TRIPLE M UNVEILS 2026 NRL COMMENTARY LINEUP, WITH HISTORIC PLAY-BY-PLAY DEBUT FOR EMMA LAWRENCE

Triple M, the NRL’s #1 audio network, has announced its expert commentary team for the 2026 season, marking a historic milestone as Emma Lawrence becomes the first female play-by-play caller in NRL broadcast history.

Lawrence, who joined Triple M in 2017, is one of the most respected voices in the game. A regular on Triple M’s Rush Hour NSW and Channel Nine’s NRL coverage, she now steps into the play-by-play chair, marking a landmark moment for rugby league broadcasting.

(Pictured: Emma Lawrence)

The 2026 season also signals the broadcast debut of Luke Keary, who transitions from an elite playing career into the commentary box. Fresh from the Super League and with more than 230 NRL games under his belt, Keary brings current-player insight and elite-level experience to Triple M’s coverage. Triple M also welcomes back Ryan Girdler, with the former Penrith Panthers premiership winner returning to deliver his trademark balance, analysis, and straight-talking footy perspective.

Strengthening its expert roster alongside Lawrence, Keary, and Girdler, Triple M’s lineup features commentary veterans Dan Ginnane, Anthony Maroon, Ben Dobbin, Elliott Lovejoy, alongside an expert panel of James Graham, Millie Elliott, Wade Graham, Aaron ‘Woodsy’ Woods, Shane Webcke, Gorden Tallis, Josh Reynolds, Ben Teo, and Ben Hannant, bringing decades of NRL experience to the network.

(Pictured: Luke Keary, Credit: Corey Scicluna / Triple M)

Triple M delivers seven days a week of footy coverage – agenda-setting shows, breaking news and big opinions – giving fans exactly what they want to hear. In NSW, The Rush Hour NSW takes listeners through footy news every afternoon with Anthony ‘Maroon’ Maroon, Nathan ‘Hindy’ Hindmarsh, and Millie Elliott. In Queensland, Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin and Elliott Lovejoy steer The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott with no shortage of breaking news and insider scoops. 

League fans can also tune in to LiSTNR’s brand-new Clubcasts: individual, bite-sized podcasts initially dedicated to 13 clubs, curating the very best Triple M NRL content for supporters, with plans to extend to all clubs in future. Additionally, Triple M NRL’s flagship shows return in 2026:

• NRL Daily (Mon–Wed, 6–7pm): Hosted by Charlie White, joined by a rotating cast including Wade Graham, James Graham, Brent Read, David Riccio, Luke Keary, and Danny Weidler.
• Saturday Scrum (Sat, 12pm): Tony Squires, Nathan Hindmarsh, Wade Graham, David Riccio and Danny Weidler.
• Sunday Sin Bin (Sun, 12pm): Ben Dobbin, James Graham, Gorden Tallis and Brent Read.

Emma Lawrence said: “I’m pumped to be part of the Triple M family again this year and super grateful they’ve given me the incredible opportunity to call the game that I love. To do it alongside an elite crew and some great mates is a real honour, and I can’t wait to rip in.”

Ewan Giles, SCA Head of Sports Content, said: “Emma stepping into the play-by-play call team is a no-brainer. Emma is one of the sharpest broadcasters in rugby league and is prepared, instinctive, and respected across the industry, and this opportunity reflects how highly regarded she is at Triple M. 

“Combined with Luke Keary’s debut and the return of Ryan Girdler, our 2026 lineup brings unmatched experience, insight, and personality. Triple M continues to deliver what footy fans want to hear,” Giles concluded.

Triple M’s NRL coverage and dedicated sports shows are available across the network and can be streamed live and free on LiSTNR.

About Triple M: 

For more than 40 years, Triple M has been one of Australia’s most recognisable radio brands, providing listeners with a unique blend of Greatest Hits, Sport, and Comedy. With 49 stations nationwide – including six digital stations – Triple M is renowned for delivering music’s greatest hits, alongside iconic talent and standout shows that lead the way in sport and entertainment.  

Reaching more than 4.9 million radio and on-demand listeners each week, Triple M is home to some of the country’s most respected sporting legends, beloved comedians, and music personalities, including Mick Molloy, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Luisa Dal Din, and Jack Archdale – to only name a few! Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.