Ugly Ryan Papenhuyzen grand final detail emerges as $3 million update leaves Sua Fa'alogo in limbo

The Melbourne Storm have reportedly offered Ryan Papenhuyzen a whopping $1 million a season contract extension - leaving Sua Fa'alogo's future in doubt - as more details around his horror NRL grand final injury have come to light. Papenhuyzen was on the losing side in the NRL grand final with the Storm unable to stop Nathan Cleary and the Penrith Panthers achieving four straight premierships. After the grand final it was confirmed Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes carried a back injury into the contest and won't feature for New Zealand against the Kangaroos. And not it appears Papenhuyzen was fortunate to play the NRL grand final having battled a minor fracture in his lower leg. Papenhuyzen has suffered three horror fractures across the last three seasons for the Storm with a major knee and right ankle fracture seeing him miss the majority of the 2023 season. Papenhuyzen returned in 2024 and found his scintillating form again, but has endured numerous setbacks with his right ankle. And it appears Papenhuyzen wasn't close to 100 per cent fit heading into the NRL grand final with the initial report of bone bruising a concern. However, the Storm have confirmed the fracture with Papenhuyzen needing pain killers to play the final. Papenhuyzen did his best to ignite the attack against the relentless Penrith defence, but wasn't able to link up with Hughes or Harry Grant to change the game. The latest injury concerns comes as Papenhuyzen has reportedly been offered a $3 million deal for three years at the Storm, according to The Daily Telegraph.

League great reveals 'risk' in potential Hunt move

Broncos great Corey Parker has questioned why rival clubs would entertain signing Ben Hunt, admitting there is "risk attached" when it comes to the wantaway Dragons star. The 34-year-old has a year to run on his deal with St George Illawarra, but the club told him recently they would not be offering him an extension. Hunt had a poor end to the season as the Red V missed out on the finals, before copping some criticism from Shane Flanagan during a performance review. The halfback will hit the open market on November 1 for the 2026 season, but there's still a strong chance Hunt pushes for an early release. Speaking on SEN radio, one of his former teammates at Red Hill in Parker brought up the fact that Hunt would be 36 years of age by the time a potential move rolls around and doesn't believe many clubs would want to fork out big money for a short-term deal. "Ben Hunt is trying to get an extension at the moment with the Dragons ... Shane Flanagan and the Dragons are currently holding out and rightly so," he said. "He's on contract for next year, he's looking for an extension for 2026 where he will be 36 years of age on big money. I think Flanagan may be doing the right thing by not going for Ben Hunt but does that mean he goes to the open market? "There's a risk attached to that and I am one of Hunt's biggest fans but there is certainly risk attached to a 36-year-old halfback. "You have to understand why you are bringing in a player and what you want to achieve out of them. It would only be for one year because I can't see Hunt playing beyond 36. "Father Time catches up with you very quickly and it could come in the space of one small injury." Hunt has been among the Dragons' best players for a number of years, but during his big-money tenure at the club, they have only won one finals game. The issue for Flanagan as it stands is their lack of depth in the halves, with his son Kyle failing to prove his worth as a long-term solution, while young gun Lykhan King-Togia has only played a handful of first grade games. The captaincy may be less of a concern for the Dragons heading into next year, with star back-rower Jaydn Su'A inking an extension and emerging as a leader within the squad. Hunt addressed his future during Kangaroos camp last week and said he remains open to finishing his career in Queensland.

Gorden Tallis rejects peace offer from Michael Maguire in truth bomb for new Broncos coach

Gorden Tallis has confirmed reports he rejected a peace offering from Michael Maguire after bumping into the new Brisbane Broncos coach on NRL grand final day. Tallis is a former teammate and good friends with ex-Broncos coach Kevin Walters and has not been shy in discussing his sacking and the appointment of Maguire as coach. The Broncos great was highly critical of the club's decision to part ways with Walters after he took Brisbane to the 2023 grand final and went very close to winning it. But 2024 was a different story as the Broncos struggled with inconsistent form and injuries to key players as they missed the finals series for the third time in four seasons under Walters. Tallis concedes it was a hugely disappointing campaign but argued that Walters had earned the right to try and turn things around. And he hasn't held back in his assessment of Maguire, who was released from his contract with NSWRL after helping the Blues win back the State of Origin shield from the Maroons at his first attempt. That came after Maguire also helped New Zealand thump the Kangaroos 30-0 in the final of last year's Pacific Championships. Maguire also has an NRL premiership to his name as coach after helping to mastermind South Sydney's drought-breaking 2014 grand final victory. But Tallis has also pointed out that Maguire's time at South Sydney did not end well and he also struggled at the Wests Tigers before being sacked as coach. Tallis spoke on Fox League's NRL 360 and on Triple M recently to criticise the sacking of Walters after a 12th-placed finish for the Broncos in 2024. And he was quick to remind people about Maguire's own record the last time he was a coach at club level, arguing that it's a much different beast than coaching at rep level. Tallis said he could understand if Walters was replaced by one of the elite coaches such as Ivan Cleary or Craig Bellamy but said the appointment of Maguire made little sense to him. “When it’s a big club you go and get the best coach and if you don’t ask Craig Bellamy, you don’t ask Ivan Cleary, (then) you don’t know,” Tallis said on Triple M recently. “They sacked Kevvie because he came 12th and then Madge in his last six years (at club level) came 12th, 12th, 9th at the Tigers, then he got worse. He came 11th, 13th, then he got the wooden spoon. They’re not replacing him (Walters) with Craig Bellamy.”

