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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William Goodge: Male model who's trying to break the record for running almost 4000km from Perth to Sydney is hit by bombshell cheating allegations

01/05/25 03:30

Ultrarunner and male model William Goodge's audacious attempt to become the fastest person to run 4000km across Australia has been overshadowed by ongoing cheating allegations....read

Grace Hayden: Aussie cricket legend's glamorous daughter gets huge career news that means she'll be seen by hundreds of millions of fans on TV
01/05/25 12:46
Grace Hayden, the daughter of cricket legend Matthew Hayden, is continuing to follow her father's footsteps into the sports TV industry as she lands her biggest gig yet.
Footy great Nick Riewoldt blasts AFL stars for 'taking the p**s' by using mental health as a cop-out
30/04/25 06:23
Saints legend Nick Riewoldt has taken aim at players for abusing the AFL's sensitivities about mental health, following reports about Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's future with the Bulldogs.
- 4 comments
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William Goodge: The world's fittest male model reveals the awful tragedy that is spurring him on as he tries to become the fastest human to run 4000km across Australia
30/04/25 03:32
William Goodge is captivating the world with his outrageous attempt to break the record for running thousands of kilometres across the outback from Perth to Sydney.
Footy legend Andrew Krakouer is mourned by teammates and loved ones after his tragic death aged just 42
30/04/25 01:17
Andrew Krakouer's sudden death from a suspected heart attack robbed the AFL of the man behind one of its most inspirational comebacks.
Shane Warne's son Jackson reveals the horrible mid-air incident that forced his flight to make an emergency landing
29/04/25 07:20
Shane Warne's son Jackson has opened up about his shocking recent flight to India that ended with the plane making an emergency landing.
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Supercars racer turned OnlyFans star Renee Gracie sensationally claims her opponent CHEATED and hit her with unprintable slurs during her train-wreck boxing debut
29/04/25 05:50
Supercars racer turned OnlyFans star Renee Gracie has spoken out about her nightmare boxing debut in which her opponent tried to kick, elbow and tackle her to the floor.
Revealed: How disgraced footy star Tarryn Thomas's world has been turned upside down after his behaviour with women cost him his AFL career
29/04/25 03:34
Once a rising star in the AFL, Tarryn Thomas's life has taken a dramatic turn since a series of misconduct breaches involving women cost him his professional career.
- 2 comments
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Sam Kerr's coach makes stunning admission about her horror knee injury more than a YEAR after Matildas superstar went down hurt
29/04/25 01:32
Fans of the Matildas and Chelsea have been desperate to get the news that Kerr is about to finally take to the field again - but now they've been left disappointed once again.
- 6 comments
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Indigenous star Adam Briggs slams 'pathetic' Melbourne Storm for cancelling Welcome to Country ceremony on Anzac Day
29/04/25 12:51
The Melbourne Storm have been accused of lying about the reason they cancelled the ceremony just before last Friday's match against Souths.
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Footy world in mourning as cult hero AFL star Peter Bosustow dies aged 67 after a long health battle - and one of his heartwarming final acts is revealed
28/04/25 02:32
The footy world is in mourning after the loss of Carlton premiership player Peter Bosustow, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 67.
Indigenous performers accuse the Melbourne Storm of LYING about the real reason the team cancelled Anzac Day Welcome to Country at the last minute
28/04/25 01:54
Indigenous performers who were meant to give the Welcome to Country ceremony before kick-off at the Melbourne vs Souths Anzac Day NRL match have hit out at the Storm.
- 75 comments
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Footy WAG posts shocking video as she's forced into a VERY unhygienic act while watching her husband play at the AFL's most famous ground
28/04/25 12:51
Alexandra Merrett, wife of Essendon Bombers captain Zach Merrett, was one of the more than 92,000 fans who packed into the MCG for the Anzac Day clash with Collingwood.
