There was no shortage of drama in yet another action-packed year in rugby league, with a pulsating State of Origin series dominating the headlines.
But it wouldn’t be an NRL season without some off-field controversy and several high-profile feuds made this list.
Here are the 10 most read rugby league stories on foxsports.com.au in 2024.
10. Slater unveils stylish Fifita lyrics after axing
Queensland coach Billy Slater threw the ax for the State of Origin series opener, with incumbent backrower David Fifita left out of the 20-man squad.
Jaydn Su’A replaced Fifita, who according to Slater sent him a stylish text message, as Tom Dearden won the battle for the vacant number 6 jersey.
The Maroons bench consisted of debutant J’maine Hopgood, Harry Grant, Mo Fotuaika and Selwyn Cobbo.
9. Controversy without a try in the grand final
NRL head of football Graham Annesley said the decision to deny Storm center Jack Howarth a second-half try in the grand final was absolutely correct, despite social media erupting that the Bunker had made a major mistake.
The NRL released footage of the Bunker that was not seen on broadcast and clearly showed an arm under the ball at the crucial point in the decider.
Footage from another angle appeared to show the ball hitting the turf, causing outrage and skepticism online before the Panthers emerged victorious 14-6.
8. Blues make five changes for Game II
NSW coach Michael Maguire brandished the ax after losing the series opener, dropping Sharks pair Cameron McInnes and Nicho Hynes.
Cameron Murray returned at lock for McInness and Mitchell Moses was appointed halfback in place of Hynes in two of several changes.
Latrell Mitchell came on for the suspended Joseph Suaalii and Mitch Barnett replaced Matt Burton as 18th man.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 26: NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire talks to Jarome Luai and Mitchell Moses. GettySource: Getty Images
7. Walters responds to the scuffle between Reynolds and Carrigan
Broncos coach Kevin Walters denied the club had an alcohol problem after images emerged of captain Adam Reynolds and star lock Pat Carrigan locked in a push-and-shove during a night out.
The altercation took place in Brisbane’s entertainment district just hours after the club’s annual fan day, with players out for drinks after the event.
The vision showed Reynolds pushing Carrigan backwards as teammates Corey Oates and Reece Walsh tried to pull the pair apart.
6. Hetherington v Mahoney tunnel vision
Knights forward Jack Hetherington accepted a one-match ban for his role in an altercation in the tunnel with Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney after the pair were sent to the sin bin.
Both players were thrown off in the second half of the Bulldogs’ 36-12 win over the Knights for instigating a melee and things continued briefly off the field.
Hetherington was charged with opposite conduct, while Mahoney was charged with the same offense at a lower grade for his actions on the field and fined $1000.
5. Leniu vs Mom in Las Vegas
Roosters prop Spencer Leniu was involved in a second verbal altercation with Broncos No. 6 Ezra Mam at the team hotel in Las Vegas following their heated on-field argument.
Brisbane players were confronted by Leniu just hours after the incident, with Kotoni Staggs and Pat Carrigan standing up for their teammate after a second tirade aimed at Mam.
Leniu was referred directly to the judiciary and handed an eight-game suspension for calling Mom a “monkey” during the historic season opener at Allegiant Stadium.
Ezra Mam of the Broncos. GettySource: Getty Images
4. Blues win Origin Game II
NSW sent the Origin series to a decider at Suncorp Stadium after a record-breaking first half secured a 38-18 win in front of more than 90,000 fans at the MCG.
The Blues were in complete control in the first half as they built a 34-0 lead – the largest in Origin history – while the Maroons had just one tackle inside the opposition’s 20.
NSW legend Andrew Johns stated: “I’ve never seen anything like this at this level”, while Phil Gould described it as “men against boys”.
3. Madge’s large roster calls for Origin Game I
NSW coach Michael Maguire made some huge selection calls for his first game in charge, but none bigger than axing incumbent fullback and captain James Tedesco for Dylan Edwards.
Maguire named six debutants, including Edwards, Joseph Suaalii, Zac Lomax, Cameron McInnes, Haumole Olakau’atu and Spencer Leniu.
Nicho Hynes was chosen as halfback, but for the second series in a row he was dropped after NSW lost game one and he did not return to the series.
2. Madge’s Blues win Origin decider for the ages
History was against them and the majority of the 50,000-plus fans at Suncorp Stadium were against them, but the Blues did it.
NSW lifted the Origin shield for the first time since 2021 after a stunning three-minute blitz sealed a hard-fought 14-4 victory over Queensland.
The Blues had to work for every yard they got in the decider, which made the way Jarome Luai and Mitchell Moses broke the game open all the more incredible.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 17: Mitchell Moses of the Blues makes a break to score a try during Game III at Suncorp Stadium. GettySource: Getty Images
1. Suaalii was sent off on Origin debut
NSW center Joseph Suaalii was sensationally sent off just seven minutes into his Origin debut for a nasty late shot at Queensland fullback Reece Walsh in the series opener.
Suaalii’s shoulder made direct contact with Walsh’s head after the Maroons star passed the ball, which landed on the Accor Stadium turf.
Suaalii entered an early guilty plea to a grade two reckless high tackle charge and accepted a four-match suspension.