It’s getting to that time of year where the feeling of footy finals is in the air, the excitement of the U.S. Open looms, and you start to wonder how the past eight months passed you by so quickly.

Enjoy the weekend ahead!

🏉 Alex Johnston is now just two tries away from equalling Ken Irvine’s rugby league try-scoring record. The South Sydney Rabbitohs winger crossed the line for his 210th try last night as Souths dominated the St George Illawarra Dragons 40-0. Irvine’s record is 212 tries and has stood since 1973. Johnston only has one game left this season to equal or break the record when Souths play their fierce rivals, the Sydney Roosters, in a fortnight. Tonight will see a pairing of blockbuster clashes with the Panthers (5th) taking on the Raiders (1st) at 6:00pm, followed by the Storm (2nd) hosting the Bulldogs (3rd) at 8:00pm.

🏉 Carlton beat Essendon 90-56 last night to end their season on a high note after a disappointing year. The result marked Essendon’s 12th consecutive loss. It was also star forward Tom de Koning’s 100th and likely last match for Carlton, as he is expected to head to St Kilda next season. While Carlton’s season is now finished, Essendon have one match remaining against the Gold Coast Suns next Wednesday. The fixture was meant to be played in the Opening Round but was postponed due to Cyclone Alfred. 

🎾 The draw for the 2025 U.S. Open has been announced, with world number eight Alex de Minaur set to face fellow Australian Chris O’Connell in the opening round. Ajla Tomljanović will play her first match of the tournament on centre court against U.S. star and world number two Coco Gauff. There is a total of 13 Australians locked into the main men’s and women’s singles draw, with several players still competing for qualification spots. The tournament begins on Monday 25 August. 

If you yawned while reading this newsletter, it might be time for an Iron Rapi-Melt

What’s that? The Blackmores Iron Rapi-Melt is a dissolvable supplement that relieves feelings of tiredness and fatigue when your dietary iron intake is inadequate..

How does it work? Simply place one on your tongue and feel it dissolve in under 3 minutes.

When do I take it? In the shower, on your commute, while you’re watching the game – they’re designed to be taken anytime, anywhere, so you can continue living your best life while supporting your overall health and wellbeing.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

Talking points: This is the second ODI of the three-match series. South Africa dominated the opening match and won by 98 runs. Today, they have an opportunity to close out the series and avenge their 2-1 loss in the T20 series earlier this month. South Africa has had a rocky few days after off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen was reported for his bowling action following the first ODI. 

How to watch: The match begins at 2:30pm today. You can watch it on Foxtel and Kayo. 

Talking points: The Wallaroos are taking on Samoa in the first match of their 2025 Rugby World Cup campaign. While Samoa are ranked 15th in the world, Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp is not taking them lightly and will field a full-strength squad to give Australia the best possible chance of starting their campaign on the right note. Yapp said: “For us and what we've said from the start, the cliche is one game at a time.”

How to watch: The match begins at 9:00pm on Saturday. You can watch it on 9Gem and Stan Sport.

Talking points: If the Suns beat Port Adelaide tonight, then this match on Sunday afternoon is practically an elimination final. The Dockers and Bulldogs both need to win in the final round to ensure that they make the top eight and play finals. The match is being played at Marvel Stadium, so the Bulldogs will have a home-ground advantage. 

How to watch: The match begins at 3:15pm on Sunday afternoon. You can watch it on Channel 7, Foxtel, and Kayo. 

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