One of the biggest weekends on the NRL calendar begins tonight as Magic Round kicks off in Brisbane.
The Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs play the first of eight NRL matches at Lang Park this weekend, with both sides coming off disappointing losses last weekend.
Later, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Dolphins will play in the second match of Friday night’s double-header.
Meanwhile, Kevin Walters has been re-signed as coach of the Australian Kangaroos ahead of this year’s World Cup.
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.
Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:40pm
Catch up on the big news ahead of Magic Round
New South Wales retained the Women’s Origin Shield, seemingly perfecting the balance between youth and experience.
What can Queensland do to avoid a clean sweep?
Speaking of Origin, Magic Round looms as an audition for a number of players as competition for spots in the NSW and Queensland teams tightens.
Listen to the ABC Sport Daily Podcast prior to kick-off between Sharks vs Bulldogs.
Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:30pm
TEAM LISTS: Sharks vs Bulldogs
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 1 William Kennedy 2 Samuel Stonestreet 3 Jesse Ramien 4 KL Iro 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo 6 Braydon Trindall 7 Nicholas Hynes 8 Addin Fonua-Blake 18 Hohepa Puru 10 Toby Rudolf 11 Briton Nikora 12 Teig Wilton 13 Jesse Colquhoun Interchange 9 Jayden Berrell 14 Siosifa Talakai 15 Billy Burns 17 Thomas Hazelton 19 Mawene Hiroti 20 Braden Uele
The Sharks have a pair of big returns for Magic Round.
Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo and centre Jesse Ramien return from knee injuries.
Hohepa Puru will start at hooker in place of Blayke Brailey (concussion).
Cam McInnes has been ruled out due to a knee injury, with Jesse Colquhoun taking his spot.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 1 Connor Tracey 2 Jonathan Sua 3 Bronson Xerri 4 Stephen Crichton 5 Enari Tuala 6 Matt Burton 7 Lachlan Galvin 8 Max King 9 Bailey Hayward 10 Leo Thompson 11 Sitili Tupouniua 12 Jacob Preston 13 Jaeman Salmon Interchange 14 Kurt Mann 16 Harry Hayes 17 Alekolasimi Jones 19 Jethro Rinakama 20 Lipoi Hopoi 25 Jack Underhill
The Bulldogs have made late changes.
Sam Hughes (neck) and Josh Curran (rib) will not play tonight.
Five-eighth Matt Burton returns after missing last week due to illness.
Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:23pm
Kevin Walters extends as Kangaroos coach
Kevin Walters will remain coach of the Australian men’s national team, after having his contacted extened.
Walters’ contract was due to expire at the end of June, but he has been extended by an extra two years.
“The experience I had with the team at the Ashes was a privilege and very rewarding,” Walters said.
“Now to be able to continue into a home World Cup will be a huge honour.
“World Cups always provide the biggest challenges, and I’m looking forward to assembling a great, experienced staff and playing group to have a successful tournament.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be Kangaroos coach in a World Cup. It’s very humbling.”
Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:16pm
Welcome to Magic Round
Hello Australia.
Welcome to ABC Sport’s live digital coverage of NRL Magic Round 2026.
After a terrific Women’s Origin II kicked off the weekend, it is now time for the first of the NRL matches.
Magic Round begins with a double-header:
- Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, 6pm AEST
- South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins, 8pm AEST
Join us throughout the evening and be part of the conversation in the comment section.
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