'Way off the mark': Gallen busts Broncos myth

The Broncos are battling for form big time at the moment, and have now lost four games on the trot. For a team with as much talent as them, they should be winning a lot more games than they have been. They remind me a bit of North Queensland last year - they came back after a successful season and just thought it was going to happen for them again, but it didn't. Nothing is going to just happen for you in this competition - you have to work hard for everything in the NRL. I can't say for certain whether Brisbane has done the hard work or not - I'm not inside the club's four walls - but from what I've seen the team does struggle to get itself out of tough situations on the field. The really good teams tend to stick to their structures when something goes bad during a game, and can generally dig their way out of a hole. The Broncos aren't doing that. Granted they have missed some of their best players at different times due to injury and State of Origin, but you would like to think their depth is good enough to work through those periods. Having said that, I reckon having Adam Reynolds sidelined for a while is actually going to help the team in the long run. They have lost five of seven games since Reynolds went down injured against the Roosters, and clearly his absence is having an impact on their form. We know how influential he is for them, and what the team's win percentage is like when he's missing from the line-up since he joined the club. But the suggestion the Broncos have to win a premiership before Reynolds retires is way off the mark. On the contrary, I see Brisbane's premiership window is opening further, not starting to close. The experience some of the other guys are getting at the moment is only going to make them better players down the track. Yes, it's true the spine guys like Ezra Mam, Jock Madden, and Billy Walters might be struggling a bit to adjust to the loss of Reynolds at the moment. But they are learning valuable lessons by being put in situations that they need to get out of without the veteran halfback to help. Reynolds is contracted for 2025 but will be 34 once next season starts, and his career is winding down.

Storm find much needed back-up

Bronson Garlick isn't one of the Storm's big names, but with Harry Grant missing, he rose to the occasion in the gritty win over Canberra on Saturday night. Garlick produced his best performance in the top grade to date, coming up with two try assists and topping the Storm tackle count in heavy conditions. It was just the effort Craig Bellamy was looking for - and gives the Storm a handy back-up for Grant, who is certain to miss more footy between now and the finals.

Bunnies backflip as Bennett warms to signing De Belin

The Rabbitohs have renewed their bid to sign Dragons veteran Jack de Belin after he put Wayne Bennett's Dolphins to the sword on Sunday. The Rabbitohs expressed interest in de Belin weeks ago but then dropped off due to salary cap issues. But the powerhouse prop gave incoming Bunnies coach Wayne Bennett a close-up look at his strength and class at Kogarah. The 33-year-old was the best front-rower on the field as the Dragons downed Bennett's Dolphins 26-6. De Belin scored a try and made valuable yards up the middle to strengthen his case for a deal at Souths. But his hopes will depend on the cap - and whether Souths can offload halfback Lachlan Ilias, who has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs. The Dragons are still keen to re-sign de Belin, while there is also interest in his services in Super League.

Unbelievable stat that proves burton's ability

Matt Burton's booming left boot has the Bulldogs well and truly on track for an unlikely finals berth in 2024. Burton has the biggest kicking game in the NRL and he terrorised the Sharks with a series of massive torpedo punts on Friday night… as well as kicking the winning field goal in golden point. Burton came up with a phenomenal 693 kick metres for the match, constantly forcing the Sharks to bring the ball back from deep inside their own territory. The star utility back has now kicked nearly 5000 metres for the season and his bionic left boot will be a danger weapon for the Bulldogs in the next couple of months… and hopefully the finals. The win over the Sharks was a massive one in a tough, slogging affair and a finals berth now appears Canterbury's to lose.

Finals race heats up after wahs win

The Warriors are right back in the hunt for finals footy after a win over a weakened Broncos side - and boast arguably the most destructive bookends in the race for the eight. Props Addin Fonua-Blake and Mitch Barnett were outstanding as the Wahs won the battle up front in heavy conditions, combining for 337 metres between them. The pair will prove a handful for any team in the crucial games to come and both have size, speed and the ability to offload. They set the stage for a desperately needed win after last week's disaster on the Goldy, coming up with 248 metres in the first half. That gave the Wahs the momentum - and it was enough to ensure they claimed a vital two points.

