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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NRL investigating Roosters powerbrokers Nick Politis, Mark Bouris over Las Vegas incident

09/03/25 03:48

Roosters boss Nick Politis is reportedly being investigated by the NRL integrity unit about an incident that took place in Las Vegas last weekend....read

NRL star Kurt Mann reveals gruesome black eye following ugly 'clip' during Bulldogs' win
09/03/25 03:53
Canterbury player Kurt Mann has shared a photo of the shocking aftermath of a 'clip' to his head during the Bulldogs' win over the Dragons on Saturday.
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AFL star Jeremy Howe welcomes baby boy ahead of footy season opener against GWS
09/03/25 01:08
Collingwood veteran Jeremy Howe and his wife Kahlia have welcomed their second child into the world just 24 hours before the Magpies' season opener against GWS on Sunday.
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South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett refuses live TV handshake with NRL legend Brad Fittler: 'That's brutal'
09/03/25 12:25
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has continued his ongoing feud with footy legend Brad Fittler by refusing a fist-bump on live television before his side's clash with the Dolphins.
Heartbroken Michelle Payne breaks her silence after death of sister Bernadette
08/03/25 11:02
Melbourne-Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne has spoken out after the tragic death of her sister Bernadette, who passed away at the age of 51 last week.
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Glamorous racing driver reveals the mind-boggling money she has earned after making an OnlyFans page: 'The best decision I ever made'
08/03/25 10:01
Former Supercars driver Renee Gracie has revealed that her bombshell move to ditch the sport and become a full-time glamour model on OnlyFans is the best decision she ever made.
Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne opens up on footy comeback after being acquitted of rape charges: 'I want to play in front of my kids'
08/03/25 09:51
Two-time Dally M winner Jarryd Hayne has set himself the goal of playing Test football for Fiji at the end of the season following a seven-year hiatus from rugby league.
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Hero dad reveals a footy star was his inspiration when he smashed man who allegedly attacked a woman in front of her daughter - as David Koch rewards his bravery
06/03/25 05:07
The humble father-of-two who became a hero after he and other bystanders stepped in to stop a man who allegedly assaulted a woman has revealed that his inspiration was an AFL icon.
Footy show The Front Bar is caught out making a mistake that could leave Channel Seven bosses furious
06/03/25 01:46
Popular footy show The Front Bar returned for a new season of laughs on Wednesday night with comedians Sam Pang and Mick Molloy interviewing Brisbane Lions great Simon Black.
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Cyclone Alfred causes MORE major sporting events to be abandoned as footy plans are thrown into chaos
06/03/25 12:13
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has had a huge impact on the scheduling of the opening rounds for the AFL and NRL - but they're not the only sports to be hit hard by the looming disaster.
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See the stunning detail you missed about Steve Smith's shock cricket retirement
05/03/25 11:35
The 35-year-old batting maestro dropped the bombshell about his future on Wednesday, revealing that he's stepping aside to give the next generation of Australian stars a chance to shine.
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See the bizarre moment a TV sports presenter repeatedly snorts a mystery substance during a break in filming
05/03/25 02:05
A viral video has captured the moment an Austrian sports presenter appears to repeatedly snort a powder an assistant placed on his wrist during a break in the broadcast.
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Jamarra Ugle-Hagan: Shocking dressing room drama comes to light as teammates' worries for troubled footy star are revealed
05/03/25 12:20
Western Bulldogs AFL star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was touted as one of footy's brightest young stars when he was the No.1 pick in the 2020 draft - but now there are big concerns over his career.
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Shane Warne's son Jackson chooses a VERY different way of marking his father's death three years on from the tragedy that rocked cricket
04/03/25 05:39
Shane Warne's son Jackson has commemorated his dad in a very different way to his sister Brooke, as he marked the third anniversary of the Spin King's shock death.
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Glamorous tennis WAG reveals her year from hell as she gets electrocuted, has a shocking experience on drugs and almost gets kidnapped
04/03/25 02:54
There's no doubt at all that the last 12 months has been an annus horribilis for 'the most famous woman in men's tennis', Morgan Riddle.
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The AFL makes a shock move over scandal surrounding coach Damien Hardwick's girlfriend
04/03/25 12:40
AFL clubs were reportedly very unhappy with the Gold Coast Suns' decision regarding Hardwick's girlfriend Alexandra Crow - and now the league has stepped in.
