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.