Why cult hero is one of the greats

When it comes to ranking players in the toughest game of all, longevity is a key factor. And for that reason, veteran Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt will go down in history as one of the all time greats. The 32-year-old scored the opening try in North Queensland's upset 16-6 win over the Panthers on Sunday with one of his trademark dives. And as he did so, he wrote his name into the record books. It was the ninth straight year that Feldt has scored at least 10 tries - putting him in rare company. Since 1908, only two players have managed to emulate Feldt's feat - all-time tryscoring record holder Ken Irvine and Warriors legend Manu Vatuvei. Feldt is a beloved figure in Cowboy territory - with his last gasp try instrumental in their lone grand final win - and he had a fine game in the surprise win over the Panthers.

De Belin's plea to Dragons amid contract standoff

Jack de Belin has reiterated his desire to remain a one-club man, despite his future at the Dragons being uncertain for 2025 and beyond. The off-contract forward, who has been one of St George Illawarra's best performers this season, has begun to attract interest from rival clubs for next year. South Sydney were reportedly weighing up a move for the former NSW Blues representativebut have now turned their attention elsewhere, while Super League teams have expressed their desire to lure de Belin overseas to finish his career. While speaking to media ahead of the side's round 17 clash against the Dolphins, de Belin admitted he wanted an answer from the Red V sooner rather than later, but pleaded with club officials to offer him a multi-year deal. "As of right now, there's not [an update] and it's getting to the point now where I'd like to get something finalised and put it behind me," he said. "I've always said in these contract situations, you try to stay out of it as best as you can and let your football do the talking. I feel like I've done that and shown that I've got plenty left in the legs and it should hopefully sort itself out. "It's nice to know there is some interest and offers overseas, but I still feel like I've got plenty to give in the NRL. I don't really want to have to go over there when I feel like I've still got so much to offer and I'm still playing at a high level here. "I've always wanted to be a one-club man and hopefully that can be done and I can finish my career here at the Dragons."

Eels horror show continues as star dealt huge blow

Parramatta's season from hell has continued, with star forward J'maine Hopgood expected to be ruled out for the remainder of 2024. Just weeks after making his State of Origin debut for Queensland in their victory in the series opener, Hopgood is now out of action with a lower back injury. The 25-year-old was ruled out of game two for the Maroons and despite hopes he could back for the Eels soon, the club have confirmed that won't be the case. "After meeting with specialists regarding a lower back injury, it has been decided J'maine will undergo a microdiscectomy," a statement on Thursday night said. "He will be unavailable for 12 weeks as he recovers from the surgery." Given the fact Parramatta are sitting on the bottom of the NRL ladder with 10 rounds remaining in the season, Hopgood has next to no chance of playing until next year. Hopgood is one of the Eels' most important players, producing 21 offloads in 12 appearances, while also averaging 116 run metres and 36 tackles per game. The lock-forward joins Bailey Simonsson and Kelma Tuilagi in the casualty ward at the Eels, who are still yet to find a head coach for next season.

'Should've waited': Star's contract regret after stunner

Adam Doueihi has cheekily suggested he should've waited another week to sign a deal with the Wests Tigers after his try-scoring return ended a 441-day absence from the NRL. Coming off his third knee reconstruction, Doueihi was one of the side's best in a comprehensive victory over the Raiders on Sunday. The utility signed a fresh one-year deal prior to the game, and negotiated the contract himself after becoming his own manager. Asked about his new contract ahead of the Tigers' clash with the Roosters this week, Doueihi was in a cheeky mood. "Should've waited an extra week," he smirked. "I saved the club a bit of cash there." Doueihi's negotiation wasn't straight forward, having rejected an initial minimum wage $150,000 offer. Eventually, the club and player saw eye to eye. "The club came to me with an offer that was what I wanted and we were able to do a deal pretty quick," he said. "It's still the cooling off period now I guess so maybe I can rip up the contract and go back in there and knock on Richo's (CEO Shane Richardson) office and ask for a bit more cash," he added with a laugh. "I've loved the club ever since I've been here. We obviously haven't had the success I've wanted. I'm here for another year, hopefully we get a few more wins and build for next year." The centre/five-eighth added he was happy to stick with a one-year deal, backing his ability to extend that in the future if he stays injury free. "We both agreed on another year ... I've always said my footy will do the talking and back my ability for the rest of this year and start of next year to get another deal after that," he said.

