Northern | US

Contributors

Brett McKay

Brett McKay is an Australian sportswriter, broadcaster, commentator, and is one half of The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast. Brett covered rugby for Australian sports website The Roar for more than 15 years, has sat on Test Match and Super Rugby sidelines as a commentator for ABC Sport for more than a decade, and is a regular radio pundit for stations in Australia and New Zealand.

LONG READ
Opinion

How the new-look Brumbies are confounding Super Rugby Pacific expectations

Having lost key personnel and brought through untried youngsters, the ACT side were not predicted to enjoy such a promising start …

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
23 Mar 2026, 10:10
LONG READ
Opinion

Time for Australian sides to learn to love the grind of Super Rugby

Teams destined for finals will set their season up over the next phase of the competition. What do the four Aussie sides need?

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
18 Mar 2026, 10:28
LONG READ
Analysis

Wallaby franchises fall to earth with a bump after a bruising Super Rugby reality check

Three losses in four proved a stark weekend for Australia's Super Rugby Pacific interest and they will be hoping to bounce back in…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
10 Mar 2026, 4:51
LONG READ
Opinion

‘If we can bottle the last three weeks for the rest of the season, Super Rugby will be in a great place’

The first three rounds have brought some fantastic rugby, with more potential blockbusters on the way.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
03 Mar 2026, 1:22
LONG READ
Analysis

Golden start for Waratahs and Brumbies has Australia hoping for more

Two rounds, two bonus-point wins for the Brumbies and Waratahs suggest that both franchises can be competitive and potentially end…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
24 Feb 2026, 7:49
LONG READ
Analysis

Waratahs and Brumbies start Super Rugby Pacific in perfect style

While the Waratahs and Brumbies top the standings early on, there are causes for concern in Queensland and Perth.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
17 Feb 2026, 6:43
LONG READ
Opinion

Opening salvos will dictate Australian Super Rugby Pacific fortunes

With a home World Cup appearing on the horizon, Australia's Super Rugby Pacific franchises know they will be under more scrutiny t…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
10 Feb 2026, 4:48
LONG READ
Opinion

Kiss needs to pick-and-stick to end Wallabies’ revolving-door selection policy

Joe Schmidt has given plenty of players opportunities; his successor needs to give them the experience to become genuine Test play…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
02 Dec 2025, 4:48
LONG READ
Opinion

Wallabies awards: Ikitau, Jorgensen & Hooper stand out in up-then-down year

Who was Australia's best player in 2025? Most improved? Who scored their best try? Highs and lows from a mixed year.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
25 Nov 2025, 3:00
LONG READ
Opinion

'Weary Wallabies have become too predictable and easy to unpack on tour'

Australia need to 'find their special sauce' and end 2025 on a high against France after a punishing tour of Europe so far.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
18 Nov 2025, 3:47
LONG READ
Opinion

'Wins over Lions and Boks feel a lifetime ago for Australia after capitulation to Italy'

Inviting teams back into games in the way Australia have is a recipe for disaster as they prepare to tackle Ireland and France.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
11 Nov 2025, 11:58
LONG READ
Opinion

Look up! Australia have to be better in the air to defuse bombs heading their way

A weakness at dealing with high balls is just one of the issues facing the Wallabies for the rest of their European tour.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
04 Nov 2025, 12:15
LONG READ
Opinion

Are Wallabies still on upward trajectory after TRC or has progress flatlined?

Australia appeared to be building nicely after the Lions series but a disappointing end to the Rugby Championship raises more ques…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
07 Oct 2025, 2:11
LONG READ
Analysis

‘Wallabies need to look in mirror…the real problem might be staring back at them’

Australian reaction to defeat in Auckland focused on refereeing decisions, but simple skill errors were more to blame.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
30 Sep 2025, 3:08
LONG READ
Opinion

‘There’s nothing to fear for Australia. They should embrace the freedom of Eden Park’

Despite New Zealand's dominant record at their Auckland fortress, their form presents Australia with an opportunity.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
23 Sep 2025, 5:57
LONG READ
Opinion

‘Australia should expect biggest, meanest reaction from wounded New Zealand’

Australia's frustrating home loss to Argentina ensures there will be no complacency heading into the Bledisloe Cup series.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
16 Sep 2025, 4:23
LONG READ
Opinion

‘Watching the Wallabies is hard work, but wins quickly erase the stress'

Australia seem to have found a way that works for them, even if it involves coming back from big deficits.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
09 Sep 2025, 13:10
LONG READ
Opinion

'It might be time to start believing in these Wallabies'

Having impressed in their last four Tests against the Lions and South Africa, Australia must deal with rising expectations.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
28 Aug 2025, 10:56
LONG READ
Opinion

‘There was so much to love about a Wallabies win no-one saw coming’

Lineout dominance, breakdown prowess, smart kicking and midfield guile all fuelled Australia's stunning win in Johannesburg.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
19 Aug 2025, 1:43
LONG READ
Opinion

Legacy of Lions series must propel Wallabies into South Africa challenge

Australia need to maintain the physicality they belatedly produced against the Lions, and tweak their defence, to stand a chance a…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
13 Aug 2025, 15:46
Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone