Kevin Walters responds amid links to replace Des Hasler as Gold Coast Titans coach in NRL

Kevin Walters insists he wants to coach again in the NRL but has refused to address speculation he's in line to replace Des Hasler at the Titans after describing it as "disrespectful" to the veteran coach. Hasler's job at the Gold Coast is under fire after a poor start to the season that sees the Titans sitting 16th on the ladder after just two wins in eight games. It's now emerged that the under-siege coach has a number of performance-related clauses in his contract that could see the Titans axe Hasler without needing to pay him out, if the veteran mentor cannot turn things around. News Corp reports that Hasler faces the axe if Gold Coast don't make the top-eight and play finals footy this season. The Daily Telegraph's Michael Carayannis says the clauses also state that if Gold Coast are mathematically out of finals contention later in the season, then the Titans can decide to part ways with the veteran coach then and there. “He originally signed a three-year deal but there’s clauses in his deal and one of those is a top-eight clause,” Carayannis said. “That is if they don’t make the top eight this year, the Titans are under no obligation to keep him at the club next yet. There’s another element to it and that’s if when they are mathematically no chance of playing finals footy, they can split immediately." With 14 wins generally accepted as the number necessary to play finals footy in most years, it means Hasler's Titans would have to win 12 of their remaining 14 games this season for his job to be safe. The Titans have been hurt by a number of injuries to key players already this season, with Kiwi Test fullback Keano Kini the biggest blow after being ruled out for the season. Former rep forward David Fifita has also experienced complications from pre-season ankle surgery that's set to keep him sidelined for an extended period. The underwhelming form of the rampaging back-rower has been a major issue for Hasler in 2025 and so too has the defence of the Titans, whose 250 points conceded is the second-worst behind only the bottom-placed Eels.

Sharks star vows to 'step up' and help marquee man

Sharks forwards have vowed to take some of the workload off marquee signing Addin Fonua-Blake to ensure the big man is fresh for the big end-of-season matches. The former Warriors prop has been a great acquisition for the Sharks, leading the way up front across the opening nine weeks of the competition. In a tight win over the Eels in Magic Round, Fonua-Blake ran for 140 metres with the ball - more than any Cronulla forward. But his teammates realise there is a chance of burnout over a long season and want to ease the burden on the giant front-rower. "Addin has been massive for us - on and off the field," in-form back-rower Briton Nikora told Wide World of Sports. "His leadership is proving a real asset and he is great with the young blokes, but we can also use him better - we know that. "We don't want to rely on him to do everything and want to try to keep him fresh and fit for when we really need him in the big games. "It's up to the rest of us in the forwards to step up and not make him have to push himself so hard." Nikora is in career-best form for the Sharks, running off well-timed passes from halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall to create havoc for defences. "I've been playing with these guys for a few years now and we know each other's games," the Kiwi star said. "They have the ball skills and it's up to me to run the right lines, but I'm happy with the way things are going." Cronulla face a big test of their credentials against Manly at Brookvale on Sunday. "That's a hard place to win and they have a good team so we will need to be at our best," Nikora said.

‘Dumb’: Mistakes, not refs cost Storm

Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster did his best to take the diplomatic route, claiming his side was “dumb” amid questions about a series of late refereeing decisions in a golden point loss to Canberra on Sunday night. Storm gave up a 14-0 early lead to lose 20-18 in golden point after fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen was denied a 75th minute field goal after teammate Trent Loiero was found to have dropped his elbow into an opponent while trying to get up to the play the ball in a previous play. Then in golden point, Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu was pinged and sin-binned for stomping on Canberra hooker Tom Starling in the play-the-ball despite replays showing little intent. In the dying stages, Loiero was again pinged for a high shot that enabled Jamal Fogarty to kick the winning penalty goal. The trio of calamities put referee Gerard Sutton and the bunker in the spotlight at the end of Magic Round, but Munster said the blame lay with his team. “I can’t remember the last time a team got penalised with the ball, but we played some dumb footy tonight,” Munster said. “As much as it looked like it was in the hands of the ref, we have to be disciplined with the ball. “It’s a tough pill to swallow. We can’t afford to keep doing it.” Munster also said there would be no fallout for Loiero, who would learn from the dual incidents. “You don’t what to be the guy that clips a chin and they go for two and get the penalty. I have been in grand finals where I have done some silly stuff,” Munster said. “He will learn from that. “He’s a great player and we’ve all had those opportunities and lost those moments. “Unfortunately, tonight it was him.” Storm now sits fourth on the NRL ladder, with a 5-3 record.

Hynes Passes Huge Test

The challenge of an attacking shootout with Mitchell Moses saw Nicho Hynes find his best form of the season in the Magic Round opener. Moses was great in a brave Eels side - but Hynes was better, laying on three tries in his team's 28-18 win. Hynes and Brayden Trindall have been taking turns leading the Sharks attack and at Suncorp, it was the former Dally M winner in the driving seat. The classy halfback revelled against the Eels, giving his outside men time and space and the speedy Sharks back did the rest. Hynes has been a little hot-cold this season but such a strong performance on the big Magic stage will work wonders for his confidence for the long road ahead.

