Matt Russell and Tim Barrow set the stage for a huge weekend of rugby league as the NRL Semi Finals kick off.

First up, today’s clash sees the Raiders host the Sharks in a do-or-die battle, before attention turns to tomorrow’s blockbuster where the Bulldogs welcome the Panthers in front of what promises to be a fierce crowd.

Helping break down the matchups are our experts and former pros — Jarrod Croker, Andrew McCullough, and Michael Buettner — who bring unique insights into the tactics, pressure, and big-game moments that could define these semi-finals.

But it’s not just rugby league making headlines. On the track, Jessica Hull has rewritten the record books, setting a new Oceania mark in the 800m sprint in Japan. And over in the Premier League, all eyes are on Ange Postecoglou — can his Nottingham Forest side avoid a third straight defeat, or will the pressure continue to mount on the Australian manager?

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