Rabbitohs great Nathan Merritt allegedly caught drink driving in Sydney at more than three times over the legal limit
27/04/25 06:04
South Sydney Rabbitohs legend Nathan Merritt spent the night locked up after allegedly being caught drink-driving in Sydney's inner west.
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Former UFC star admits to smuggling a kilo of cocaine through an airport for a Colombian cartel
27/04/25 03:57
Former UFC middleweight Ian Heinisch has opened up about a stunning chapter from his past, detailing his harrowing experience working as a drug mule for a Colombian cartel.
- 10 comments
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Anthony Seibold and Ivan Cleary make same criticism over issue that's 'ruining the NRL'
27/04/25 02:11
Anthony Seibold feels the NRL should consider reviewing its crackdown on illegal shots as rival coach Ivan Cleary agrees referees have over-corrected in their officiating of the game.
- 4 comments
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Meet the latest Australian who's set to take the NFL by storm after being drafted by Denver Broncos
27/04/25 12:49
Jeremy Crawshaw is set to join the ranks of Australian punters in the NFL after being drafted by the Denver Broncos.
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Athletics world impressed as Aussie Lachie Kennedy beats Olympic champion
27/04/25 12:07
Rising Australian sprint star Lachlan Kennedy has proven he's the real deal by finishing a creditable fifth in the 100m on his Diamond League debut in the Chinese city of Xiamen.
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Racing world in mourning after shock death of 'much-loved champion' Greg Sugars
26/04/25 11:06
In a shocking blow to the Australian harness racing community, celebrated trainer and driver Greg Sugars has passed away unexpectedly aged just 40.
- 1 comment
- 18 shares
Daredevil who was paralysed in motorbike stunt gone horribly wrong reveals how she found love again - and the crucial question she asked her man on their first date
24/04/25 05:53
Christina Vithoulkas lost the use of her legs in a horrific crash in 2018. Now she has completely rebuilt her life, discovered a new way to get an adrenaline rush - and found love.
- 4 comments
- 10 shares
Why footy's most glamorous couple Jaime Chapman and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be facing some VERY awkward moments after star recovered from breaking her spine
24/04/25 03:45
Jaime Chapman of the Gold Coast Titans and Dolphins speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow went public with their romance in December last year - and now it's about to be put to the test.
- 6 comments
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Aussie UFC star Tai Tuivasa reveals shocking weight gain that means he looks NOTHING like this anymore - as he gets high in the middle of an interview
24/04/25 01:51
Australian UFC heavyweight Tai 'Bam Bam' Tuivasa has left fans stunned with his very unvarnished account of how much weight he has stacked on living the good life after his last fight.
- 2 comments
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Boxing fans fear the worst for super-heavyweight cult hero Butterbean as alarming video of him back fighting at 58 emerges after he lost 15 STONE
23/04/25 06:51
American boxing icon Butterbean has sparked concern among fight fans after making an unlikely return to the ring at the age of 58 after losing an incredible 90kgs.
- 58 comments
- 73 shares
Swimming coach Michael Bohl: Why these innocent-looking photos have kicked off a firestorm in one of Australia's most loved sports
23/04/25 05:36
One of Australia's top coaches - who was a driving force behind some of the country's most successful athletes - has left the sport completely stunned with a controversial move.
- 1 comment
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Teen sprint sensation Gout Gout is floored by incredible career milestone just after he was 'sabotaged' in his last race
23/04/25 02:52
The 17-year-old has stunned athletics fans around the world by breaking the 10-second barrier for the 100m and 20 seconds for the 200m, only to have them ruled out due to the wind.
- 7 comments
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Fallen cricket great Michael Slater looks VERY different as he walks free after a year in jail - as his sentence for a string of domestic violence crimes leaves Aussies outraged
23/04/25 02:36
Former Australian Test cricketer Michael Slater has been released after spending more than a year behind bars - and many Aussies are crying foul.
