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

A regular on Triple M’s Rush Hour NSW, Lawrence, who joined the station in 2017, now steps into the play-by-play chair, marking a landmark moment for rugby league broadcasting.

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 player returning to deliver his straight-talking footy perspective.

Triple M’s lineup also 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.

League fans can also tune in to LiSTNR’s brand-new Clubcasts: individual, bite-sized podcasts initially dedicated to 13 clubs, 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 kick off the 2026 NRL season on Triple M! Calling the game that I love alongside such an elite crew is an absolute thrill, and I can’t wait to take listeners through every tackle, try, and big moment. Let’s get it started!”

Ewan Giles, SCA’s 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.

Images supplied.