- 2 comments
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Richard Agar: NRL coach breaks his silence after he allegedly grabbed a reporter by the throat in Las Vegas - as pair's feud is revealed
03/03/25 11:56
New Zealand Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar has spoken out after being accused of 'grabbing the throat' of a reporter during his side's defeat in Las Vegas on Sunday.
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Embarrassed Aussie Olympian apologises to Seven star Mel McLaughlin over disgraceful 'sexist' outburst on live TV
03/03/25 11:10
Aussie hockey star turned media identity Georgie Parker has made a heartfelt apology to sport presenter Mel McLaughlin after Marty Sheargold's Matildas scandal acted as a wake-up call.
Aussie cricket great Mike Hussey shares the tense moment he had with cricket superstar: 'I'll bat my own f***ing way'
03/03/25 05:37
Former Aussie batter Michael Hussey has revealed how the legendary India skipper MS Dhoni was left fuming with him after getting out during the Indian Premier League in 2018.
Cricket great David Warner takes aim at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over beer tax freeze
03/03/25 04:07
Australian PM Anthony Albanese has promised to pause the government's tax hike on beers poured at pubs for the next two years - and cricket legend David Warner thinks it's a bit late.
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NFL star who sounded the Canberra Raiders horn to kick off NRL season in Vegas allegedly booted from stadium soon afterwards
03/03/25 02:11
The NFL player who helped launch the NRL season by blowing the Raiders' Viking horn was removed from Allegiant Stadium on Sunday after allegedly damaging a bathroom.
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Footy fans outsell NFL fans for one item at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
03/03/25 12:51
While the on-field action was fierce in Las Vegas on Sunday for the NRL's season opener, the off-field spectacle was equally as impressive.
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NRL supremo Peter V'landys delivers VERY bizarre answer to question about rugby league in Las Vegas
02/03/25 10:51
While the NRL's second foray into Las Vegas was a massive success, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys has been roasted online for a bizarre comment.
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Australia's women's footy team are caught on camera using BALLOONS in truly bizarre scenes in their locker room in Las Vegas
02/03/25 04:59
Australia's Jillaroos were caught on camera using balloons in truly bizarre scenes in their locker room before their match against England's Lionesses in Las Vegas.
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Television star Karl Stefanovic gets headhunted for a VERY surprising new job with Channel Nine
02/03/25 02:55
Today Show star Karl Stefanovic has been on TV screens for twenty years - and may have a new show if footy boss Peter V'landys gets his way.
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Aussie TV legend Ray Martin in shock retirement announcement: 'Thank you'
02/03/25 01:39
Martin became a household name in Australia with a stellar media career that started in 1965 and saw him dominate daytime TV on the Midday Show.
- 30 comments
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Pledge Nathan Cleary made that convinced the Panthers to let him make mad dash to be with Mary Fowler
02/03/25 12:09
It's been revealed how Nathan Cleary convinced his dad and coach Ivan to let him make a mad dash from Las Vegas to California for a rendezvous with his partner Mary Fowler.
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Huge blow for Channel Nine sports presenter Danika Mason with revelation about boyfriend Liam Knight
01/03/25 11:09
Danika Mason's career is taking off, but the popular Channel Nine sports presenter's private life will be turned upside down this year.
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Matildas legend says players need to take responsibility for current form of national team
01/03/25 10:16
Matildas great Joey Peters believes players from the current squad need to take responsibility for their results, regardless of the unresolved coaching situation.
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Channel Nine star Danika Mason reveals the insane price of a cup of coffee at the NRL's Las Vegas extravaganza
27/02/25 02:37
Forget driving on the other side of the road - a far bigger culture shock awaited the Nine footy presenter when she landed in Nevada ahead of rugby league's four-game showpiece.
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AFL clubs 'are NOT happy' about team's shock move with top coach Damien Hardwick's girlfriend
27/02/25 01:22
Damien Hardwick's girlfriend Alexandra Crow has followed him from Richmond to the Gold Coast Suns after the premiership-winning coach quit the Tigers in 2023.
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Aussie Olympic great Cate Campbell reveals she's troubled by the question NOBODY is asking about Marty Sheargold's Matildas outburst
26/02/25 11:48
Aussie Olympic great Cate Campbell said the sacking of Marty Sheargold is an important moment for women's sport in Australia as she pinpointed one glaring question about the scandal.
