Read the latest positive news, breakthroughs, and inspiring stories about rugby league, curated daily by BrightWire.
After a controversial selection and disciplinary struggles, rugby player Mikey Lewis scored two tries off the bench and now has a shot at redemption in England's must-win match. The 25-year-old's journey from troublemaker to potential hero shows how second chances can transform careers.
After a controversy-filled year, rugby league player Mikey Lewis earned his England World Cup spot and now has a chance to save his team's tournament hopes. His two-try performance against France showed he's ready to prove the doubters wrong.
Tui Lolohea, who has represented Tonga more than any player in history, just proved he's far from finished by setting up a crucial try against England at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. At 31, he's still running with the "young bucks" and carrying forward a legacy he started building when some of his current teammates were still in grade school.
A father-son relationship strained by a broken promise is healing as 19-year-old rugby player Cooper Bai considers joining Papua New Guinea's new team. His father Marcus, a rugby legend who once left PNG to pursue his own dreams, is now supporting his son's journey home.
In their very first Rugby League World Cup match, Fiji's women's team led defending powerhouses New Zealand for most of the game before falling 18-12. The thrilling upset bid proves women's rugby league is growing stronger across the Pacific.
A first-time player kicked six goals and earned player of the match in her international debut as Australia opened their World Cup campaign. The 40-0 victory in Sydney marked Samoa's long-awaited return to the tournament after 16 years away.
Australia's Jack Bostock scored three tries in his debut match, leading the hosts to a nail-biting 24-22 victory over New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup opener. The thrilling comeback in Sydney set an electrifying tone for the tournament.
In Papua New Guinea, kids chase team buses and fashion footballs from whatever they can find, all for love of rugby league. The sport unites 800+ language groups and transforms lives across the island nation.
Rugby league's relaxed player eligibility rules are transforming the World Cup from a two-team race into a true global competition. Players like Kalyn Ponga can now represent their heritage nations while still playing State of Origin, making the tournament stronger than ever.
A physical soccer player who racked up red cards for crushing tackles found her true calling after stumbling onto a rugby match on TV. Now Brianna Clark is representing New Zealand at her second Rugby League World Cup.
Fresh off winning Australia's NRL championship, coach Trent Robinson is spending his off-season volunteering with France's struggling rugby league team. His work comes as a major investment deal could help resurrect a sport that once thrived in France but has fallen far behind.
Rugby league star Kalyn Ponga will finally represent New Zealand at the World Cup this week, bringing his decade-long journey back to his cultural roots full circle. The 28-year-old says pulling on the Kiwi jersey "definitely feels right" as he prepares to make his family proud on the international stage.