How Benji stopped Tigers from 'imploding' after Galvin saga

It's a testament to Benji Marshall's man-management skills as much as his coaching ability that the Tigers have won both their games since Lachlan Galvin has been reinstated into the team. The Tigers' season was in danger of imploding when Galvin was dropped following his dispute with the club and the Tigers slumped to a loss to last-placed Parramatta. But Marshall bit the bullet, put Galvin back into the team despite clear tension in the camp - and the Tigers have scored impressive wins over the Sharks and Dragons. Galvin and Jarome Luai - the man who slammed him on social media - are combining well on the field and the crisis appears to be past.

Haslers job in jeopardy over wingers deficiency

Alofiana Khan-Pereira epitomises the Titans team. The flashy winger can score long range tries - as he did with a 90 metre effort against the Bulldogs yesterday. But the speedster is also suspect in defence and is targeted by rival teams who love coming down his edge. Against the Dogs, Khan-Pereira missed EIGHT tackles, making just three successful ones as his team suffered another heavy loss. Until the Titans repair their defensive woes, Des Hasler's job will remain in jeopardy.

Jahrome Hughes delivers dagger after Western Bears links in huge update for Storm and Ryan Papenhuyzen

Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has slapped down any suggestion he will be joining the Western Bears when they join the NRL having hinted he wants to remain in Melbourne for his entire career. While his insistence he wants to remain in Melbourne could be a blow for a rival club trying to lure Ryan Papenhuyzen away. After the announcement the Western Bears are set to become the next NRL team to enter the competition in 2027, a number of big names were tossed around as a marquee signings. Due to likely increases to the salary cap in coming years, the Perth-based Bears will present an opportunity for the first player in the history of the game to break the $2 million barrier when they come into the comp in 2027. North Sydney Bears board member Billy Moore predicted last week that the market for players will explode in the next few years. Ryan Papenhyzen was linked as a potential $2 million signing with the fullback having only signed a short-term deal with the Storm till the end of 2026. Another big name also off contract at the Storm is halfback Hughes. The reigning Dally M winner hadn't committed to the Storm leading into the 2025 season, which has led to speculation he could be open to entering the market. Hughes could also attract a mega-contract boost considering his rise as one of the game's best playmakers. This saw him linked to the Bears considering he would be free to negotiate with other clubs at the end of 2025. Speaking on SEN Radio last week, NRL reporter David Riccio suggested the two names at the top of the list for the Bears could be Hughes and Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas.

Major update in Lomax’s return date

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles says any hopes of getting Zac Lomax back from injury next week appear “dead and buried” despite fans getting their hopes up on Wednesday after footage showed the rep star training with the team. Lomax has been out since round 5 when he slotted a golden point field goal in an emotional clash against his former side the Dragons. The outside back sustained a minor fracture to his foot during the epic win, with Lomax expected to return in round 11. Lomax was never a chance to play at Magic Round, but there were hopes that he would make an early comeback for next week’s game against the Dolphins. “I think at a pinch he was pushing for next week, but I think that’s dead and buried at the moment,” Ryles revealed. “He’s tracking along really well, but at the end of the day, it’s a bone and it takes that little bit of time to heal. “He’s doing everything right and tracking well, so he’ll be scheduled (to return) in the next two or three weeks.” If he doesn’t play next week, then Lomax will likely return against the Knights in round 11, which will give him just one game to impress NSW coach Laurie Daley before the squad for the State of Origin opener is announced. Lomax was outstanding for the Blues last year and is likely to be picked alongside Eels teammate Mitch Moses if both men are fully fit. Moses had his own foot issue to start the season but made a stunning return against the Wests Tigers on Easter Monday. He starred with four try assists and a 40/20 to spark the Eels’ attack into life after a brutal start to the year without him. The Parramatta playmaker and his teammates have enjoyed the week off with the bye and get the chance to build on their last-start win against a Sharks side that went down in golden point on Sunday. Moses lifted everyone around him in his first game back, and Ryles hopes it’s more of the same at Magic Round.

