Celebrating over 20 years in print, Inside Sport is Australia's most highly awarded sporting publication, including the recipient of the prestigious Walkley Award for sport journalism. But that's not why sports fans love it. Inside Sport consistently tackles modern sporting issues and publishes awe-inspiring sports photography, every month. THAT'S why sports fans love it.
EDITOR’S LETTER
20 things you might’ve missed
Freeze Frame
Basketball bounces back
Glory, glory to Perth?
NRL tipping: a hiding to nothing
PUNTERS CHANCE
The only game in town • These days the Sydney Derby doesn’t just outshine any other rivalry among the A-League’s combatants. It has quickly grown into Aussie sport’s number-one clubland fixture. That’ll rile’em up.
4 things you must not miss
Clubbies’ Top 100
SPORTSCOVER™ • ABOUT SPORTSCOVER
Players behaving badly • SHOULD CLUBS SUPPLY “PROTECTION” FOR THEIR NRL STARS WHEN THEY VENTURE OUT FOR A BEER, OR SHOULD THESE GROWN MEN BE ABLE TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE THEMSELVES?
OUR NRL SEASON PREVIEW • The cloud over the offseason? With the footy back, our forecast is a lot brighter. Here’s what’s on the mind of our podcast hosts with the latest NRL campaign upon us.
LISTENER QUESTION • What event should be added to the NRL schedule?
League is back
Ron Coote
HOT SHOT
HOLDING A GRUDGE • When these bitter rugby league adversaries lock horns, you’d better stand back. Depending on the intensity of the hatred, a win over an arch enemy can be more glorious than victory on grand final day. In this sphere, let’s take a look at six NRL club rivalries – some old, some only just freshly lit – which are set to simmer along in 2019.
ISAAH YEO • The 24-year-old Penrith Panthers backrower discusses what life is like back under coach Ivan Cleary, as well as his own role: leading a side with strong expectations and a bright future.
TEAM PREVIEWS • You’d think we’d have learnt our lesson by now – this being among the most unpredictable professional sporting competitions on the planet – but we’re back to have another crystal-ball look at the NRL clubs’ fortunes for the season ahead. In many ways we don’t envy our 16 contestants: 2019 will be another roller-coaster season of heartbreak, heroes and obstacles – on and off the field – at no notice. But they must love the ride, and so do we. So here goes – here’s what’s in store for your team this winter.
HOW THEY’LL FINISH
NEXT WAVE • Over the off-season the Gold Coast Titans didn’t just practise footy … they trained at winning. Forget any cliched rebuild, they’re gunning for the title in 2019. They have the mindset, the squad depth and they certainly have the talent.
Summer slog • While you’ve been watching the cricket, your favourite footballers across the various codes have been sweating up a storm … all in the name of getting it right when winter hits. The following images might leave you glad that undiscovered footy talent of yours remained that way …
TRUE NORTH • After winning an AFLW flag with the Bulldogs last season, what else is left to achieve? Plenty, for reigning AFLW best and fairest and former WBBL cricketer Emma Kearney, who is captaining expansion club the Kangaroos in 2019.
PLAY FULLBACK IN THE NRL • WITH JAHROME HUGHES
WORTH A SHOT
HOT SHOT
WORD PLAY
