turned down the team's invites to mark one of the biggest wins in the Kangaroos' history.
- 6 comments
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Andrew Johns reveals he was on the verge of a startling partnership with Shane Warne just before the spin king's tragic death
17/06/25 11:54
Footy great Andrew Johns has revealed that he was planning a big project with Warne after being left star-struck when he met the sheik of tweak.
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Woman secretly enters her husband in a marathon after he bragged he could run one with NO preparation - and what happened next will blow your mind
17/06/25 07:38
Logan Godspeed's wife Maisie thought it would be funny to see him put his money where his mouth is after he boasted about completing the gruelling event without training.
See the shocking photos that led to top greyhound trainer being charged with a staggering 26 alleged offences
17/06/25 06:42
South Australian trainer Jack Trengrove faces a possible five-year ban from the sport and a heavy fine if found guilty.
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Sam Kerr's fiancee Kristie Mewis posts revealing update after hitting a post-pregnancy milestone
17/06/25 01:33
US football star Kristie Mewis had fans in stitches after posting about reaching a post-pregnancy fitness milestone, just weeks after welcoming her son Jagger.
- 5 comments
- 3 shares
AFL team gets busted putting 'MUG SHOTS' of umpires on the walls of their dressing rooms before games
16/06/25 11:28
The Fremantle Dockers have caused a stir after footage from the team's dressing room on Saturday showed photos of the four umpires officiating their match posted up on the wall.
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Footy legend Gorden Tallis calls NRL great turned media star Aaron Woods a COWARD over his one-word insult to Queensland Origin coach Billy Slater
16/06/25 06:54
Queensland rugby league legend Gorden Tallis never took a backwards step on the field - and now he's showing his trademark aggression off the park with a blistering takedown of Aaron Woods.
- 11 comments
- 208 shares
Footy commentator Yvonne Sampson's baby joy is revealed - and it means big changes for some familiar faces on TV
16/06/25 05:43
Fox Sports presenter Yvonne Sampson and her former Channel Nine star husband Chris O'Keefe pulled out all stops to keep the big news a secret - until now.
- 5 comments
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AFL WAG Chloe Pink hits back at trolls' disgraceful comments on her appearance just months after they tried to ruin her wedding
16/06/25 03:44
Chloe Pink has once again refused to take the abuse sitting down after her heartwarming TikTok video recently saw her cop despicable abuse online - and she's found plenty of support.
Footy star Cameron Munster reveals the staggering amount of money he lost over one split-second moment with a bag of white powder
16/06/25 01:20
NRL superstar Cameron Munster has turned his life around in a big way since a video of him with a bag of white powder surfaced in 2021.
- 8 comments
- 11 shares
Oscar Piastri makes stunning statement after his teammate almost ruined his Canadian Grand Prix with crash that has the F1 world up in arms
15/06/25 11:20
Oscar Piastri was just inches from disaster when Lando Norris's self-confessed stupid mistake saw him crash into the Aussie in the closing stages of the race in Montreal.
- 37 comments
- 8 shares
Gutsy George Kambosos battered in one-sided world title bout as Richardson Hitchins KOs Aussie
15/06/25 04:37
George Kambosos Jr's distinguished career may be over following a comprehensive world-title loss in New York to classy American Richardson Hitchins.
- 4 comments
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Scott Selwood runs solo marathon for charity to continue legacy of late brother Adam
15/06/25 01:45
Former AFL star Scott Selwood completed a grueling solo marathon in Melbourne on Saturday to continue the legacy of his late brother, Adam.
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Police charge man for sending alleged death threats to Knights player James Schiller
15/06/25 12:24
A 20-year-old man has been charged by NSW police for allegedly sending death threats and abusive messages to Newcastle star James Schiller after last week's match.
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NRL faces pressure to address Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu's $30,000 refusal ahead of Origin
14/06/25 11:40
The NRL is facing mounting pressure to demand that footy stars Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu end their media blackout ahead of Origin 2 in Perth.
- 10 comments
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Australians accused of sledge as South Africa claim historic World Test Championship
14/06/25 10:17
Triumphant South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has disclosed that an Aussie player used a dreaded sledge during the World Test Championship final.
- 34 comments
- 14 shares
Footy star Changkuoth Jiath reveals he would have either died or became a child soldier if it wasn't for his parents
12/06/25 06:26
Hawthorn defender Changkuoth Jiath has opened up about his turbulent childhood in Africa - and the fate that awaited him if he'd never made it down under.