- 12 comments
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Footy experts claim Richmond AFL club could have made Noah Balta's sentence for vicious assault WORSE with one controversial move
23/04/25 12:23
The recent sentencing of Richmond's Noah Balta has sparked debate, with prominent footy experts suggesting that the club's actions might have contributed to the severity of his punishment.
Mary Fowler reacts to team-mate's touching on-field gesture after the Matildas star suffered a brutal ACL injury
21/04/25 09:58
The prospect of Mary Fowler having Champions League football to inspire her on the long road to recovery have been virtually extinguished after City's draw vs Everton.
- 2 comments
- 26 shares
Tigers outcast Lachlan Galvin returns to footy in front of 500 fans for Western Suburbs
21/04/25 05:37
Wests Tigers outcast Lachlan Galvin has taken to the field on Sunday for Western Suburbs Magpies in the NSW Cup after being dumped by his team earlier in the week.
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Gout Gout stunned in Stawell Gift semi-final by South Australian school teacher John Evans
21/04/25 03:54
The much anticipated showdown between teenage sprinter Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy at the Stawell Gift will not take place after both athletes missed out on the final.
- 69 comments
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Warriors halfback hero Luke Metcalf catches eye of NBA superstar Damian Lillard
21/04/25 02:55
Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf landed a 50-metre penalty goal for an incredible 20-18 golden-point win over Brisbane - and also the attention of NBA megastar Damian Lillard.
Heartbreaking behind-the-scenes footage shows footy star's family dealing with devastating situation
21/04/25 01:58
Heartbreaking footage has emerged of Sam Darcy's family following a potentially season-ending injury to the Western Bulldogs star on Sunday.
Schoolboy sprint sensation Gout Gout cops brutal blow ahead of Stawell Gift
21/04/25 12:40
Schoolboy superstar Gout Gout Gout has been dealt a brutal blow as he looks to keep his Stawell Gift dream alive.
- 5 comments
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Bulldogs make call on return of troubled star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan following brutal Sam Darcy injury
21/04/25 12:08
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has spoken about how he intends to replace injured star Sam Darcy in the Western Bulldogs' forward-line.
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Teammates' emotional on-field act as Aussies Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr receive brutal blows
20/04/25 11:04
Australians Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr both received unwanted setbacks while sidelined over the weekend.
- 16 comments
- 71 shares
Furious footy coach Benji Marshall sticks up for the NRL's most controversial player - but the biggest star on the team slams the 19-year-old
17/04/25 05:17
Benji Marshall has fired back at claims Wests Tigers players have bullied five-eighth Lachlan Galvin, after teammates used social media to add to the pile-on facing the want-away teenager.
- 3 comments
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AFL coach Luke Beveridge drops bombshell about the future of troubled footy star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan after greats of the game called for him to be axed over wild social media videos
17/04/25 03:09
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's playing future is becoming even more clouded after footage of him partying surfaced amid his continued absence from the Western Bulldogs.
Footy legend Buddy Franklin shows off his very surprising sporting talent on his luxury Bali holiday
17/04/25 02:26
AFL icon Lance Buddy Franklin has delighted fans by proving his sporting prowess isn't strictly limited to footy as he, wife Jesinta and their kids vacationed at a luxury resort.
See the photo that should make Paul Gallen VERY worried after signing on to fight Sonny Bill Williams in the footy boxing clash Australia has been dying to see for years
17/04/25 01:06
After a more than a decade of intense rivalry, the heavyweight grudge clash between Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams is getting closer - but has the Sharks legend bitten off more than he can chew?
Dave Hughes goes ballistic over stunning snub dished out to Aussie F1 gun Oscar Piastri - and some high-profile local stars couldn't agree more
16/04/25 05:40
Australian comedian Dave Hughes was watching Piastri's brilliant run to victory at last weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix when he was left infuriated.
Tennis player Diego Dedura-Palomero risks offending Christians everywhere as he performs one of the sport's wildest and weirdest celebrations
16/04/25 02:58
Young German tennis player Diego Dedura-Palomero made his mark on tennis in more waqys than one way on Tuesday - and might have lost some fans while doing so.