- 414 comments
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Women's rugby sevens: Video of top Aussie women's footy stars goes viral with more than 11 million views - for all the WRONG reasons
26/02/25 06:47
A video clip starring two members of the powerhouse Australian women's rugby sevens team has exploded on social media as the side competed in a tournament in Canada.
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Aussie Olympics legend Leisel Jones breaks down in tears on live radio over her colleague's disgraceful sexist outburst about the Matildas
26/02/25 03:55
Aussie Olympic swimming star Leisel Jones has made an emotional statement on live radio today in the wake of Marty Sheargold's controversial comments about female sport and the Matildas.
- 47 comments
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Tyson Pedro: Aussie UFC fighter turned boxer reacts to shocking claims from NRL bad boy - and reveals why he wants revenge on Jake Paul
26/02/25 03:30
Former UFC star Tyson Pedro has responded to sensational claims from ex-NRL star Curtis Scott and revealed why he would like to rain punches on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
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Scandal-hit radio star is blasted for disgraceful X-rated 'sexist' outburst about the Matildas as Aussie star says 'I was in disbelief'
25/02/25 10:56
Triple M radio host Marty Sheargold has been slammed for controversial comments he made on-air about the Matildas football team and women's sport.
Ash Barty shows off her blossoming baby bump in rare public appearance after announcing second pregnancy on Christmas Day
24/02/25 05:46
Retired tennis champion Ash Barty was the picture of motherhood as she showed off her blossoming baby bump in a rare public appearance in New Zealand over the weekend.
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Cricket world sends tributes after Aussie icon Ian Chappell's sad announcement
24/02/25 04:20
Australian cricket icon Ian Chappell has surprised many fans with an announcement over the weekend.
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USA broadcaster mocks Matildas as Australia's nightmare campaign continues with second straight loss: 'Australia and soccer, no'
24/02/25 03:07
The Matildas have recorded a second straight loss in the SheBelieves Cup by losing to the US - and a promo played before the match shows how the Americans view Australia as a footballing nation.
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UFC legend Alex Volkanovski picks up a $23,000 bar tab at Bondi: 'It was amazing'
24/02/25 01:04
UFC featherweight legend Alex Volkanovski turned heads and lifted spirits on Saturday at Bondi Beach by picking up a $23,000 bar tab - as crowds of fans lined up for a photo with the MMA star.
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Players breakdown in tears as Young Socceroos qualify for U20 World Cup
23/02/25 11:39
Australia's young soccer stars are celebrating a comeback win over Iraq that's booked them a place in the Under-20 Asian Cup semi-finals and also ensured they'll play in the U20 World Cup.
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NRL legend Sam Burgess left off Las Vegas flight as visa issue blows up for Warrington Wolves coach
23/02/25 10:30
NRL legend Sam Burgess has been left grounded in England and could miss Warrington's historic rugby league clash against Wigan in Las Vegas due to visa complications.
- 5 comments
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Why the Warners won't be shutting down their daughters' social media accounts
23/02/25 02:59
Dave and Candice Warner say they will not be shutting down their daughters' Instagram account despite prime minister Anthony Albanese's controversial social media ban.
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Fans outraged over national anthem incident during Australia-England Champions Trophy match
23/02/25 01:02
Organisers of the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England were left red-faced in Lahore on Saturday.
- 16 comments
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Brisbane superstar Reece Walsh takes swipe at rival coach Shane Flanagan following Broncos victory
23/02/25 12:07
Broncos star Reece Walsh has fired a cheeky jab at rival coach Shane Flanagan during his post-match interview following his side's impressive win over the Bulldogs in Redcliffe.
- 5 comments
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Wild scenes as shocking brawl breaks out during club cricket match in Victoria
22/02/25 10:54
An ugly brawl broke out on during a local cricket match in Victoria on Saturday, with several players involved in the violent incident.
Aussie MMA stars Alexander Volkanovski, Jack Della Maddalena both set to fight for UFC titles
20/02/25 05:39
UFC boss Dana White has announced that Australian star Alex Volkanovski will return to the Octagon in April and compete for the featherweight title.
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Sam Kerr's parents finally break their silence over daughter's high-profile court case
20/02/25 03:59
Sam Kerr's parents, Roger and Roxanne, have spoken to media after the Matildas star was cleared of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer following an incident in a taxi in London.
