Sports Benches presents this week’s sports news.
NASCAR continues racing but further north in New Hampshire where we have a repeat winner with the exact same race day formula.
Same with the NRL although we didn’t see that coming this time featuring the Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers.
Finally, we welcome back the PL on what will be a long season ahead for 2026/27.
As always, Sports Benches has you covered every Monday throughout the NASCAR points season alongside General Hospital on Saturdays.
While you’re there, we have some extra Sports Benches content below, having chatted chat with 2 x Olympic Swimmer Kaitlin Sandeno last week about the recent Pan Pacifc Swimming Championships.
NASCAR Cup Series at New Hampshire, Dollar Tree 301
Team Penske once again dominated the race as we’re back with Ryan Blaney inside his No.12 Ford Mustang.
He’s not just making lost time under green, he also survived yellows ahead of restarts too.
From there, he and his crew chief made some calculated calls, with the two-tire strategy proven to be well worth taking — all while the 2nd half green flag action lasted long enough for the afternoon.
Now that’s a sweet revenge against these Toyota Camry race cars right there.
This week’s best Toyota goes to Ryan’s lifelong friend Bubba Wallace at 23XI Racing in 2nd whose performance was a match for long-run speed, particularly under green flag racing but simply struggled to capitalise though.
Sometimes these tiny bit of errors can hold back time even when trying to chase/defend for the lead, just ask 3rd-placed finisher Josh Berry from Ford’s Wood Brothers Racing.
Didn’t hear much of Kyle Larson in the No.5 Chevy Camaro for Hendrick after untimely yellows didn’t go his way following a great start and the Stage 1 win.
Never mind the race-craft while trying to mix and match with strategy, finishing 5th wasn’t a bad result at the end of the day.
NRL Round 25/27: Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers
It was a game of fine margins but so does the scoring rate from either side capable of walking away with the win.
That winner belongs to the 14th-placed Wests Tigers following their one-point win over the Minor Premiership contenders Sydney Roosters courtesy of Jock Madden’s last-minute field goal.
Final score: 24-25 at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park.
Gotta feel for the Roosters who had a great start led by Billy Smith but then they’ve made a bunch of unforced errors including some costly ill-discipline.
Yes, their last few 2nd half tries were unlucky involving Mark Nawaqanitawase, who will return to Rugby Union next year ahead of the home World Cup.
Again, the Chooks looked a touch isolated when they could’ve easily won that game.
With Tigers, despite their mixed bag year — mainly off-contract players’ issues — they deserved this moment.
They simply took advantage of the Chooks poor passage plays into counter-attacking brilliance especially using width.
Jeral Skelton was electric alongside homegrown product Solomone Saukuru while their starting No.9 Api Koroisau calculated his risks well like these 40/20s attacking kicks — even if there were some fails.
Now Tigers may not play Finals this year, however, setting themselves up for the future could hopefully see them return to Premiership glory.
2026/27 Premier League: Matchday 1 of 38
After a long summer break — plus the World Cup of course — English Football is back to start the chapter of 2026-27 from mid-August to late May.
It’s not about how you start, it’s about reaching the finish line whether you win the PL, get European qualification, stay in mid-table or suffer relegation at worst.
Also, there will always be in-season managerial sackings that can make or break their season.
Defending top-flight premiers Arsenal didn’t give EFL Championship title-holders Coventry City a warm welcome back to the top flight, winning 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a team inspiring effort written by the Gunners free-flowing attack whereas Coventry still have a long way to go following their incredible Championship campaign.
But here’s one every promoted PL club needs to know: they can’t just defend & give top teams back foot respect all day.
At least two other new/returning teams had opening-round wins: Ipswich Town over Sunderland by 2-1 and Hull City def. Man United by surprise, 2-0.
Keep an eye out on our Socceroos centre-half sensation, Lucas Herrington, who didn’t start right away but coming off the bench?
Not bad with a big future ahead as right move from the MLS to a newly-promoted PL club like Hull than Barcelona.