Nadia Bartel reveals the two ridiculous things she was trolled over as she leaps to the defence of footy WAGs who were devastated by shocking comments about their appearance
16/04/25 01:56
Nadia Bartel has opened up about the 'disgusting' online abuse she received when she first started dating her ex-husband, Geelong Cats legend Jimmy.
Belle Brockhoff: Top Aussie athlete opens up about horror injury that almost left her in a wheelchair and saw her get nappy rash from wearing adult diapers
16/04/25 12:33
Belle Brockhoff came within a whisker of being paralysed in an accident that saw her rushed to another country in a private plane for extremely delicate emergency surgery.
Cricketer Will Pucovski goes from the worst day of his life to the best as he marries his sweetheart just days after 'frightening' health problems ruined his career
15/04/25 06:17
Former Australian batsman Will Pucovski has started a new chapter in his life, marrying his long-time partner, Emma, just days after announcing his shattering retirement from cricket.
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Hawthorn AFL coach Sam Mitchell reveals the old-school insult fans were screaming at him as they blamed him for a VERY un-Australian move
15/04/25 02:45
Sam Mitchell's Hawks were on top of the ladder before their drubbing at the hands of Port Adelaide on Sunday night - with the coach coming in for some special treatment from Power fans.
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Wests Tigers get revenge on Lachlan Galvin with stunning move - as year-old clue teen sensation was going to leave is revealed
15/04/25 01:16
The news that the 19-year-old refused a $5million deal from the club that graded him has set off a race for his signature, but the Tigers aren't taking the development lying down.
- 1 comment
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Port Adelaide publicly scolds star Willie Rioli over dynamite social media post about his family that kicked off a disgraceful racist backlash
15/04/25 12:28
Port Adelaide star Willie Rioli became the talk of the AFL after slamming Hawthorn's treatment of his family after the Power's emotional win during Gather Round.
- 5 comments
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Footy greats tell Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to put a sock in it after she waded into the AFL's crime controversy
14/04/25 06:50
AFL greats David King and Dane Swan have shut down Victorian premier Jacinta Allan for her recent remarks about Richmond player Noah Balta who is awaiting sentencing for an assault charge.
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Port Adelaide footy star Willie Rioli reveals his family is behind his hatred for rival club Hawthorn in stunning social media post
14/04/25 05:33
Port Adelaide star Willie Rioli has sparked controversy with a scathing Instagram post targeting Hawthorn, following a spiteful Gather Round clash at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
- 3 comments
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How Aussie UFC great Alex Volkanovski beat the 'curse of Drake' to reclaim his world title after superstar rapper's stunning megabucks move
14/04/25 03:03
Alexander Volkanovski regained the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title by beating Diego Lopes at UFC 314 - and he also shattered the infamous 'Drake curse'.
- 1 comment
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Footy WAG Chloe Pink hits back after being body shamed and reveals the ONE thing that has to happen for the abuse to stop
14/04/25 12:33
Chloe Pink, the new wife of AFL star Toby Pink, was dismayed by online trolls. Now she has pinpointed the crucial move that needs to be made to stamp out the shocking comments.
Aussie Alexander Volkanovski breaks curse and regains UFC title with stunning victory
13/04/25 05:44
Australian Alexander Volkanovski has regained the Ultimate Fighting Championship Featherweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Brazilian Diego Lopes.
- 5 comments
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Paul Gallen unleashes on 'fraud' Sonny Bill Williams ahead of Aussie superfight
13/04/25 04:49
The simmering rivalry between NRL legend Paul Gallen and cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams continues with Gallen labelling Williams a 'fraud'.
- 5 comments
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Australian cricketers caught in heated on-field clash during fiery IPL match
13/04/25 03:11
Tempers flared between Australian teammates Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis on Saturday night as Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a terrific run chase in the IPL.
