Emma Lawrence’s elevation to lead caller marks a landmark moment for Triple M and rugby league broadcasting in Australia.
Triple M has unveiled its commentary team for the 2026 NRL season, with Emma Lawrence set to become the first female play-by-play caller in NRL broadcast history.
Lawrence, who joined Triple M in 2017, steps into the lead caller role after establishing herself as a regular voice on Triple M’s Rush Hour NSW and Channel Nine’s NRL coverage. Her appointment marks a significant moment in rugby league broadcasting.
The new season will also see Luke Keary enter the commentary box for the first time, transitioning from his professional playing career into media.
Fresh from the Super League and having played more than 230 NRL games, Keary adds current-era experience to the network’s coverage.
Former Penrith Panthers premiership winner Ryan Girdler will also return to the fold.
Joining Lawrence, Keary and Girdler is a mix of established callers and former players. Commentary regulars Dan Ginnane, Anthony Maroon, Ben Dobbin and Elliott Lovejoy headline the broadcast team.
They will be supported by an expert panel featuring James Graham, Millie Elliott, Wade Graham, Aaron ‘Woodsy’ Woods, Shane Webcke, Gorden Tallis, Josh Reynolds, Ben Teo and Ben Hannant.
Triple M will again deliver seven days a week of NRL programming, including its state-based editions of The Rush Hour.
In NSW, The Rush Hour NSW is hosted by Anthony ‘Maroon’ Maroon, Nathan ‘Hindy’ Hindmarsh and Millie Elliott.
In Queensland, Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin and Elliott Lovejoy front The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott.
Listeners can also access LiSTNR’s new Clubcasts, described as bite-sized podcasts dedicated to individual clubs. The initial rollout covers 13 clubs, with plans to expand.
The network’s flagship programs are also returning in 2026:
- NRL Daily (Monday–Wednesday, 6pm–7pm) hosted by Charlie White, alongside a rotating panel including Wade Graham, James Graham, Brent Read, David Riccio, Luke Keary and Danny Weidler.
- Saturday Scrum (Saturday, 12pm) with Tony Squires, Nathan Hindmarsh, Wade Graham, David Riccio and Danny Weidler.
- Sunday Sin Bin (Sunday, 12pm) featuring 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 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.
Congrats to Lawrence on her history making promotion!