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Matildas coach Tom Sermanni snaps over Sam Kerr captaincy question as star striker's future remains unclear
20/02/25 01:59
Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni lost his cool after being peppered with questions about Sam Kerr's captaincy in the wake of her high profile court case.
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Sam Thaiday's touching family admission after very raw confession about suicide
20/02/25 12:43
Former Brisbane Broncos star Sam Thaiday says he's glad that Australia got to see what he's really like after the NRL legend appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
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Katie Boulter's shocking ordeal with Alex de Minaur as Emma Raducanu breaks her silence about 'stalker' incident
19/02/25 11:11
Emma Raducanu has broken her silence about her 'fixated' Dubai 'stalker' who left her in tears and hiding on the court - and has shone a spotlight on other troubling incidents targeting female athletes.
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Gold Coast Suns' social media account hacked for second time in two days: 'Not again'
19/02/25 05:06
The Gold Coast Suns have again been targeted by hackers, with the club's Facebook page being struck for a second time in two days.
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Broken-hearted Joel Selwood shares heartfelt message about brother Troy's death after 'toughest two weeks'
19/02/25 03:32
Former Geelong AFL star Joel Selwood has shared an emotional message following the death of his brother Troy Selwood, who passed away at the age of 40 after a long mental health struggle.
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Glamorous football presenter stuns fans in daring see-through dress on a live TV broadcast
19/02/25 01:18
Football host Eleonora Incardona raised eyebrows over the weekend with her daring choice of outfit while presenting in Italy for streaming giant DAZN.
- 89 comments
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Nick Kyrgios' blunt seven-word response to Jack Draper as Brit star defends Jannik Sinner over doping scandal
18/02/25 11:59
Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios has shut down Jack Draper after the British tennis star defended Jannik Sinner over his bombshell three-month doping ban.
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Channel Seven sport icon Bruce McAvaney makes surprising career move aged 71
18/02/25 10:21
Legendary sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney has surprised fans with an important announcement on Wednesday.
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Gold Coast Suns forced to apologise after bizarre hack on the AFL club's social media accounts left fans scratching their heads
18/02/25 05:26
The Gold Coast Suns have apologised to footy fans after the AFL club's Meta social media accounts were hacked earlier this week.
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AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith banned from wearing fashion item as Geelong recruit shines in first appearance
18/02/25 05:15
Geelong superstar Bailey Smith has been officially banned by the AFL from wearing a Nike headband after impressing fans during his first hit-out for the Cats.
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NRL larrikin Aaron Woods opens up about run-in with Trump's secret service at the Daytona 500: 'Could be a bomb'
18/02/25 04:32
Former NRL star Aaron Woods has revealed his wild run-in with Donald Trump's Secret Service - and how an innocent rugby league ball almost caused a security incident.
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Heartwarming moment Indigenous All Stars player Liam Ryan meets an emotional AFL fan
18/02/25 03:51
A heartwarming moment was caught on video following the Indigenous All Stars' match against Fremantle in Perth as Liam Ryan hugged an emotional fan in the stands.
Aussie Olympic athlete's perfect message after being dumped on Valentine's Day
18/02/25 12:37
Aussie Olympic runner Lauren Ryan has delivered an amazing personal best performance in a 3000m race in the US - just hours after being dumped by boyfriend on Valentine's Day.
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Katie Boulter pays sweet birthday tribute to Alex de Minaur as the tennis star turns 26
17/02/25 11:20
British tennis star Katie Boulter has wished her fiancé Alex de Minaur a happy 26th birthday by sharing a series of sweet photos to social media - along with a heartwarming message.
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V8 Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen's mistake in debut at Daytona 500 NASCAR event opened by Donald Trump
17/02/25 05:45
Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen has had his Daytona 500 debut ruined by an accident early in the race - and US President Donald Trump was in attendance to kick off the event.
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F1 cult hero makes huge call about Oscar Piastri ahead of Melbourne Grand Prix
17/02/25 04:57
Formula 1 cult figure Guenther Steiner says Australian Oscar Piastri might not only grab victory at the Melbourne Grand Prix - but also take out the world championship this year.
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Matildas superstar Mary Fowler creates more history as she prepares for possible showdown against Sam Kerr
17/02/25 02:06
Matildas superstar Mary Fowler has made history in the Women's Super League by becoming the first player to notch up two or more goal involvements in four successive league games.
