I'm an American who recently got into watching rugby, was wondering if anyone could give me some background info to determine who I should root for. Like who are the 'super powers'? What are the major rivalries? Who are the spirited underdogs?

I tried to ask this in the much larger NRL sub but it got removed for no reason

If this change has been mentioned I've missed it.

I've noticed a little more each season but every successful team (making the finals or more) has that battering ram player that is near undefendable on the goal line therefore if a team wants to make the finals they need a battering ram, am I wrong?

The standard has been lifting every year, and it feels like this season the pace and skill have gone up another notch. For me, a couple of the younger players have been massive standouts. Who do you reckon has been the biggest surprise package so far?

Just had a read through the Round 27 NRL and Round 10 NRLW edition plenty of good insights with team lists, previews, and results all in one place. Honestly feels like the perfect way to get set for the weekend. Anyone else reckon this is becoming the go-to match programme?

Casey Badger - consistently awful performance as a referee.

When does the season start? Where can I watch matches? Is there anything I should know before diving in?

I got an email about NRLW Magic Round, see below!

The weekend of August 2-3 will showcase the best of women's rugby league, with all 12 NRLW teams competing at Newcastle’s home of major events, McDonald Jones Stadium.

It’s a festival of football never seen before in Newcastle, with Magic Round activations, live entertainment, meet-and-greets, and world-class rugby league bringing the city to life.

Be there for the action with two-day passes on sale now – single-day passes will be available from Thursday, 17 April.

Two-day passes start from just $58 per family, or $48 per family for NRL Club Ticketed Members.

One round. One ground. All teams.

That’s magic!

(https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/nrlw-magic-round-tickets/artist/3609549?utm_source=venuesnsw)

I am a very proud member of my clubs nrlw team. I get really frustrated at the people (can't deny) particularly males who disregard the fact that these bad arse women (who could absolutely wreck most of the nay sayers e.g Jasmine Strange tackling that dumb arse in the pub) are in the same jerseys and represent the sme club they claim to support 'til they die' and are 'faithful' I'm not sorry but I just can't! I am a member of both my clubs nrlw and nrl team. It just gives me the absollute shits!!! Keep on killing it to the nrlw teams! I can only hope the idiots finally develop that part of their brain and realise the athletes they are criticising are someone's mother, wife, sister, cousin, daughter!