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Johnathan Thurston breaks silence about confrontation with Spencer Leniu as another NRL star is revealed to have copped spray
13/04/25 01:05
NRL legend Jonathan Thurston has addressed a fiery confrontation with Sydney Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu that unfolded during and after Friday night's match at Suncorp.
- 3 comments
- 20 shares
Troubled footy star Taylan May puts NRL career on hold to deal with mental health issues after domestic violence drama
12/04/25 11:16
Troubled former Penrith Panthers star Taylan May has put his footy career on hold indefinitely so he can focus on his mental health, just weeks after being cleared to return to the NRL.
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Oscar Piastri roars to pole position at Bahrain Grand Prix as dejected teammate makes sad admission
12/04/25 10:32
Oscar Piastri has set a red-hot pace to grab pole at the Bahrain Grand Prix and could even be in a position to change the balance of power at his McLaren team in his 50th F1 start.
- 15 comments
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Footy WAG Chloe Pink reveals the disgraceful comments that left her in tears after her wedding to AFL star
10/04/25 03:42
Chloe Pink, wife of AFL star Toby Pink, has revealed the torrent of vile criticism she received about her weight and appearance after posting wedding photos to social media.
- 174 comments
- 228 shares
AFL club icon with Down syndrome who's been an Adelaide Crows staffer for more than a decade could lose his home due to shocking move
10/04/25 01:59
Adelaide Crows cult hero Jacob Milbank is at risk of losing the home he shares with seven housemates, with his father saying the situation has left him anxious and depressed.
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Footy star tells all about the monster drug addiction that left him 20 minutes from death - and how he was betrayed by his mate: 'I was taking my last breaths'
10/04/25 01:04
Former Newcastle Knights star Jarrod Mullen was touted as the successor to footy Immortal Andrew Johns before a drug test result ruined his career and saw him turn to cocaine.
- 3 comments
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Revealed: The explosive 10-word sledge that lit a fuse under the AFL's newest and most heated rivalry between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn
09/04/25 07:19
Hawthorn and Port Adelaide are set to face off in a highly anticipated grudge match this weekend that's been fuelled by a stinging sledge from Hawks skipper James Sicily.
If this weightlifter doesn't do the toughest and weirdest workout routine in the world, we'd like to know who does
09/04/25 04:24
Polish weightlifter Rafał Jaroszewski is taking the internet by storm with his downright bizarre workout routines, which are a million miles from the barbell lifts normally associated with the sport.
Eddie McGuire doesn't look like this anymore as footy fans are shocked by his TV make-up fail: 'He's like something out of Beetlejuice'
09/04/25 02:12
McGuire was appearing on Channel Nine's Gather Round show on Tuesday night ahead of the upcoming round in Adelaide - and footy fans did not like what they saw.
Aussie Olympic hero Cam McEvoy reveals his amazing pregnancy news - and why he worries about his wife's health as she carries their baby boy
09/04/25 12:06
Australian Olympic gold medallist Cam McEvoy and his wife, Madeline, have shared the heartwarming news that they are expecting their first child together.
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Footy star Stephen Crichton reveals one tackle gone wrong could leave him with a crippling health problem for the rest of his life
08/04/25 06:17
Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has opened up about the devastating impact of a tackle from last year that the superstar centre fears might trouble him for the rest of his life.
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Sad detail proves the cricket stars Michael Clarke used to call his mates have cut him out of their lives
08/04/25 04:15
More than a decade and a half since Michael Clarke's infamous dressing room bust-up with Simon Katich, the ramifications of the incident continue to echo through Aussie cricket circles.
- 23 comments
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Footy great slams AFL superstar Christian Petracca for daring to shed a tear after a devastating loss: 'Never do that on the field'
08/04/25 02:23
Former Hawthorn hero Jordan Lewis has sparked controversy and angered fans by criticising Christian Petracca's emotional response to the Demons' nightmare start to the 2025 AFL season.
