Isaac Issa Journalist

🚨 Sources indicate Bulldogs winger Jonathan Sua has agreed to a four-year deal with the Perth Bears from 2027. More to come. #NRL #PerthBears

Footy in Focus is back once again this week, with Episode 7 now LIVE on all platforms! Kat and I break down the latest out of Tiger Town, Spencer Leniu’s next club, and a star player’s return to footy. 👇 #NRL #WESTSTIGERS youtu.be/TSzLM3SHS8U?si…

Wayne Bennett has questioned the PNG Chiefs’ tax-free salary cap advantage, saying it gives the expansion club a major recruitment edge over the rest of the NRL. @ESPNAusNZ “They’ve got a hell of an advantage… a different salary cap to the rest of us.” He added it’s “really unfair” on the Perth Bears, who won’t receive the same concessions. Latest Round 9 mail 👇 espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id… #NRL #PNGChiefs

Brandon Smith is set to miss 4 weeks after suffering a calf injury last weekend (via @IsaacIssaRL) Smith re-injured the same calf that required 7 weeks recovery in the offseason. Rehab often approached more conservatively with recurrent strains.

🚨 Brandon Smith will be out for a month following his calf injury last weekend. @ESPNAusNZ MORE 👉 shorturl.at/4kz8z #NRL #SouthSydneyRabbitohs

Jack de Belin says a move to the PNG Chiefs is “a possibility”, believing Jarome Luai’s signing could lead to more NRL players heading there. @ESPNAusNZ “I think a lot of players are going to follow him across there.” Despite the interest, de Belin says he’d still love to stay at Parramatta. RD9 Mail 👇 espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id… #NRL #PNGChiefs #ParramattaEels

Mitchell Woods is struggling with his rehab and is still a ways away from returning to rugby league. "He's a little bit stuck there at the moment," Cameron Ciraldo said. "This is a little tough period for him... he's had a couple hiccups along the way." Latest Round 9 mail 👇 #NRL #CanterburyBulldogs espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id…

Roosters star Rob Toia believes he hasn’t done enough the earn a Maroons call-up, despite excelling in Origin in 2025. @ESPNAusNZ "To be honest, I'm not so confident [that I'll get picked], he said. "I feel like I've had a slow start to the year." RD9 Mail 👇 #NRL #QLDMaroons espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id…

Cameron McInnes says his priority is to stay at Cronulla, but admitted “it would be cool to be part of an expansion club” when asked about the PNG Chiefs as a potential option. (@IsaacIssaRL)

Daniel Tupou is keen to continue his career in rugby league, but is unlikely to do it at another NRL club. @ESPNAusNZ "I'm trying to get [my future] sorted as soon as possible." "I think I'm too mature to go to another team and start all over again. It'd be hard.” RD 9 Mail 👇 espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id… #NRL #SydneyRoosters

Sharks veteran Cameron McInnes says a decision on his future is expected in the coming weeks. @ESPNAusNZ “Hopefully in the next few weeks we’ll get [a new deal] sorted.” “I’d love to stay here, but I’m also aware of all circumstances with the club.” Latest RD 9 mail👇 espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id… #NRL #CronullaSharks

Stephen Crichton says he’d play halfback if the Bulldogs asked, but said he must improve his own game first. 👀 @ESPNAusNZ “Yeah [I’d play halfback] if called upon.” “I didn’t play my best on the weekend… I’m not looking to do someone else’s job when I can’t even do mine right now.” Latest RD9 Mail 👇 #NRL #CanterburyBulldogs espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id…

Viliame Kikau did not train with the Bulldogs on Monday, following a pec injury suffered during the club's loss to the Broncos. @ESPNAusNZ He will go for scans on Tuesday to survey the damage of the injury. Latest RD 9 mail 👇 espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id…

Footy in Focus Ep. 006 is LIVE 🚨 The latest on Luai to PNG, Joey Manu’s potential NRL return, and the Bears next signing. 👇 youtu.be/KiGwLYb43Ao?si…

Sources indicate the Cronulla Sharks are closing in on the signature of highly-rated St Helens R.F.C. Academy prospect Chris Matagi, son of former NRL player Suaia Matagi. 🦈 The young UK-based forward looks set to join the Sharks from next season. #NRL #CronullaSharks

Casey McLean has revealed that Dylan Brown, who he’ll face on Sunday, played a major mentoring role during Kiwis camp. “He was one that took me under his wing.” “He’s a great player, but probably an even better person.” Latest Rd 8 mail 👇 espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id… #NRL

Manly players are backing Tolu Koula to handle the fullback role while Tom Trbojevic remains sidelined. @ESPNAusNZ “Tolu Koula’s not a bad replacement,” Jason Saab said. “He’s a lot quicker than pretty much everyone.” RD7 Mail 👇 espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id… #NRL #ManlySeaEagles

Episode 5 of Footy in Focus is LIVE on all platforms! 🚨 youtu.be/_RSkLlrDvik?si…

Great to expand our NRL slate at @ESPNAusNZ this year, with @IsaacIssaRL joining @DArthur_ESPN @TheMattBungard on the team. Seeing more debate about the state of the game than ever, so we got the guys' takes. A Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z perspective. espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id…