May sues Panthers as battle for future gets ugly

Panthers winger Taylan May is suing the NRL club, alleging their attempt to terminate his contract is unlawful. The player's legal fight was this week adjourned with an injunction until next month in the Federal Court. May was first served with a show cause notice late last month over several alleged breaches during his time at the club. The centre was told earlier this month he would only be paid out the remainder of this year's contract if sacked. May recently extended his contract with the club, with the deal reportedly valued at $1.2 million for 2025 and 2026. May's legal team alleges the club breached employment law by sending him a second show-cause notice, because of complaints he made in the initial board meeting. His defence states the 22-year-old should not be asked to answer questions in regards to his ongoing criminal case, where he denies claims he punched his wife in the face during an argument. "If (Penrith) is permitted to proceed as contemplated by the second show cause notice and related correspondence, then May will be faced with the invidious choice of either exercising his common law right to silence, in which case May's employment is likely to be terminated ... Or answering (Penrith's) questions, thereby "fundamentally alter(ing) the accusatorial judicial process" May's legal team said in a statement to the court. May will seek damages from the club, claiming he suffered loss as a result of having to defend himself against Penrith's actions and there would be further reputational damage if his contract is terminated. Penrith has already moved on from May on the field, signing Wests Tigers outside back Asu Kepaoa when May was stood down.

Bennett lands first 'key' signing as veteran brushed

Wayne Bennett has taken his first big gamble at South Sydney by signing promising Manly utility Jamie Humphreys for 2025. The grandson of former league boss Kevin Humphreys, Jamie plays the two key positions on the field - half and hooker. And Bennett may well give the 22-year-old a chance in the number nine jumper for the Rabbitohs next season. Humphreys made the switch from halfback to hooker this season and has been outstanding in the lower grades. He won Manly's 2023 Jersey Flegg Players' Players award and was seen as a future first grader within the club. But with his path at Manly blocked by veteran halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks and hooker Lachlan Croker, Humphreys sees a chance at Souths under Bennett, who is always willing to give young talent a chance. Only this week, the Dragons signed Souths hooker Damien Cook and Humphreys will push another up-and-comer, Peter Mamouzelos, for the hooking spot at the Bunnies.

Benji's Nephew Lands Long-Term Deal

The nephew of golden boy Benji Marshall has signed with the Gold Coast Titans. Taane Marshall-Wallace, a powerfully built 15-year-old outside back, is held in such high opinion by the Titans that he has been given a four-year deal. Marshall-Wallace hails from Waimana in the Bay of Plenty, and is another Kiwi rugby union convert. He was playing the 15-a-side game up until only three months ago and has wasted no time making an impact in league against players one and two years older than him. "He's a big kid with good skills - we are very excited about him," a Titans source told Wide World of Sports.

Dragons land dual blow as $1 million move secured

Damien Cook will return to where it all began next season, with the Rabbitohs hooker signing a two-year deal with St George Illawarra. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the 32-year-old will be granted an early release from his contract at Redfern at the end of 2024, bringing an end to a fruitful tenure at the club that will span over 200 games. Cook's deal at the Dragons is worth an estimated $1 million over two seasons after being granted permission by the cardinal and myrtle to seek an opportunity at a rival club. The experienced star told his teammates of his exit on Wednesday morning. The livewire made his debut for the Dragons in 2013 but didn't find his feet in the top grade until joining the Bunnies in 2016, where he became a NSW and Australian representative and cemented himself as one of the game's best hookers. Cook is expected to share the dummy-half duties with Jacob Liddle at the Saints, with the club's current No.9 signed for a further two seasons. As for the Rabbitohs, young gun Peter Mamouzelos is expected to get first crack at the hooker spot next year after impressing in his sporadic NRL appearances. Cook's impending arrival comes as the Dragons have landed another blow on the recruitment and retention front, re-signing utility Jack Bird for a further season. Currently sidelined with an ankle injury, the 29-year-old has triggered an option for next year prior to the June 30 deadline as opposed to becoming a free agent. Bird has been used in a variety of roles in recent years for the Saints and is a known favourite of Shane Flanagan, who previously coached him at Cronulla. The former NSW Origin star is in line for a return in round 17 against the Dolphins.