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See why KFC has been slammed for holding an 'impossible' fan challenge at a footy match
12/06/25 06:02
KFC is under fire from fired-up footy fans who've labelled one of its recent 'Catch the Colonel' challenges 'impossible' after seeing it during a Super Rugby match.
Revealed: How footy star Wes Maas made his $800million fortune - and volunteered to spend big bucks to help NSW win State of Origin
12/06/25 03:32
Back in 2002, Wes Maas was forced out of the NRL through injury after playing for Souths and Parramatta - and now the 45-year-old runs a company worth $1.5billion.
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Wayne Carey opens up about his 'street fight' drama as he and Sam Newman blame 'activists' for barring them from footy event
12/06/25 01:13
Carey and Newman wanted to clear the air about two recent controversies on the latest instalment of their podcast - and they had some choice words for Daily Mail Australia.
- 3 comments
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Karl Stefanovic will run NUDE on Bondi Beach if he loses sensational bet with footy great
11/06/25 05:32
Fans of the Today show could soon end up seeing host Karl Stefanovic like they've never seen him before if he's on the losing end of his wager with NRL star Aaron Woods.
- 2 comments
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Footy star Lewis Brown relives the shattering moment he found out his dad had taken his own life - then learned his grandfather and great grandfather had died the same way
11/06/25 03:04
Lewis Brown found it hard to face the devastating truth about his family for decades - until he turned a corner and used the tragedies to start a new chapter in his life.
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Today's Karl Stefanovic and Sara Abo claim there's a BIG problem with the Socceroos' World Cup win
11/06/25 12:17
The Socceroos have officially qualified for a sixth consecutive World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia in a come-from-behind win in Jeddah in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
- 2 comments
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Footy heartthrob Nicho Hynes' partner reveals intimate photos from their romance - as one pic leaves NRL fans absolutely STUNNED
10/06/25 07:26
Nicho Hynes' partner Piper Wallis has marked the couple's one-year anniversary with a romantic display on social media.
- 2 comments
- 14 shares
Footy great Aaron Woods slams Billy Slater over the biggest scandal of his career as he brands the NRL's golden child a 'grub'
10/06/25 05:54
Former NSW star Aaron Woods has taken aim at Queensland coach Billy Slater, branding him a 'grub' and slamming him over a 'pi** poor' State of Origin move.
New footage makes stunning clash between AFL teammates even WORSE as star reveals what really happened
10/06/25 02:49
Melbourne Demons fans who were left shocked by the feisty and physical argument between skipper Max Gawn and Steven May now have something new to worry about.
Pat Cummins exposes Jeremy Clarkson's wild act at 10am after revealing chat with host on his hit farm TV show
10/06/25 01:33
Pat Cummins joined a very select group of sports stars when he was invited to appear on the hit Clarkson's Farm show just ahead of the World Test Championship.
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Horse racing community rocked by tragic sudden passing of trainer Robbie Laing
08/06/25 05:31
The racing community has been rocked by the sudden death of Group 1-winning trainer Robbie Laing, who passed away in his sleep overnight.
- 13 comments
- 119 shares
Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans set to be axed for State of Origin Game 2
08/06/25 04:06
Daly Cherry-Evans is set to become the first State of Origin captain dropped midway through a series this century, with Tom Dearden to take over as Queensland halfback.
- 2 comments
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Aussie tennis star Daria Kasatkina announces engagement to partner Natalia Zabiiako after whirlwind three months
08/06/25 02:29
Aussie tennis star Daria Kasatkina has capped off an exciting few months by getting engaged to her long-term partner, former Olympic skater Natalia Zabiiako.
- 14 comments
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AFL superstar Bailey Smith has secret meeting with AFL boss and football officials
08/06/25 01:39
Bailey Smith reportedly met with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, league top brass and Cats officials for a 'secret meeting' on Thursday night following the player's recent indiscretions.
- 9 comments
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Mitchell Starc makes emotional career call after Aussie cricketer's tough decision with wife
08/06/25 12:21
Aussie pace bowler Mitchell Starc has made the difficult decision not to return to India for the resumption of the IPL after recently escaping the region with his wife Alyssa Healy.
