Signs of a misspent youth.

Urgent testing has begun to determine if two passengers who arrived in Sydney from southern Africa are infected with the new Omicron COVID-19 variant as Australia has temporarily closed the door to arrivals from nine African nations.

In a half-hour cameo, Jack Rodwell showed why he could be just about anything for Western Sydney Wanderers. Anything from a sensation, to a problem or another disappointment. 

Pubs and clubs with poker machines ‘need a wake-up call,’ says NSW gaming’s chief investigator in a rare interview as footage shows one brazen money laundering operation in action.

They’re a scary bunch, the folks at World Rugby. With the power to wipe out a coach or player from the game for weeks, months or even years, it is a brave figure who holds the line in opposition to rugby’s global governing body.

The mash-up of the Premier’s comments over since-allayed $150 test fears was deleted after a complaint that it may have breached parliamentary rules.

Victory have won their first two games without conceding a goal, City’s Andrew Nabbout scored an early contender for goal of the season, and Glory recruit Daniel Sturridge didn’t get out of his tracksuit.

A psychology service chief says the emergence of the new COVID variant is likely to result in an experience known as cumulative distress among Victorians.

The state government is prepared to restart hotel quarantine for international arrivals if the Omicron variant of COVID-19 proves a serious threat.

Fur goodness sake: The Cat Protection Society of Victoria is raising money by offering cat cuddling sessions.

A 72-hour quarantine period for all arrivals could be extended as soon as Monday to guard against the new variant, with a return to 14 days’ quarantine on the table.

He’s been involved in some of the greatest moments in boxing but trainer Johnny Lewis reckons nothing tops George Kambosos Jnr’s achievement.

Saturday’s final between the Scorchers and Strikers was watched by more people at the ground and on television than any other WBBL match in history.

None of Victoria’s new restrictions on international arrivals would have been possible without a legal instrument. Health Minister Martin Foley says the emergence of Omicron has shown how urgent the government’s controversial pandemic laws are.

The NBL is hopeful its season will start as scheduled on Friday night but the WNBL has been forced to delay Perth Lynx’s start to the season due to WA’s border restrictions.

China has been one of the last nations to maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards COVID-19, saying the importance of containing local cases outweighs the disruptions.

Many in the fight game thought Teofimo Lopez would be far too strong for George Kambosos. They were wrong, and here is how the Sydneysider shocked the world.

The state’s emergency services responded to almost 800 calls for help over the weekend as severe flooding continued in parts of the state. 

Schistosomiasis is second only to malaria in terms of the number of people infected, but it’s hoped a new test will help eradicate it.

After a tumultuous parliamentary sitting week in Canberra, Sunshine State MPs have delivered Scott Morrison a government beset by conflict and dysfunction.

I am keenly aware that the teachers’ strike means parents having to keep their children home for yet another day, after so many, many days. But teachers are stressed to the max and they need something to give.

Australian George Kambosos jnr won the WBA, IBF and WBO belts - and etched himself into history - with his upset win over Teofimo Lopez in New York.

Chris Jordan, the Sydney Sixers’ newest signing, believes public conversations about racism will do more good than harm.

A seven-race card down south kicks off the week for Racing NSW.

The rain that has fallen on in coastal NSW may prove just the ticket for a trio of Canberra horses at Monday’s Sapphire Coast meeting.

British authorities cancelled the game between Samoa and a Dave Rennie-coached Barbarians side at Twickenham just 90 minutes before kick-off.

The Morrison government’s proposal to tackle anonymous online trolls making defamatory comments leaves many questions unanswered.

Melbourne superstar Brandon Smith says his mind is made up on where he will be in 2023, and has given the biggest hint yet it will be at the Roosters.

Two people have tested positive to COVID-19 on arrival into Sydney from a flight carrying 14 passengers from southern African countries affected by the Omicron variant.

People returning from abroad were willing to isolate but feared sudden changes to the rules as governments respond rapidly to the emerging coronavirus variant.

Top jockey Jamie Kah, who missed the entire spring through suspension, is due to return next weekend after her broken nose heals.

Departing UNSW vice chancellor Ian Jacobs says the demise of the lecture will allow universities to use old spaces in different ways to reignite campus life

Janet Jones was remembered by her sisters Cathy, Vicki and Julia as the one most willing to push the envelope with an irrepressible sense of adventure.

Australian George Kambosos is the new undisputed lightweight world champion after a split-decision victory over Teofimo Lopez in New York.

The Matildas’ problematic defending showed no signs of improving in their 3-0 loss but Caitlin Foord believes the harsh lessons will prove valuable.

Alex Carey blasted 101 from 93 balls in South Australia’s limited-overs match against Queensland on Sunday, 10 days out from Australia’s first Ashes Test.

It’s cicada season again, but summer is no time to relax for these ancient insects. How and why do they produce their high-decibel song?

Stinging criticism of Cricket Australia for their treatment of Tim Paine won’t count against Hobart hosting if COVID-19 blocks the Perth Test.

Work to build the $2 billion Golden Plains facility at Rokewood will start next year after Victoria’s Planning Minister gave it the nod.

What happens if you are trolled anonymously, and who is responsible for unmasking them?

I find the idea that you don’t have to love or hate your body utterly revolutionary because sometimes just existing and getting from Point A to Point B is enough.

Investors are mulling why Cann Global earned only $2,000 in interest in three months on $10 million in cash despite raking in interest payments a quarter earlier.

Installing measures to deal with Omicron is our first run at dialling up our responses since starting on the road to living with the virus in Australia, and something we need to get used to.

Belmont Oasis has been closed after authorities detected potentially harmful readings from the fire engulfing Atlas Linen.

A new Emerald-class ferry’s window has shattered and a problem has been identified with its rudder during trials in larger swell on Sydney Harbour.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors

Premier Mark McGowan said plans to open WA’s borders early next year remain on track but warned there is growing concern in Australia and across the world about the Omicron variant.

NSW Police closed several roads and earlier advised the community to avoid the Windang area amid reports of a shooter.

A man has been charged after a mother was allegedly strangled and her 11-month-old snatched on the Gold Coast overnight.

In a tight year, victory came down to not just who got the numbers but how they spun them.