For the second year in a row both New South Wales and Queensland enter the women's State of Origin match with barely a game between them this year, but a six-week training block that one player called "one of the hardest things I've ever done" has them primed for the series opener.
Six teenagers have been charged after vandalising the Cherbourg cemetery, damaging headstones and fences. Elders expressed deep disappointment and shame, calling for respect and community action to address youth offending.
Former NRL player Jai Arrow married his partner Berina Colakovic in Sydney. The wedding took place months after Arrow revealed his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND). The NRL has launched 'Jai July' to support him and raise funds for MND research.
Belgium holds a 2-1 lead over the USA at halftime in Seattle. Despite a nervy start, Belgium has dominated possession and created more chances, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring the go-ahead goal. The USA equalized briefly through Malik Tillman, but Belgium quickly responded.
NRL star Jai Arrow married Berina Colakovic in a small Sydney ceremony. This follows Arrow's recent revelation of motor neurone disease, with the couple planning an Italian celebration and fundraising events for Arrow's 31st birthday.
Filipina tennis player Alexandra Eala, 21, made history by reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon, becoming the first from the Philippines to do so in the Open era. Despite a loss to Jasmine Paolini, Eala's performance has ignited national pride and serves as an inspiration, drawing parallels to sports heroes like Manny Pacquiao.
China conducted a ballistic missile test in the South Pacific nuclear-free zone, coinciding with Fiji joining Australia's treaty allies. The test, using a new JL-3 SLBM, is seen as a provocation and demonstrates China's increasing willingness to use military force for coercion in the Indo-Pacific.
