What happens when you combine some of Australia's favourite beers with its greatest sporting rivalry? We're diving headfirst into Origin week with our ultimate State of Origin Beer Teams!

Like any good selectors, we've carefully chosen our starting 13s for both New South Wales and Queensland, matching iconic brews to rugby league positions based on their characteristics, strength, and playing style. From Stone and Wood's versatile fullback qualities to Tooheys New directing traffic like a veteran halfback, we've created the perfect lineup for the Blues. Meanwhile, Queensland counters with XXXX Gold at the back and the monstrous 9.5% Felons Imperial Stout leading the forward pack.

The selections sparked fascinating debates about which state would triumph in this hypothetical beer showdown. Would Queensland's heavier forward pack (most weighing in above 5%) overpower the more balanced NSW team? Or would the Blues' versatility and combination play win the day? Just like real Origin, the margins are razor-thin, though we're predicting a narrow Queensland series victory - much to our chagrin as NSW supporters.

Beyond our beer-fueled fantasy draft, we break down the actual Origin matchups taking place this week, with both men's and women's games promising high-stakes action. We also dissect last weekend's NRL round, where underdogs reigned supreme across the board, and provide our tips for the upcoming fixtures.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or a die-hard league fan, this unique crossover episode delivers plenty of laughs while showcasing our passion for both brewing and rugby. So grab your favorite tinnie and join us for a different kind of Origin analysis that celebrates the best of both states!

The landscape of the NRL shifts dramatically as Origin selections reshape team rosters and the countdown to State of Origin begins. This episode dives deep into the aftermath of Round 11's most compelling storylines, from the Bulldogs cementing their status as the comeback kings to the Storm's troubling away form.

Recapping our weekend adventure at the newly opened Chalkies bar in Brookvale watching Manly defeat North Queensland, we explore why certain venues enhance the live sports viewing experience before analyzing the standout performances across the round. Clint Gutherson's 233-meter masterclass for the Eels and Koloamatangi's monster 80-minute prop performance lead our performance highlights, while the Knights' continued struggles earn them the dubious "flop of the round" designation.

The Origin team selections provoke passionate discussion about selection philosophies, with Robert Toia's Queensland selection after just ten NRL appearances raising eyebrows. We examine how both teams have balanced experience with form and the potential impact of key matchups, particularly Latrell Mitchell facing off against the rookie Queenslander.

Several fascinating patterns emerge from our game-by-game breakdown: the Bulldogs' remarkable second-half revival abilities under Stephen Crichton's leadership; the Broncos' troubling habit of surrendering early leads; and Melbourne's stark home/away performance disparity that threatens their premiership credentials. We also celebrate Xavier Coates' gravity-defying acrobatics that produced what may be the try of the season.

Looking ahead to Round 12, we provide detailed predictions for each fixture, considering the significant impact of Origin selections on team strength. Will depleted rosters create opportunities for upset victories, and which teams are best positioned to weather the Origin period? Find out as we analyze every matchup while offering our betting tips for the weekend's action.

The week of the comeback sees some extraordinary NRL performances as teams defy halftime deficits to claim dramatic victories. We break down the most impressive individual displays and what they mean for Origin selection.

• Stephen Crichton makes a compelling case for Origin captaincy with his dominant second-half performance against the Raiders
• Latrell Mitchell's 47-meter field goal in wet conditions delivers victory for the Rabbitohs against the Broncos
• Panthers and Cowboys play out a 30-30 draw that exposes Penrith's defensive weaknesses
• Melbourne Storm demolish Wests Tigers 64-0, raising questions about resilience and mercy rules
• Gold Coast Titans complete the biggest comeback in their NRL history against the Newcastle Knights
• Round 11 predictions include several tight contests that could influence ladder positions
• We reveal our full NSW Origin selections based on current form, not reputation
• Controversial omissions from our Origin teams include Tom Trbojevic and Jake Trbojevic

Join us next week as we analyse the fallout from Round 11 and react to the official Origin team announcements.

Magic Round lived up to its name with spectacular performances, dramatic finishes, and unexpected upsets that have reshaped the NRL landscape heading into the middle third of the season.

The weekend's standout clash saw Canberra edge Melbourne 20-18 in golden point, with Jamal Fogarty coolly slotting the match-winning penalty after a controversial high shot call on Trent Loiero. Fogarty's composed performance showcased exactly why Manly was eager to secure his services for next season – his game management, tactical kicking, and clutch play under pressure mark him as a significant acquisition for the Sea Eagles.