'Long time coming': Bennett finally calls on $700k recruit

Lewis Dodd admits it has "been a long time coming" to earn a spot in South Sydney's starting team after joining the club in the off-season. Signed on big money from the Super League, the young playmaker has been constantly overlooked by coach Wayne Bennett across the opening two months of the season. But heading into Magic Round, there was simply no choice but to insert the $700,000-a-season 23-year-old into the fray with a host of Rabbitohs playmakers sidelined due to injury. Jamie Humphreys, Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton will all be out of action this weekend, with the latter suffering an injury at training after initially being named to wear the No.6 jumper against the Newcastle Knights. Speaking to media at the airport on Thursday, the former St Helens premiership winner said his time in NSW Cup and on the bench will hold him in good stead. "It's been a long time coming, it feels like," Dodd said. "I didn't think it was gonna be easy, I didn't know if it was gonna go my own way. "I wouldn't have had it any other way - it will make me a better player and better person. "At the end of the day, that's all I can ask for." The injury crisis at Redfern will also see Bennett install a new captain for the trip to Brisbane for the annual rugby league extravaganza. Jai Arrow will step into the role and gave a trademark response to the decision. "I guess I'm the last one left out of the leadership group," the ex-Origin forward said. "Someone has got to hold the fort down while the rest of them take some time off." Souths will face the Knights on Saturday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.

'I'm happy': Tigers star squashes rumours amid Galvin saga

Jahream Bula has brushed off suggestions he could be the next player to want out at the Wests Tigers, with the fullback reiterating he is "happy" at the club. In the wake of the Lachlan Galvin saga, which will see the five-eighth leave at the end of next season, Bula's name was quickly thrown into the rumour mill. The 23-year-old is also managed by the controversial Isaac Moses, who has been at loggerheads with the Tigers for many years, leading to speculation he could suggest a future for the Fijian international at another NRL team. But speaking to media on Thursday, the fleet-footed Bula was quick to squash it. "I'm happy at this club - I don't really want to talk about that stuff," he said. "I don't really listen to the outside noise. They love you when you're up, they bash you when you're down - but I don't really listen to that stuff. "I listen to the people that have earned the right to say their opinion to me." Bula has become one of Benji Marshall's most potent attacking weapons and is already signed with the Concord-based outfit until the end of 2027. The recent issues involving Galvin - which included senior players being offside with the wantaway youngster before his successful return in round nine at Leichhardt Oval - haven't appeared to weigh on Bula. "I love the kid - we've got a good relationship and it's one I'll cherish forever," he said. "He's a very resilient kid and it showed when he played that game how resilient he is, especially after that tough week." The side will take on the Dragons on Saturday night at Magic Round.

Young playmaker makes big call on future

Lyhkan King-Togia has signed a contract extension with the Dragons amid reports the young playmaker will replace Lachlan Ilias in the halves for Saturday’s crucial showdown with the Wests Tigers at Magic Round. The 19-year-old has been in stellar form in NSW Cup and is fresh from setting up three tries in his side’s 30-point win over the Sea Eagles. The Dragons Academy graduate has been rewarded for his consistent form with a new two-year deal that means he will progress into the club’s top 30 squad in 2026. King-Togia showed promising signs at the back end of last season when he played four NRL matches, with the young gun in line to return to first grade in Brisbane this weekend with Ilias tipped to be dropped after a mixed start to life at his new club. “Locking down Lyhkan for another couple of seasons is exciting for the club,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said. “He got a taste of first grade at the end of last year and has been playing good footy to start this season for our NSW Cup team. “He’s an exciting young half on the up and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to improve over the coming seasons.”

Manly's big sacrifice in bid to bring Broncos to Brookvale

The Sea Eagles have relinquished their regular Magic Round clash against the Broncos as they bid to bring Brisbane to Brookvale for the first time in nine years. Manly CEO Tony Mestrov last week confirmed to News Corp that the northern beaches club was lobbying the NRL to host blockbuster clashes against the Broncos, Roosters and Eels at 4 Pines Park in 2025, but that wish appears to have cost the Sea Eagles their spot at Magic Round, with Anthony Seibold's team landing the bye for the most popular weekend on the calendar for the first time. The NRL on Wednesday morning released the draw for Magic Round, which will kick off on Friday May 2 with a clash between the Sharks and the Eels. Suncorp Stadium tenants the Dolphins will take the Broncos' regular prime time Friday night slot on the Magic Round schedule, with Kristian Woolf's side the 'away' team in a match-up with Trent Robinson's Roosters. Saturday kicks off with the Rabbitohs up against the Knights at 3pm, followed by Warriors v Cowboys at 5.30pm and Tigers v Dragons at 7.45pm. The Suncorp Stadium extravaganza is capped off by three Sunday games, with the Titans facing the Bulldogs at 1.50pm, followed by Panthers v Broncos at 4.05pm, with the Storm to face the Raiders with the last game of the round at 6.25pm. Brisbane's Sunday afternoon clash with the four-time reigning premiers signals the end of a commercial deal struck in 2015, which ensured the Sea Eagles would give up a home game and play the Broncos at Suncorp every year, with that deal rolling into Magic Round from its inception in 2019. "We want the Broncos to play at 4 Pines Park," Mestrov said last week. "We haven't played Brisbane at 4 Pines Park since 2014 so we have put in a request to play them at home. It would be exciting to play the Broncos at Brookvale," he added.