Parramatta young gun Isaiah Iongi has signed a long-term deal to remain with the Eels as the club looks to rebuild around a promising core.

Already signed through to 2027, the fullback has been locked in for a further three years on a deal that takes him through to the end of 2030.

Iongi was one of the bright spots in a rebuilding year for the Eels and quickly made the fullback jumper his own.

Now, the Eels are hoping the 22-year-old helps Parramatta challenge for a title in the coming years.

“With his positive mindset, strong work ethic and desire to improve, we see him as a long-term leader at the Eels,” Eels GM of Football Mark O’Neill said.

“Jason, the coaches and the rest of the club are incredibly excited to see him continue to evolve over the coming years.”

Former Cowboy Karl Lawton has signed a three-year deal with Super League champions Hull KR.

The 30-year-old was released by North Queensland after one season with the club following previous stints at the Titans, Warriors and Sea Eagles.

“I’m pumped, I can’t wait to start,” Lawton told the Hull KR website. “Hull KR are a successful club with a great reputation. Everyone that’s spoke about the club that’s been there in the past has loved it.”

The Bears have also continued their roster build, with Liam Henry and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui signing on for their club’s inaugural season in 2027.

Henry has penned a long-term deal, with the Panther signing a four-year contract that takes him through to 2030.

“This is another proud day for the Perth Bears,” coach Mal Meninga said.

“Liam is one of the most exciting middle forward prospects in the NRL and I am ecstatic to have him as part of our inaugural roster.

“Iszac is a versatile and athletic forward who will look to continue his development with Catalans next season before coming to Perth for 2027.

“Both players have their best footy in front of them and I have no doubt will make an immediate impact with the Bears.”

The Roosters have granted emerging

forward Xavier Va’a an immediate release, with the youngster reportedly linked to a move to the Super League.

The Bulldogs have held off rival clubs to lock down star forward Viliame Kikau through to the end of the 2028 season.

The Fijian powerhouse was initially contracted for the 2026 campaign and was in high demand before signing a two-year extension to remain at Canterbury.

Kikau has played a key role in the club’s rise to a premiership contender and is desperate to help the Bulldogs win their first title since 2004.

“I’m very happy to be staying at the Bulldogs,” he said.

“This club has embraced my family and I since day one so it was an easy decision to re-sign.

“I love being part of what we’re building here. We’ve made great progress over the past couple of years, but we want to achieve more – I want to help this club win its next premiership.”

The Roosters have announced the signing of Sea Eagles flyer Reuben Garrick on a three-year deal commencing in 2027.

Garrick has played 157 games and scored 1340 points for Manly since making his NRL debut in 2019.

The 28-year-old will see out the final season of his contract with the Sea Eagles before joining the Roosters for the 2027 campaign.

Former Knight Jack Hetherington is set to fill the void left by the injured Eli Katoa after signing a one-year deal with the Storm.

Katoa is set to sit out the 2026 season after suffering an injury during the Pacific Championships, with Hetherington providing physicality and experience up front.

The contract is one of three the Storm have announced, with Trent Toelau and Manaia Waitere also signing with Melbourne.

Toelau has signed a one-year deal, while Waitere moves to Melbourne from the Raiders on a two-year contract.

Toelau started his career in the Storm pathway before moving to Penrith and making his NRL debut in 2024. An emerging playmaker, the 26-year-old is set to learn from Jahrome Hughes and Cam Munster.

“Jack, Trent and Manaia each bring their own strengths to our group, and we’re excited for what they can offer both in the short-term and into next season,” Storm football boss Frank Ponissi said.

“Jack provides proven NRL experience, while Trent and Manaia are young players with impressive talent. We believe all three will thrive in our environment, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our Storm family.”

The Storm have also announced the signing of backrower Oryn Keeley on a two-year deal from the start of the 2027 season.

A Central Coast junior, Keeley developed through the Newcastle Knights pathway, making his NRL debut for the Knights in 2022. Keeley joined the Dolphins in 2024, where he continued his development and enjoyed a strong 2025 season.

“We believe Oryn will thrive in our system and become an important member of our forward pack in the years ahead,” Storm Director of Football Frank Ponissi said.

Boom halfback Coby Black has been granted an immediate release from the Broncos to join Canberra Raiders on a three-year deal.

Black, who earlier this year captained Queensland Under 19s, has been a part of the Broncos system from a young age and has been developing as a halfback under the guidance of Adam Reynolds.

He played 16 games for the Souths Logan Magpies in the 2025 Queensland Cup season where he scored six tries and produced eight try assists, nine line-break assists and 11 offloads.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire said Black will be very much missed at Red Hill.

“We would have loved to have Coby here at the Broncos for 2026, but we acknowledge the opportunity that’s been presented to him,” Maguire said.

