The Sports Playbook is Australia's Weekly Sports News Podcast, covering NRL, AFL, Super Netball, F1, Supercars and more — fast, factual, and always without the clickbait.

New Wallabies coach Les Kiss got off to a winning start, Australia edging out Japan 35-32 in a nervy finish in Osaka — the first Test of the Kiss era heading toward next year's home World Cup.

In the NRL, the Warriors handed the Panthers just their second loss in months, 28-12, with Penrith captain Isaah Yeo forced off with a suspected pec injury. The Roosters snuck home 20-18 over the Bulldogs with two late tries, while the Dolphins, Storm and Rabbitohs also picked up wins.

Off the field, the NRL is reportedly closing in on a major deal for two games to go global in 2028

In the AFL, ladder leaders Fremantle were toppled by Melbourne, 113-109, ju ...