Dolphins confirm long-term deal for 'underrated' star

Jeremy Marshall-King has knocked back interest from the Rabbitohs and has re-committed to the Dolphins until at least the end of 2028. As first reported by 9News Sydney's Danny Weidler, the crafty No.9 has opted not to go to the open market in November, agreeing to a fresh three-year contract. Marshall-King has emerged as one of the best hookers in the competition in recent years, with his class and vision out of dummy-half a vital asset for the Dolphins. The 28-year-old, who is the younger brother of Tigers coach Benji Marshall, has also played two Tests for New Zealand and one game for the Maori All Stars. "I have really enjoyed my time so far at the Dolphins," he said. "I have appreciated the change since moving from Sydney and my family is enjoying life around the club. I am also excited by the future the Dolphins have and what we can do in the NRL over the next few years." After spending five seasons in the top grade with the Bulldogs, Marshall-King moved up to the Dolphins for the inaugural campaign and has become one of their main men.

Rabbitohs hit back at 'absolute rubbish' Cook rumour

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have hit back at a claim Damien Cook is on the outer over an "absolute rubbish" rumour he's been leaking information. Cook has confirmed he's received a two-year offer from the Dragons, despite him being under contract at the Rabbitohs until the end of 2025. South Sydney would reportedly have to pay a portion of that deal next year if he went to the Dragons. "Obviously it's a bit new to me, this sort of stuff, and I don't want to leave," he told 9news last week. "But we'll just get through the game and speak to my manager next week." Rumours have since emerged around the circumstances of the Rabbitohs giving Cook permission to negotiate with rivals but the club has since put that to rest. "There's been rumours, which Souths have told me they're aware of today, that he may be being moved on because of leaks from the club," Nine reporter Danny Weidler said on 100% Footy. "They've said that is absolute rubbish ... I put to them today, they said that is incorrect, Damien will not be asked to move on early from the club, instead they want to honour him in the best possible way and give him the send off he deserves as a player." Weidler also addressed rumours record tryscorer Alex Johnston could be on the way out. However, Souths have quashed that too. "Alex Johnston is in Wayne Bennett's plans and he will be there next year," he said.

Lockyer pinpoints major 'concern' for bumbling Broncos

Brisbane have been dumped out of the NRL top eight and according to one of the club's greatest players, one issue in their game has been there all season. Despite starting the year as one of the premiership favourites, the Broncos are now in ninth spot on the ladder after suffering a third-straight loss in round 15. Kevin Walters remained positive in the wake of the defeat to South Sydney, but many are beginning to wonder whether or not the Broncos are a genuine title contender in 2024. The absence of Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds has hurt the side in recent weeks, while a litany of off-season departures have tested the depth at Red Hill as the State of Origin period enters full swing. But according to club legend Darren Lockyer, things have been brewing for a long time and the injury to star halfback Reynolds can't be used as an excuse. "They are down on a bit of confidence," he said on Nine's QLDER.

'Downside' to Latrell recall after 'moment of madness'

Desperate times call for desperate measures - and Blues coach Michael Maguire has decided to roll the dice on Latrell Mitchell in a gamble that could decide Origin. Latrell was brilliant in South Sydney's 22-12 win over the Broncos on Friday night, clinching selection with a powerhouse attacking game - scoring a try, having a try assist, running for 175 metres with five tackle busts. But the fiery fullback found himself in the sin bin after a moment of madness and that is the downside with the dynamic Bunny. Latrell can be easily baited and in the likes of Harry Grant and Lindsay Collins, Queensland have players capable of pushing his buttons. In the pressure-cooker Origin atmosphere, everyone is on edge and it doesn't take much to start a flare-up that could leave a team a man short. Queensland coach Billy Slater is only too aware of Latrell's short fuse and is certain to give his players a license to test the star utility's discipline next Wednesday night.