“He’s a fantastic young man who’s been an absolute pleasure to coach and I truly hope our paths cross in the future.”

Raiders recruitment manager, Chris Hutchison, said the club is excited to welcome Black to the Raiders.

“Coby is a great young player and we’re very excited to welcome him to Canberra this season and continue his development at the Raiders,” he said.

“He has shown strong ability already, progressing through the ranks to debut in Queensland Cup at the age of 18.”

North Queensland have signed veteran front-rower Matthew Lodge for the 2026 season.

The 30-year-old has appeared in 133 NRL games over the course of a 10-year career with Wests Tigers, Brisbane, the Warriors, Roosters and Sea Eagles.

Lodge adds significant depth and experience to a Cowboys forward pack, which will be without injured internationals Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame to start the 2026 season.

Alabama players haven’t forgotten their last game against Oklahoma, when Alabama staffers ushered the Sooners off the Alabama on-field logo, creating a contentious scene that included at least one Oklahoma player spitting on Alabama logo.

The Sooners won 23-21 in Tuscaloosa a month ago and then celebrated by taking photos at midfield after ending the Crimson Tide’s 17-game home-winning streak.

“That type of disrespect will be addressed on the field,” Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson said. “We just got to go give it to them, take the ball off them and bring it home for Alabama.”

No. 11 Alabama will get another shot at eighth-ranked Oklahoma when they meet in the opening round of the College Football Playoff.

The rematch is in Norman, Oklahoma, on Friday night. It’s the second straight rematch for the Crimson Tide, which beat Georgia 24-21 in the regular season and then lost to the Bulldogs 28-7 in the SEC championship game.

Alabama (10-3, No. 9 CFP) stopped short of calling this one a revenge game, but a few factors add another level of motivation.

“We’re really excited,” Jefferson said. “I’ve never beaten Oklahoma, so I’m more than ready. I think we have what it takes.”

Few guys on Alabama’s roster have beaten Oklahoma (10-2, No. 8 CFP).

The Sooners smoked Alabama 24-3 in Norman in 2024 and prevented the Tide from making the CFP. This season’s loss left Alabama squarely on the playoff bubble — and likely prevented the tradition-rich program from hosting a first-round game.

Now the teams meet for the third time in a little over a year, with much higher stakes. The winner advances to the quarterfinals to take on top-ranked and top-seeded Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.

“We know what to expect as far as playing them,” Alabama star receiver Ryan Williams said. “We have a great idea of what’s to come. We just have to execute at a high level.”

Getting a grip on turnovers would be a start.

The Tide turned the ball over three times against Oklahoma, including an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown. On the other side, the Sooners were the only team to not commit a turnover against the Tide in the regular season.

Turnovers also hurt Alabama in the SEC championship, with an interception leading to a Georgia touchdown in the first half.

“We just need to execute the simple,” Williams said. “Make simple plays simple and continue to try to be the best ball security and ball dominant team in the country.”

If Alabama takes better care of the ball, it surely improves its chances of an upset — and getting payback. Oklahoma is a 1 1/2-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

“Coming up short at the end of the game was disappointing because that’s something we’ve done a pretty good job of,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. “Go back to the Oklahoma game, a number of our guys got dinged up and just grinding through it.

“I’m sure Oklahoma is looking to get some guys back, including probably a continued stronger quarterback with (John) Mateer. I know that that’s the thing that draws a lot of attention on their end. But we’re looking forward to this rematch.”

If Alabama wins, no one should be surprised to see players heading to midfield.

“It’s just a blessing to get another opportunity,” Jefferson said. “To play again, compete for a national championship, another learning moment this season.”

(Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Netflix has become a powerhouse when it comes to music documentaries, telling the stories of artists who shaped their generations while opening the door to a more personal side of fame. Now, the streaming giant is turning its lens toward one of the most unique and outspoken voices of modern rock: YUNGBLUD. Their upcoming documentary, titled “The Lead Singer Legend,” is officially set to premiere soon, and the trailer alone has already sparked waves of anticipation across the globe.

This documentary promises more than a recap of chart hits or flashy tour footage. Instead, it dives deep into the journey of Dominic Harrison—the boy from Doncaster who reinvented himself as YUNGBLUD, a rebel musician who broke rules, challenged norms, and gave millions of fans the courage to be unapologetically themselves.

Below is a comprehensive preview of what fans can expect from The Lead Singer Legend, the significance of Netflix choosing YUNGBLUD for its latest music project, and how this film might cement his legacy as not just a rock star, but as a generational voice.

The Announcement

Netflix announced The Lead Singer Legend with a striking teaser clip: YUNGBLUD sprinting across a stage in front of tens of thousands of fans, his voice cracking as he screams, “This is our culture!” The teaser closes with him staring straight into the camera, eyeliner smeared, saying:

“You don’t need to fit in. You just need to belong to yourself. That’s the real legend.”

