The Fair Dinkum Department

The send-off is dead (at least it feels like it)

Shaun Johnson, the Dally M and manifesting our dreams

Shaun Johnson won the Golden Boot in 2014 and has always been one of the most entertaining NRL players to watch - but has he ever been so close to the Dally M medal? We've run the numbers and, if this was still a betting market, SJ would be a very good option.

The Ben Hunt saga is both real and ridiculous

Ben Hunt is the Dragons' best player but wants out - preferably back to Queensland and maybe even the Brisbane Broncos. Should the NRL investigate if this is cheating - or is that utter madness?

Cronulla’s record against top 8 NRL teams is a big problem

It's been another underwhelming start to the season for Cronulla against top 8 opposition. For a side with so many offensive weapons and a defensively heralded coach, the end result shouldn't look so clunky.

Origin outrage special: NSW should panic - but how much?

This week on the Fair Dinkum Department:
SHOULD THE BLUES MAKE MASS CHANGES FOR GAME 2?
SHOULD BRAD FITTLER BE SACKED?
IS JAMES TEDESCO’S NSW SPOT IN DANGER?
DOES THE NRL NEED TO CHANGE ORIGIN PERIOD?
IS SHANE FLANAGAN THE MAN FOR THE DRAGONS?
 

Where to now for Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook?

Rugby league outrage: there’s plenty of it. We’re going to decide if it’s real or ridiculous.
Fire up over these questions:
IS DAMIEN COOK’S REP CAREER OVER?
DOES NATHAN CLEARY “NEED” TO WIN THIS ORIGIN SERIES?
ARE THE KNIGHTS IN A MARKET FOR A NO.6? 
IS JARROD CROKER DECISION DISRESPECTFUL?
SHOULD THE NRL STOP TAKING GAMES TO NEW ZEALAND?

Origin special: Are the Blues doomed?

There's a distinct lack of hype in New South Wales after Brad Fittler's squad announcement. Are the Blues doomed - or is the concern just a little bit ridiculous?

Would Magic Round work in any city outside of Queensland?

Everyone wants a piece of Magic Round - but Brisbane won't be giving up the NRL festival without a fight. Does rugby league's big weekend work outside of Queensland, though?

The Dragons can’t quit on 2023

Would giving up on season 2023 and planning for next year achieve anything for the Dragons? Likely not. Josh Schuster is an undeniable talent but seemingly has the dedication of any mortal 21-year-old. The Broncos are pretenders! No, wait: they're top of the table.
Why is everyone so outraged?

Jack Wighton’s contract dilemma + rugby paranoia is contagious

Should Jack Wighton be loyal to the Raiders - does he owe them anything? If he goes to the Rabbitohs, who leaves Redfern to make way? We've got NRL hot takes by the bagful.