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The world's most glamorous racing driver slams V8 Supercars for being boring and not doing enough to attract women: 'They need someone like me'
08/04/25 12:22
Australia's biggest motor sport category is on the nose and needs a major overhaul to compete with its rivals, according to one of the country's most recognisable stars.
- 36 comments
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Aussie cricket star Ashleigh Gardner who blasted the sport over one of the country's most sensitive issues marries the love of her life in stunning ceremony
07/04/25 06:05
Australian Indigenous all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has tied the knot with long-term partner Monica Wright, with fellow stars like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy in attendance.
- 9 comments
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Footy star Jack Higgins slams Aussie city with savage comment on live TV - as rival player tells him to 'bugger off' and state premier gets involved
07/04/25 03:06
St Kilda's Jack Higgins has done his best to become public enemy No.1 in the city - and the state premier wasn't taking his remarks lying down.
Shocking video proves Aussie F1 star Jack Doohan hid a huge secret after horror crash at the Japanese Grand Prix
07/04/25 01:29
Stunning footage has emerged of Aussie F1 star Jack Doohan after he finished 15th at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he had an extremely heavy crash in practice.
- 16 comments
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Aussie Olympics great Libby Trickett, 40, has her FIFTH baby after birth that pushed her body 'to its absolute limit' - as she reveals the mistake she's made with all her kids
07/04/25 12:16
Australian Olympic champion Libby Trickett has added another member to her bustling family - and the newborn baby has a very interesting name.
- 3 comments
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Paul Gallen agrees to Sonny Bill Williams' terms as Aussie superfight edges closer to reality: 'Called his bluff'
06/04/25 02:49
After years of anticipation, stalled negotiations and vicious barbs, a showdown between footy stars Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams is now closer than ever before.
- 4 comments
- 8 shares
One of Aussie sport's hottest power couples tie the knot after welcoming first baby last year
06/04/25 01:16
Aussie cricket sensation Matt Short and Olympic swimmer Madi Wilson have officially said 'I do', capping off an exciting couple of years for the athletes.
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How a notorious Underbelly gangster beat Aussie boxing legend Barry Michael so badly he thought he would die in vicious nightclub attack witnessed by Chopper Read
05/04/25 11:05
Boxing champion Barry Michael has opened up on a harrowing encounter in a Melbourne nightclub which left him with a career-ending injury at the hands of an infamous underworld figure.
Natasha Tszyu reveals emotional reason why she will not be attending sons' fights anymore
05/04/25 10:16
Natasha Tszyu has revealed that she will no longer attend any of her sons' fights - as Tim gears up to take on American Joey Spencer in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
- 4 comments
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Why this innocent-looking photo led Aussie fighter to claim one of the world's best boxers 'doesn't like white people'
03/04/25 03:46
Australian boxer Taylah Robertson has revealed a bizarre interaction she had with boxing champion Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, who has been world lightweight champion since 2023.
Medical expert reveals the 'dirty secret' that's forcing AFL stars to miss games and suffer breathing problems
03/04/25 01:00
A sport psychologist has shed light on a growing issue in the AFL, revealing that some players have had to sit out games due to a health problem that's hardly ever discussed openly.
- 1 comment
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Cage fighting event is cancelled over fears Aussie UFC star Suman Mokhtarian could be MURDERED by gangland crims
02/04/25 11:23
An upcoming mixed martial arts event has been abruptly cancelled following concerns from police that a former UFC fighter and coach might be targeted for a gangland hit.
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Troubled footy star Taylan May reveals the bizarre thing that has to happen before he will return to the NRL after being axed by his club - as he starts running Bible study classes
02/04/25 03:45
The chances of troubled former Penrith Panthers star Taylan May returning to the footy limelight appeared to take a nose dive when he wasn't connected to any clubs after a recent legal win.
- 1 comment
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Fixtures

Friday 10 April

West Ham