Live: NRL Magic Round begins at Lang Park as Australia keeps coach

Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:20pmFri 15 May 2026 at 5:20pmSkip to timelineOne of the biggest weekends on the NRL calendar begins tonight as Magic Round kicks off in Brisbane.The Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs play the first of eight NRL matches at Lang Park this weekend, with both sides coming off disappointing losses last weekend. Later, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Dolphins will play in the second match of Friday night's double-header. Meanwhile, Kevin Walters has been re-signed as coach of the Australian Kangaroos ahead of this year's World Cup.Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:23pmFri 15 May 2026 at 5:23pmKevin Walters extends as Kangaroos coachKevin Walters will remain coach of the Australian men's national team, after having his contacted extened.(AAP)Walters' contract was due to expire at the end of June, but he has been extended by an extra two years.“The experience I had with the team at the Ashes was a privilege and very rewarding,” Walters said.“Now to be able to continue into a home World Cup will be a huge honour.“World Cups always provide the biggest challenges, and I’m looking forward to assembling a great, experienced staff and playing group to have a successful tournament.“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be Kangaroos coach in a World Cup. It’s very humbling.”Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:16pmFri 15 May 2026 at 5:16pmWelcome to Magic RoundHello Australia.Welcome to ABC Sport’s live digital coverage of NRL Magic Round 2026.After a terrific Women’s Origin II kicked off the weekend, it is now time for the first of the NRL matches.Magic Round begins with a double-header:Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, 6pm AESTSouth Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins, 8pm AESTJoin us throughout the evening and be part of the conversation in the comment section.