#108 - Mam’s Close Call, PNG Joins NRL, and Golden Boot Controversy

The SmartB Sports Update

In Episode 108 of the SmartB Sports Update, the rugby league headlines keep coming! Ezra Mam walks away with just a slap on the wrist after his crash, while concerns mount over Reece Walsh’s fitness and attitude ahead of the new season. Manly’s bold plan to shift Tom Trbojevic into the halves adds uncertainty to DCE’s future, and they’ve officially ruled out signing Brandon Smith. Meanwhile, the Eels and Rabbitohs lodge a unique bid for Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell to serve suspensions in the All Stars game, and Tigers fans face fears of their club’s NRL history being erased. Plus, Melbourne Storm shut down Welcome to Country rumors, Ray Hadley moves to Fox League, and calls emerge for a Golden Boot award overhaul after Isaah Yeo’s win.

In breaking news, the NRL confirms PNG’s historic entry into the competition in 2028, and an NFL legend is set to help promote the Las Vegas season opener in a bold cross-code move.

Outside the league, cricket commentator Isa Guha issues an apology for her on-air slip-up, while Nick Kyrgios stirs the pot ahead of the Australian Open, claiming a matchup against Jannik Sinner would “turn into an absolute riot.” And over in the US, Donald Trump makes headlines with his appearance at the Army-Navy football game. It’s an episode bursting with controversies, shake-ups, and excitement—don’t miss out!

• 1:27 Ezra Mam escapes with slap on the wrist after crash
• 12:24 Concerns over Reece Walsh's fitness, attitude heading into new season
• 20:30 DCE's future unclear as plans emerge to move Tom Trbojevic into halves
• 30:55 Manly rule out signing Brandon Smith
• 40:40 Eels, Rabbitohs lodge applications for Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell to serve suspensions in All Stars game
• 54:00 Tigers facing the prospect of being wiped from NRL history
• 1:01:13 Melbourne Storm deny reports they’re dumping Welcome to Country ceremonies
• 1:11:15 Ray Hadley set to call games on Fox next season after radio retirement
• 1:13:54 Calls for overhaul of Golden Boot award as Isaah Yeo wins the honour
• 1:20:08 PNG NRL team confirmed to enter the competition in 2028
• 1:26:22 NRL to use NFL legend to promote Las Vegas games
• 1:28:13 Commentator Isa Guha apologises for Jasprit Bumrah slur
• 1:32:25 Nick Kyrgios says "it would turn into an absolute riot" if he played Jannik Sinner at Australian Open
• 1:46:22 Donald Trump attends Army-Navy football game

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