Nathan Cleary delivered a masterclass against Brisbane, absorbing heavy hits only to respond with game-changing plays that steered Penrith to a dominant 32-8 victory. His try – eerily reminiscent of his Grand Final heroics from two years ago – served as a stark reminder that when Cleary is at his best, the Panthers remain the competition's benchmark despite their current ladder position.

The Warriors continued their impressive campaign with a gutsy 30-26 win over North Queensland, with Luke Metcalf emerging as the game's hero through his playmaking brilliance and a match-saving tackle in the dying moments. Meanwhile, the Tigers overcame the Dragons 34-28 in a contest defined by Jayden Su'a's calamitous error before halftime, where dropping the ball over the line led to a 12-point swing that completely shifted the game's momentum.

Stephen Crichton's commanding performance in Canterbury's win over the Gold Coast further cemented his status as one of the game's most complete players, showcasing the leadership, defensive prowess and attacking flair that make him a frontrunner for the New South Wales captaincy.

Round 10 promises more drama as first-placed Canberra faces second-placed Canterbury in what could be the match of the round, while Manly hosts Cronulla in a crucial mid-table battle that could define both teams' trajectories heading into the Origin period.

Follow us across social media @theyvebeendoingitalldaysir for weekly predictions and join the conversation about everything happening in the wild world of rugby league.

Referee and bunker decisions take centre stage as Ben and Chris break down a controversial Round 8 filled with questionable sin-bins and match-altering calls.

The pair dive deep into the fascinating cultural contrast between UK football match days and NRL game experiences, sharing personal stories of the tribal atmosphere at Birmingham City matches compared to the more subdued Australian sporting environment. This discussion frames an insightful comparison of how different sporting cultures create entirely different matchday experiences.

Standout performances dominate the conversation with DCE silencing critics through a masterful display against Penrith, while Payne Haas continues his monstrous form with another 260+ meter game. The hosts debate whether Tom Trbojevic's return truly sparked Manly's improvement or if other factors contributed to their impressive defensive showing.

Canterbury's discipline issues become a focal point as the Bulldogs repeatedly found themselves down to 12 men against Brisbane, raising questions about Tupouniua's high knee contact and whether existing rules are being applied consistently across the competition. This leads to a broader discussion about the impact of the bunker on the flow of games and player safety.

Ben and Chris offer their insights on potential Magic Round upsets, with both backing the resurgent Raiders to defeat the Storm in what could be the match of the weekend. As they look ahead, they question whether Penrith can recover from their shocking start and if they're genuine wooden spoon contenders in 2025.

A must-listen episode for fans wanting to understand the tactical shifts, referee controversies, and evolving team identities that defined Round 8 and will shape the competition moving forward.

We dive into the drama of NRL Round 7, exploring dominant performances, stunning comebacks, and referee controversies that shaped a fascinating weekend of rugby league action.

• Canterbury Bulldogs continue their unbeaten run with a second consecutive shutout
• Stephen Crichton possibly being the most impactful signing in recent NRL history
• The Dolphins stunning the Storm with 40 unanswered points after trailing 16-2
• Reece Walsh's kickoff blunder in golden point costing the Broncos against Warriors
• Panthers showing signs of returning to championship form against the Roosters
• Hudson Young scoring tries in three consecutive games for the Raiders
• Mitchell Moses transforming the Eels' attack in his return from injury
• The ongoing circus at Wests Tigers surrounding Jerome Luai and Lachlan Galvin
• Inconsistent refereeing decisions becoming a major talking point
• Looking ahead to a blockbuster ANZAC Day round with key matchups

Join us this week as we break down all the action from Round 7 and continue to follow the twists and turns of the 2025 NRL season.

The sports world delivered major moments this week as Rory McIlroy finally completed his career Grand Slam with a playoff victory at Augusta, while Lachie Galvin rejected a $5 million contract from the Tigers, throwing the NRL player market into chaos.

After a busy week in sports, join us again for more coverage as we bring you the best analysis and updates each week.

Ben and Chris unpack a wild Round 5 of the NRL season, where referee decisions and unpredictable results dominated discussion across the league.

Round 5 featured controversial sin-binning decisions and inconsistent high-tackle interpretations across all games. The guys share their predictions for Round 6 matchups, disagreeing on several key games. Both hosts lament their poor tipping form after going 3/8 for the second consecutive week

Join us next week as we analyse all the Round 6 action and see if our tipping fortunes improve!