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Essendon legend slams decision to ban Jannik Sinner for three months after Bombers were torn apart by WADA
17/02/25 12:40
Former Essendon captain Gary O'Donnell has savaged Jannik Sinner's three-month doping ban from tennis after the Bombers were torn apart by WADA during the club's 2013 scandal.
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Furious Nick Kyrgios again takes aim at Jannik Sinner - as banned world No 1 appears to violate his suspension
16/02/25 11:13
Recent footage appearing on social media shows that Jannik Sinner may have already violated his bombshell doping ban - as Nick Kyrgios again takes aim at the world number one.
- 35 comments
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Parramatta Eels take swift action over 'cheeky' sideline prank involving footy reporter
16/02/25 03:29
Joe Ofahengaue has been forced to apologise to Fox League presenter Eloise Sohier following a childish act involving Eels teammate Zac Lomax during a live TV cross on Friday night.
Former UFC star unleashes on Nathan Cleary 'for the Broncos fans' as NRL star helps him train for upcoming bout
16/02/25 01:40
Former UFC star Tyson Pedro has recruited NRL superstar Nathan Cleary to help him train for his professional boxing debut - and their latest padwork session has been lively.
Australian Olympic star Cam McEvoy and partner Madeline reveal secret wedding
15/02/25 11:44
Australian Olympic star Cam McEvoy has stunned friends in the swimming world by dropping the bombshell news that he had secretly married his girlfriend Madeline.
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Aussie teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout smashes Olympic champion Noah Lyles' record
15/02/25 10:59
Just days after after warning Noah Lyles he was coming for the world and Olympic champion, teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout has achieved a mark that has eluded the US track star.
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Nick Kyrgios blows up after Jannik Sinner accepts three-month doping ban: 'Sad day for tennis'
15/02/25 09:45
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has taken aim at Jannik Sinner's bombshell three-month doping ban, claiming it's far too lenient and that 'fairness in tennis does not exist'.
- 34 comments
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Meet the 205cm giant who is being tipped to follow in the footsteps of Super Bowl winner Jordan Mailata
13/02/25 04:34
The astonishing success of Jordan Mailata winning a Super Bowl could see the NFL targeting more Aussie footy players - and Brisbane Broncos behemoth Ben Te Kura is already on their radar.
- 2 comments
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NRL superstar Patrick Carrigan is off the market after rekindling relationship with Channel 9 journalist Bronte Gildea
13/02/25 03:01
Brisbane Broncos vice-captain and forward Pat Carrigan is off the the market after reportedly rekindling his relationship with Channel 9 journalist Bronte Gildea.
- 4 comments
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AFL legend Brendan Fevola's shock new career move: 'I've got a new lease on life'
13/02/25 12:37
AFL legend Brendan Fevola says he's got a new lease on life after taking on an exciting new role that might surprise some footy fans.
- 15 comments
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Alyssa Healy addresses pregnancy question after husband Mitchell Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy for 'personal reasons'
12/02/25 10:33
Alyssa Healy has assured cricket fans that her husband Mitchell Starc is OK after the veteran paceman withdrew from the Champions Trophy squad due to undisclosed 'personal reasons.'
- 5 comments
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Female boxer Ebanie Bridges tells 'woke' Olympics bosses they must ban gender-row fighters Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting - or go for an incredible alternative solution
12/02/25 05:11
Former world champion boxer Ebanie Bridges supports banning gender-row boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting as Olympic officials face criminal complaints over the controversy.
- 4 comments
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Former Origin star Christian Welch retires on eve of footy season revealing shocking secret injury
12/02/25 12:46
Christian Welch has announced his retirement from the NRL, with the State of Origin star revealing he required a cocktail of drugs to get through last year's NRL grand final.
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Why Kiwi's long-running bromance won't stand in the way of trans-Tasman rivalry with Wallabies recruit Joseph Suaalii
11/02/25 05:45
All Blacks and Hurricanes playmaker Ruben Love says he is looking forward to getting even with good friend Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii when the Waratahs play Wellington in round seven.
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Broadcaster Matty Johns gets warning over 'dangerous' move into coaching Newcastle Knights
11/02/25 04:08
Former NRL star Mat Rogers has warned Matty Johns about the prospect of coaching Newcastle after the Knights legend revealed this week that he'd been sounded out by a footy club.
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Friday 10 April

West Ham