He whacked them like David Warner, but Ryley Smith ultimately chose Rugby League over cricket, much to the delight of the Parramatta Eels.
Jasper Bruce
Cronulla have been forced to amend a job posting initially advertised as a volunteer physio for their NRLW team, sparking widespread concerns from a union.
Scott Bailey
Bunker involvement for high shots has been the burning issue, and players are happy to hear that the video referee won’t interfere for minor offences at Magic Round.
Martin Gabor
Canterbury's most capped player Kurt Mann says telling players to lower their target area won't cut down the NRL's alarming rise in high tackles.
Dolphins winger Jack Bostock wants to transition into the centres eventually and follow in the footsteps of teammate Herbie Farnworth, one of the world's best.
Joel Gould
NSW's John Strange era kicks off at Suncorp Stadium with a surprise halves combination set to guide the way in Origin game one.
Queensland five-eighth and Golden Boot winner Tarryn Aiken is the best female player in the world and credits her Origin halves liaison with Ali Brigginshaw.
NRL fans heading to Brisbane for Magic Round have been urged to do one thing “so they can focus on enjoying the footy”.
Georgie Kibel
Sharks fans thought there may have been a spelling mistake when they saw the team list on Tuesday, but a young star has revealed why he felt the time was right to change his name.
Gold Coast continue to fail on the footy field, but co-owner Darryl Kelly remains on board long-term and retains faith the bad times will turn for the better.
Roger Cook could be forced to come clean with West Australians on the true cost and value of a local NRL side as early as next week, with a deal due to be announced after sign off by club bosses this weekend.
Dylan Caporn and Glen Quartermain
Scott Sorensen has failed to have a grade-two shoulder charge downgraded at the NRL judiciary and will miss Penrith's next three games.
George Clarke
Gold Coast coach Des Hasler has pushed back against the NRL suggestion there is no crackdown on foul play, while wanting consistency heading into Magic Round.
Scott Bailey and Joel Gould
Ivan Cleary says NRL ladder positions don't matter until July, but history suggests Penrith will have a tough time recovering to make finals.
The Dolphins have received mixed news on their burgeoning injury list but the return of star hooker Jeremy Marshall-King against Sydney Roosters is timely.
Queensland fullback Tamika Upton has done it all in the game but a recent vote by her teammates to be co-captain showed just how far she has come.
The staggering financial toll of foul play in the NRL has been laid bare, with fines surpassing Australia’s average annual salary rate.
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds is on the mend and on track to play Penrith as winger Deine Mariner reveals how he bounced back from axing.
Jamal Fogarty has told Canberra coach Ricky Stuart he will leave the Raiders at the end of 2025 to take up a three-year deal with Manly.
Scott Bailey and Jasper Bruce
David Fifita's future on the Gold Coast has taken a fresh twist after the representative forward was axed by under-pressure Titans coach Des Hasler.
Scott Bailey and George Clarke
Veteran second-rower Kezie Apps says not having the responsibility of being NSW captain won't change her approach when women's Origin kicks off.
Tom Wark
Queensland field-goal queen Lauren Brown, a firefighter by day and night, explains what pressure is and why she thrives in do-or-die State of Origin moments.
It could be a big few days for a highly promising teenager who has signed a new deal with the Dragons ahead of a possible NRL return at Magic Round.
The NRL has told the bunker to only get involved for more serious offences from now on, but players have been warned that high contact will continue to be punished as fan frustration grows.