The announcement instantly set social media ablaze. Within hours, hashtags like #TheLeadSingerLegend and #NetflixYUNGBLUD trended worldwide. Fans celebrated the chance to finally see an in-depth story of the man behind the chaos, while critics admitted curiosity about what the film might reveal about one of rock’s most polarizing young figures.

The Core Story

The Lead Singer Legend follows YUNGBLUD’s life from his working-class roots in Doncaster, England, to his rise as an international star. But the focus isn’t just on his career milestones—it’s on the struggles, triumphs, and contradictions of living a life that is both public and painfully personal.

1. Childhood and Early Influences

The film reportedly begins with never-before-seen home videos: a young Dominic Harrison strumming guitars, singing Beatles covers, and even rebelling in school. His father, who ran a guitar shop, and his mother, who encouraged creativity, play key roles in shaping his passion.

2. Becoming YUNGBLUD

The documentary explores the transformation from Dominic Harrison into YUNGBLUD. This wasn’t just about a stage name—it was about creating an identity that carried rebellion, inclusivity, and defiance at its core. YUNGBLUD became more than a musician; he became a symbol for misfits and outsiders worldwide.

3. Breakthrough and Backlash

The film dives into his early singles like “I Love You, Will You Marry Me” and “Medication,” which gained traction for their sharp social commentary. It also addresses the skepticism he faced from traditional rock critics who dismissed him as “too loud, too fast, too chaotic.”

4. The Fanbase: The Black Hearts Club

No YUNGBLUD documentary would be complete without focusing on his fans. Known as The Black Hearts Club, they are more than a fanbase—they are a community built on acceptance, rebellion, and family. The film includes testimonials from fans who describe how YUNGBLUD’s music helped them survive depression, bullying, and feelings of isolation.

5. Vulnerability and Mental Health

Perhaps the most important thread running through the documentary is YUNGBLUD’s vulnerability. Behind the screaming crowds and bold outfits lies a young man who has openly spoken about anxiety, mental health struggles, and the loneliness of fame. Netflix has teased raw diary-style footage of him breaking down backstage, showing the human behind the performer.

Themes Explored

The documentary doesn’t shy away from bold themes that have defined YUNGBLUD’s career:

• Identity and Rebellion: How rejecting conformity became central to his art.
• Youth Culture: His role as a generational voice for those who feel silenced.
• Love and Relationships: Both the highs and the heartbreaks of loving in the spotlight.
• Art as Activism: From LGBTQ+ rights to mental health advocacy, YUNGBLUD’s music has always been tied to social change.
• The Duality of Fame: The cost of being idolized and hated simultaneously.

The Netflix Touch

What makes The Lead Singer Legend particularly intriguing is Netflix’s ability to craft cinematic music documentaries that feel intimate yet epic. From the sweeping concert visuals to whispered confessions in hotel rooms, fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions that mirrors YUNGBLUD’s chaotic energy.

Insiders report that the film will balance high-octane performances—think mosh pits, rainbow flags, and fire-filled stages—with quiet vulnerability—a shot of YUNGBLUD scribbling lyrics in a notebook, or staring out of a plane window between tours.

Fan Reactions

Fans’ emotional responses to the announcement highlight just how much this documentary means:

• “I’ve been waiting for this for years. He saved my life, now the world will finally see why.”
• “The Black Hearts Club isn’t just a fandom. This documentary is OUR story too.”
• “People who don’t get him will finally understand what makes YUNGBLUD a legend.”

Some skeptics, however, question whether the film will portray YUNGBLUD as authentic or lean too heavily into mythmaking. Yet even critics agree the story of a young artist defying tradition is one worth telling.

Why “The Lead Singer Legend”?

The title itself is significant. It nods not only to YUNGBLUD’s role as a frontman but to his symbolic status as a “legend” to his fans—not because of chart numbers or critical acclaim, but because of the way he made them feel seen.

It’s a reclamation of the term “legend,” not as someone untouchable or perfect, but as someone who dared to live truthfully in front of the world.

What to Expect

• Exclusive Interviews: With family, bandmates, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne (longtime supporters), and fans from across the world.
• Unseen Footage: From his earliest gigs in tiny clubs to sold-out arenas.
• Raw Honesty: YUNGBLUD himself narrates parts of the film, sharing his darkest fears and proudest victories.
• Cultural Commentary: Musicians, critics, and activists weigh in on his influence on youth culture.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment

The Lead Singer Legend is more than a documentary; it’s a cultural statement. It captures the chaos and tenderness that define YUNGBLUD while cementing his place in the lineage of rock disruptors. It tells the story of a kid from Doncaster who shouted until the world listened—and in doing so, created a community where no one has to scream alone anymore.