The NRL is holding the “World’s Biggest Birthday Party” for Jai Arrow as the South Sydney Rabbitohs host the Newcastle Knights in Sydney.
Later, the Manly Sea Eagles try to bounce back from last week’s defeat as they host the North Queensland Cowboys.Â
Tonight, the Melbourne Storm can win the club’s 500th match in the NRL since entering the competition in 1998, hosting the Gold Coast Titans.
Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.
Sun 12 Jul 2026 at 1:50pm
Jai Arrow thanks the community for their support
Jai Arrow is the focus at Stadium Australia this afternoon.
On his birthday, he is being celebrated as the Rabbitohs face the Knights.
Arrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a neurological disorder which does not have a cure.
It was a condition the late Neale Daniher lived with for many years until his passing earlier this year.
This afternoon, funds are being raised for the Arrows, as well as awareness of this horrid disease.
Arrow has just been interviewed on Fox League in front of thousands of fans who have come to Stadium Australia to celebrate his birthday.
I’m truly honoured to be here. I want to thank everyone from, me and my family, the bottom of our hearts.
The amount of support that we’ve had is truly overwhelming.
Sun 12 Jul 2026 at 1:45pm
NRLW: Canberra Raiders 42 def. New Zealand Warriors 16
The Canberra Raiders have made it a 2-0 start to the NRLW season with a commanding win at home over the New Zealand Warriors.
Mackenzie Wiki scored a try in each half for the Green Machine, as the Raiders converted an 18-6 half-time lead to a 42-16 victory.
Sun 12 Jul 2026 at 1:38pm
TEAM LISTS: Rabbitohs vs Knights
Rabbitohs
NSW Blues player Cameron Murray returns to the side at lock, while Campbell Graham also returns to the starting side at wing after being out with injury.
Knights
State of Origin hero Bradman Best will not play for the Knights today. Fletcher Sharpe (number 6) moves from five-eighth to centre, and Sandon Smith (number 14) moves into the halves.
Jermaine McEwen has also dropped out of the side, with Thomas Cant moving into the starting foward pack.
The Knights will have just five players on the bench this afternoon.
Sun 12 Jul 2026 at 1:32pm
NRL celebrates ‘World’s Biggest Birthday Party’ for Jai Arrow
Today is Jai Arrow’s birthday.
The Former NRL player and Queensland State of Origin representative was forced into retirement following his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis.
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The Australian sporting community, not just rugby league, has rallied behind Jai and his family since the announcement.
You will have seen players celebrating tries by shooting arrows into the crowd; this is part of the NRL’s Jai July.
Today being his birthday, there is hope of a big crowd at Stadium Australia for the Rabbitohs vs Knights clash.
Sun 12 Jul 2026 at 1:30pm
Welcome to the ABC Sport NRL live blog
Hello Australia.
Welcome back to ABC Sport’s live digital coverage of the 2026 NRL premiership season.
Round 19 concludes today with a triple-header (all times in AEST):
- South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights, Stadium Australia, Sydney, 2pm
- Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys, Brookvale Oval, Sydney, 4:05pm
- Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 6:15pm
Be part of the conversation and let us know your thoughts on all things footy in the comment section throughout the day.
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