- 19 comments
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Footy fans react to VERY different Broncos jersey - as Brisbane blow Titans away
07/06/25 11:11
Brisbane were dressed like the All Blacks and played like them at stages to break a four-game losing streak in a 44-14 win over Gold Coast.
- 6 comments
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AFL legend Damian Monkhorst reveals how he predicted his own heart attack months in advance
07/06/25 11:03
Damian Monkhorst has opened up about his recent heart attack, revealing how he predicted the coronary event to his partner several months beforehand.
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Footy star turned reality TV bachelor and TikTok sensation reveals he was too embarrassed to tell his teammates about his secret obsession
05/06/25 03:35
Former NRL star Luke Bateman moved from the footy field to the world of reality TV before gaining a huge following on social media.
Furious Aussie boxing legend Jeff Fenech storms out of his house in his underwear and tells his wife to call the cops
05/06/25 02:02
You'd have to be brave or stupid to antagonise the multiple world champion at his home - but that's exactly what some Sydneysiders did recently, and they got more than they bargained for.
Famously tough footy star Joe Tapine breaks down in tears as he recalls growing up with dad who was in feared Black Power gang
05/06/25 12:59
Raiders hardman Joseph Tapine was overcome with emotion after recalling his sometimes challenging upbringing with a father who was in one of New Zealand's most notorious gangs.
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov who refused to shake female commentator's hand on live TV is accused of blacklisting fighter because he thinks he's gay
04/06/25 07:33
A Spanish fighter and YouTuber has claimed that UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov will never train with him again because of a bad assumption about his sexuality.
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Matildas supporter slams fan for hitting star Kyra Cooney-Cross with 'entitled' act in front of her kids
04/06/25 06:20
A passionate Matildas supporter has been left fuming after the 'entitled' behaviour of another fan following the national team's 4-1 victory over Argentina in Canberra on Monday night.
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AFL umpires could take legal action against Channel Seven stars over one of the most controversial incidents of the season
04/06/25 12:29
The AFL is facing fresh turmoil with the umpires at the centre of the Lachie Schultz concussion incident considering legal action against Kane Cornes, Dale Thomas and Luke Hodge.
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Australia's best boxer reveals what would happen if he got in the ring with influencer turned 'fighter' Jake Paul
03/06/25 06:46
Aussie cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia is defending his world title this weekend - but he's also given some thought to a fight with Jake Paul that would make him a very rich man.
- 4 comments
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Young footy player Malaki Moreton-is airlifted to hospital with a serious spinal injury after horror incident during game
03/06/25 03:13
A promising young footballer from the NSW south coast has been rushed to hospital after suffering a horror spinal injury during a rugby league match over the weekend.
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NRL star Angus Crichton cracks up Channel Nine's footy show panel by taking a VERY cheeky stab at the most feared man in the game Phil Gould
03/06/25 02:26
Most people in the NRL are very reluctant to have a go at Nine star and Bulldogs boss Phil Gould - but not Roosters hard man Angus Crichton.
Footy legend Nick Riewoldt slams the AFL for being TOO WOKE to take action over the most powerful woman in the game
03/06/25 12:26
Footy legend Nick Riewoldt has taken aim at the AFL for being too busy with its 'social justice warrior' initiatives to make a huge change at the top of the game.
- 16 comments
- 12 shares
Famous AFL fan reveals why he RELUCTANTLY got rid of his 'good luck' swastika tattoo
02/06/25 07:12
One of the AFL's most hardcore and flamboyant fans has become famous for his elaborate face painting - but now he's lashed out over another body decoration.
- 5 comments
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Glamorous racing driver Renee Gracie reveals why she'll NEVER speak to a competitor again: 'I took it very, very personally'
02/06/25 05:08
Renee Gracie has opened up about the chaotic sporting event that has left her waiting for an apology about the ugly affair.
- 30 comments
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Revealed: The unique meaning behind two tiny details on footy heartthrob Bailey Smith's uniform
02/06/25 01:37
Geelong star Bailey Smith has been one of the best players in the AFL this season after his bombshell switch from the Bulldogs - and he's opened up about the blink-and-you'll-miss-it way he motivates himself.
- 2 comments
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Footy great James Maloney's 14-year-old son gives his parents another massive scare after setting off police hunt when he went missing
02/06/25 12:18
NRL premiership winner James Maloney and his wife Jess endured another scary moment with their son Kade, who went missing on the NSW central coast in December last year.
