Sydney Roosters

Josh Hodgson was a plasterer, bricklayers' apprentice and a scaffolder before accepting a pay cut to play rugby league. He was a handshake away from never playing in the NRL. This is the story of his against-all-odds rise.

‘Listen: we don’t think you’re within the top 100 players in your position and we’re going to terminate you from the squad.’ Shaun Kenny-Dowall took this brutal setback at age 15 and did something extraordinary.

Last week, I resigned from my job. I was a stevedore, a wharfie. But now I’m NSW Blues captain for the first official match of women’s State of Origin. It came time to make a choice.

I became pregnant with Carter when I was in Year 11. I finished up school then. Said goodbye to Woolooware High, no Year 12. But I kept chasing my dreams and rugby league has given me an amazing ride.

James Roberts made his State of Origin debut marking up on his cousin, Greg Inglis. But that's only the beginning. The extent of the footballing talent in their family is mind-boggling.

My reaction to Gus Gould saying he wouldn’t pick me for State of Origin? If you want everyone to like you, go and sell ice creams. Brad Fittler had my back and this NSW Blues team has a big opportunity.

Jail or fighting. Fighting legit, that is. The time came, when my mates started going inside, to make my choice. And now, this is the fight. This is the one. UFC 225, Chicago: the moment where I show the world what I’m all about.

Serious vertebrae injuries threatened to cut short Anthony Minichiello's NRL career. Many told him to quit. This is why he didn't.

Indigenous people weren’t counted among the Australian population until 1967. Six years later, Arthur Beetson was captaining the national rugby league team.

'Other than the grand final, it’s the best atmosphere that I’ve experienced.' Sydney Roosters star Luke Keary is inspired by the outpouring of respect for Aussie servicemen and women at the traditional Anzac Day NRL clash.