Extended Bench

Maloney slams State of Origin act, makes huge Warriors call

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:27:54 +0000

NRL legend James Maloney joins the Bench to take a look at the fallout from State of Origin Game 1, what did we think of the controversy around Kayln Ponga’s high shot and send off, how did the NSW halves actually stack up and what changes are on the cards for game two. We than look at the game of the year between the Panthers and the Warriors and ask if the Warrior Nation are the best fans in the game. After that we run through the rest of the ladder at the halfway mark of the season proper and sum up every side’s chances of heading towards finals footy.

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No way I’d pick him- Jimmy axes Origin star, picks new-look team

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:33:28 +0000

The Extended Bench returns to get stuck into all things State of Origin selection, with NRL great James Maloney joining the news.com.au sports desk to discuss who he would pick in his New South Wales side. Yeo v Murray, who plays fullback and who fills the vacant wing spot? We then discuss who should play halfback for the Queensland Maroons and what sort of half is required to fill Tom Dearden's shoes.

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Jimmy reveals Penrith secret, calls to boo DCE

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 01:01:10 +0000

NRL legend James Maloney joins the boys from the news.com.au sports desk to get stuck into all the weekly NRL news. We discuss the rapid rise of Tanah Boyd and the Warriors, Penrith looking invincible, ask if Brian To’o is the best winger the game has ever seen, and look at the “petty” feud between the Brisbane Broncos and Gorden Tallis. Jimmy also shares his thoughts on the coaching around the development of quality halves in the NRL and well take a look towards the games to come.

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Cleary theory debunked as Origin weak link identified, State of Origin Game 1 preview

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:19:26 +0000

NRL great Jimmy Maloney leads the way on a deep dive preview for Game One of State of Origin 2026. Is Nathan Cleary under pressure? How will Sam Walker handle the big stage? Jimmy also reflects on his Origin experience and gives an unique insight into the game day preparation for an elite NRL player.

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Jimmy reveals bombshell Walsh rumour, secret to beating QLD

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:35:31 +0000

The Extended Bench returns to get stuck into all things State of Origin selection, with NRL great James Maloney joining the news.com.au sports desk to discuss why Reece Walsh wasn’t picked, the infamous push and shove over the iconic try celebration when Michael Jennings scored.

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How does a ref say that - NRL called out

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:29:42 +0000

News.com.au’s Extended Bench returns as Jimmy Maloney, Adrian D’Agostino and Matty Sullivan discuss all the NRL news of the week. Jimmy unleashes on the standard of NRL officiating, we look at the NSW and Queensland State of Origin sides and who are our bolters for the upcoming series and whether Cameron Munster should still be part of the squad. We then turn our attention to the rough week at the Wests Tigers and discuss just what is Australia’s best sporting weekend.

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James Maloney calls for NRL to step in over Latrell drama

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:27:32 +0000

NRL legend James Maloney joins the news.com.au team to discuss the big news of the week, as we get stuck into whats happening with Jarome Luai's visit to Papua New Guinea, ask if there is any hope for Craig Bellamy &the Melbourne Storm this season and debate whether or not the game needs to hear more from Latrell Mitchell.

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St George Illawarra in chaos as James Maloney reveals coaching ambition

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:19:18 +0000

The Extended Bench returns this week to discuss all the big news in rugby league, the next chapter in the St George Illawarra Dragons saga & just what coaching ambitions James Maloney is harbouring. We also touch on the mental health struggles of modern day athletes, cast an eye towards the New South Wales State of Origin team and what it truly means to run out and represent your club on ANZAC Day.

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Latrell called out as James Maloney unloads on Flanno's Dragons failure

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:58:30 +0000

Extended Bench returns for news.com.au to get stuck into a big preview of Round 7 of the NRL. We look at the the Melbourne Storm's rough season to date, the ongoing issues facing the St George Illawarra Dragons and coach Shane Flanagan, is Latrell letting down Souths by not playing fullback and the discuss just how good the Tigers are looking this season. Plus, who is Australia's best athlete?

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Maloney slams Dogs attack, mind boggling move stuns

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:54:21 +0000

Dual NRL premiership winner James Maloney joins the boys from the news.com.au sports desk to dive into Manly's appointment of Kieran Foran and why even Nathan Cleary couldn't help them. Jimmy then launches into why the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are struggling in 2026 and makes huge calls on hot prospects Joey Walsh and Mitch Woods.

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Gus is a smart operator - The Extended Bench kicks off

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:57:31 +0000

NRL journeyman James Maloney joins the news.com.au team to get stuck into the weekly issues in the NRL. This week we get stuck into the issues facing the defending premiers the Brisbane Broncos, the rumours around Bronson Xerri & the Bulldogs and look at just how good Penrith have been so far.

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