Enforcers Burned By Reputation

Are the reputations of the Roosters' hit men counting against them in league's modern era? The Roosters are the most penalised team in the NRL, largely because of their three hard men - Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Victor Radley and Lindsay Collins. All three are 'old school', belting opponents at every chance at a time when hard hits are becoming all but extinct in the game. Roosters officials believe they get a raw deal and on the surface of it, they have a case. JWH pulled off a big hit on Saturday night on Parramatta's Shaun Lane and the referee blew a penalty. But then the Bunker intervened, not only putting him on report but sending him to the sin bin. Plenty of times during games we hear refs say "don't talk to me like that or I will penalise you". But at a big moment at a crucial time, with the scores tied, referee Chris Butler immediately penalised Collins right in front of his posts for back-chat and the Eels took the lead. And Radley? His reputation is so fearsome that he only has to sneeze on an opponent and he seems to get penalised. It's a worry for the Roosters heading into the big games, with the reputation of their hard men apparently counting against them.

Season-Defining Sea Eagles Victory

Some wins are season defining - especially in games when you had no right to finish in front on the scoreboard. And so it was at Brookvale on Sunday, when the wounded Sea Eagles scored a brave 30-14 win over a poor Dragons side. Manly lost four players in the first half - both props Toafofoa Sipley (knee) and Taniela Paseka (thumb), centre Rueben Garrick (head knock) and forward Corey Waddell (leg). The situation was so dire that Waddell limped back onto the field in the second half to help his mates out and give them one player in their bench rotation. Veteran skipper Daly Cherry-Evans was superb for Manly, controlling the game with his smart passing and kicking game.

Ex-storm Star Stands Up for Tigers

He's as hard as a lump of granite, and Tigers centre Justin Olam lodged his claim for the buy of the year tag at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon. In a desperate struggle between two battling teams, Olam proved the difference as the Tigers out-enthused the Titans 18-10. The win ended a long and painful nine match losing run for the Tigers - and had Olam not been there, it may well have been a 10th straight loss. The PNG international scored a try in each half, positioning himself superbly both times to cut open the Titans defence. Olam's experience has added a hard edge to the young Tigers and he is proving a great addition to Benji Marshall's troops.

Fortress No More?

The Raiders' strength in recent years is proving their weakness as they move into the danger zone of missing the finals. GIO Stadium, the Viking Clap and the bitter cold have made the Raiders' home ground a fortress under Ricky Stuart. But something has gone wrong in recent games - the Green Machine have conceded 118 points in their last three games at home. Add to that four losses from their last seven matches and the Raiders have clearly lost their way. They were booed from the field by their loyal fans at halftime against the Cowboys on Friday night, down 22-0. They had a bit more of a go in the second half to make the final scoreline 34-16 - but that may have been a case of the Cowboys taking their foot off the pedal. With three byes still to come and a favourable draw, the men from far North Queensland are suddenly looking a real chance of finals footy.

Dolphins Star Channeling English Icon

Is Herbie Farnworth the best English centre to play in Australia since the legendary Ellery Hanley? Hanley starred for both Balmain and Wests in the late 1980s and he got the Tigers into the 1988 grand final before being KO'd by the Bulldogs' Terry Lamb off the ball. Fans of the two merged clubs are still in awe of his skills but Herbie is right up there. After starring for the Broncos in recent years, he has proved one of the buys of the year at the Dolphins. Against the Sharks on Thursday night, he was majestic, scoring a try and making 215 run metres. Without his contribution, the Sharks would almost certainly have won a game that went right down to the wire. It was a performance 'The Black Pearl', now aged 63 and living back in England, would have been proud of.