- 2 comments
- 21 shares
Police stand firm on show of force at soccer final after flares thrown at cops ahead of A-League's clash
01/06/25 05:05
Police are making no apologies for a heavy handed approach around the A-League grand final, after one officer was hospitalised and flares were thrown at the crowd and police.
- 2 comments
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Aussie actor Matt Nable will take plunge to honour brother after heartbreaking family tragedy: 'I won't ever be the same'
01/06/25 04:16
Footy star turned Hollywood actor Matt Nable has decided to take the plunge in 'The Big Freeze' to honour his brother Aaron who passed away from MND just over a year ago.
- 2 comments
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Anthony Mundine makes heart-warming return to rugby league after 25-year absence
01/06/25 03:10
NRL star turned champion boxer Anthony Mundine has attended his first official rugby league function in 25 years, after wanting nothing to do with the sport following his retirement in 2000.
- 7 comments
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Tim Tszyu will fight for world title against Sebastian Fundora on Pacquiao card: 'We throw down'
01/06/25 01:27
Tim Tszyu will earn his shot at redemption in a world title rematch with Sebastian Fundora on a blockbuster card in Las Vegas featuring some of boxing's biggest names.
- 2 comments
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Oscar Piastri claims pole at the Spanish Grand Prix despite 'cheeky' move by McLaren teammate
01/06/25 12:47
Aussie Oscar Piastri delivered a stunning performance to claim pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix, edging out teammate Lando Norris in a dramatic qualifying session.
- 23 comments
- 36 shares
Sprint sensation Lachlan Kennedy breaks 100m 10-second barrier with blistering run
31/05/25 11:57
Aussie sprint sensation Lachlan Kennedy etched his name in the history books after becoming only the second Australian to run under the 10 second mark in a 100m race.
- 5 comments
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Footy's biggest recluse Adam Goodes makes return to SCG for the Sydney Swans' 20-year AFL premiership reunion
31/05/25 10:22
AFL legend Adam Goodes made a triumphant return to the SCG on Saturday night as the Swans celebrated their 2005 premiership victory.
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Footy star reveals his teammate's disgusting habit with his underpants and a common piece of kitchen equipment
29/05/25 04:02
Greater Western Sydney Giants skipper Toby Greene has revealed the downright stomach-turning habit his teammate Tom Green has when he's staying in a hotel room.
Footy and reality TV star Luke Bateman built up a huge TikTok following with Aussie women - then they turned on him over one video
29/05/25 02:13
Luke Bateman went from Canberra Raiders NRL star to appearing on TV's The Bachelor, to finding new fame through TikTok - but his recent news that he's achieved a childhood dream has backfired.
See the heartwarming moment State of Origin star Brian To'o's baby son sticks up for him when he's 'bullied' by his teammates
29/05/25 12:44
Brian To'o was left obviously hurt after helping NSW to a dominant victory over Queensland on Wednesday night - and his son played bodyguard for him in the sheds after the match.
Footy club makes urgent appeal after horror facial injury that has left player in dire straits six weeks after he was hospitalised
28/05/25 06:06
A Melbourne footy club is rallying behind a beloved player after he suffered a devastating injury during a match that has required reconstructive surgery.
- 1 comment
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AFL umpire Troy Pannell comes up with a BIZARRE reason for setting off manhunt over accusations he masterminded an $8.7million scam
28/05/25 02:45
Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell courted controversy on the field during his 219 first-grade games as a match official. Now he's found controversy off it, as well.
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Channel Nine footy show stars Phil Gould and Michael Chammas have off-camera blow-up after fiery clash on live TV
28/05/25 02:17
Bulldogs boss and Nine star Phil Gould got the footy world talking with his stunning about-face on the future of Lachlan Galvin on Monday night as he was challenged by another panel member.
- 21 comments
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Police catch footy star Aaron James after statewide manhunt when he went on the run over alleged drugs and theft offences
28/05/25 12:53
Former AFL star Aaron James has been arrested over alleged drug and theft charges after his failure to appear in court sparked a police manhunt across Victoria.
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Footy firebrand Kane Cornes defends himself over 'ridiculous' report on fiery Luke Beveridge exchange
27/05/25 06:26
Polarising Channel Seven footy commentator Kane Cornes has called out Fox Footy for a report it did on his fiery exchange with Luke Beveridge last Thursday night in Geelong.
- 1 comment
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Fixtures

Friday 10 April

West Ham