Secret reason behind star's 'below par' grand final

The reason behind the Storm's below-par performance in the grand final can finally be revealed - star halfback Jahrome Hughes was virtually a passenger during the loss to the Panthers. To their credit, the Storm kept Hughes' injury a closely guarded secret even after the event, not wanting to take away from Penrith's magnificent win. But the Dally M Medal winner took painful neck and back injuries into the game and was barely sighted in attack. Coming a week after he scored three tries in the defeat of the Roosters, Hughes struggled in the lead- up to the game and looked uncomfortable at the captain's run the day before the game. Without Hughes' usual brilliant attacking game, the Storm could manage just one try - through a solo effort by Harry Grant. It was the first time in the past nine Storm games that Hughes failed to either score or set up at least one try, such has been his influence on the team. The Kiwis are hopeful that Hughes will play in the upcoming Pacific Championships but Wide World of Sports is hearing the extent of his injuries may restrict his appearances.

Carrigan Clone Signs with Broncos

Tupou Francis, from renowned league nursery Marsden State High School, is the younger brother of Titans NRL player Tony Francis. He's also a member of league's prodigious Hopoate clan, the nephew of former bad boy John Hopoate. Still only 16, Francis is expected to play for the Australian Schoolboys next season. A lock, he idolises Broncos powerhouse Pat Carrigan and is attempting to mould his game on the Brisbane star. "He's a great kid with the right attitude and the Broncos didn't hesitate to snap him up on a four-year deal," his manager, former Panthers and Raiders forward Matt Adamson told Wide World of Sports.

RCG move leads to exit as Arthur pulls off raid

Reagan Campbell-Gillard's arrival at the Gold Coast Titans has led to the departure of Keenan Palasia as the former Broncos prop heads to the Super League. The Samoan international will join forces with former Eels coach Brad Arthur at Leeds Rhinos on a two-year deal. "Keenan arrives with a lot of experience of playing in the NRL, with nearly 70 games under his belt, and I think he will complement the options we already have in our forward pack," Arthur said in a statement. "Having spoken to him, I know he is excited about starting his new life in England with the Rhinos and I think he will become a firm fan favourite with his style of play." Palasia played 53 matches at the Broncos, including the 2023 grand final defeat to Penrith. He featured in 15 matches for the Titans but appears to have been deemed surplus to requirements by coach Des Hasler. The Titans agreed to release Palasia from the final year of his contract so he could head to AMT Headingley immediately. "I'm excited for a fresh start and to begin my next journey in a new country but most of all, I am looking forward to wearing the Rhinos jersey," Palasia said. The prop could feature in England in November if selected for Samoa's Test series against England.

Size issue laid bare by 'barely sighted' Storm hulk

Melbourne can consider themselves highly unlucky to be playing in the same era as one of the all-time great teams in rugby league history. Craig Bellamy's men beat the Panthers to the minor premiership - a massive achievement when you now analyse all Penrith has done - but couldn't match them on the night that matters most. The Storm haven't taken the title since 2020 - however have always been right up there only to be frustrated by the history-making Panthers. Even in the grand final they scored the first try through brilliant hooker Harry Grant before being worn down by the Penrith machine. Bellamy demands excellence from his team and for most of 2024, they produced it. Right from week one the title appeared a two-horse race - and so it turned out to be. The absence of suspended giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona hurt the Storm badly in the grand final… he was a colossus up front throughout 2024 and without him, Melbourne struggled to hold the big Penrith pack. Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen was one of the feel-good stories of the year, coming back from a host of serious injuries to reproduce his best, scoring 13 tries from 20 games. Throw in wingers Will Warbrick (15 from 24) and Xavier Coates (10 from 16) and the Storm had a back three to rival any team in the league. Nick Meaney had another solid season in the centres and found a new partner in promising Jack Howarth, who made great progress in his rookie season before struggling on the big stage in the grand final. Cam Munster was his usual mix of brilliant and cheeky, coming back from a serious groin injury to shine in the finals. Jahrome Hughes was the standout player of the season, deservedly winning the Dally M Medal… but was also off his game on grand final night. In the forwards, Eli Katoa was dynamic in his second year with the club and Tigers recruit Shawn Blore proved a great signing. The likes of Christian Welch, Alec MacDonald, Trent Loiero and Josh King - typical Bellamy players - also gave great value. Bellamy got plenty out of two 'super sub' utilities - Tyran Wishart and Sua Fa'alogo - and both should see more top grade action in 2025 as the Storm again attempt to topple the Panther powerhouse.

Best signing: Stefano Utoikamanu should shine under Bellamy's watchful eye and a brutal off-season at the Storm will see him primed for a huge year in 2025.

2025 gains: Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers)

2025 losses: Aaron Pene (released), Reimis Smith (Super League)

Melbourne Storm: 2023 finish: 3rd | 2024 finish: Runner-up.

Billy's big call on 'brave' Storm after heartbreak

Billy Slater has declared Sunday night's decider would've been a bloodbath had the Panthers come up against anyone but the Storm. Having trailed in the first half, Penrith grinded out a 14-6 win to claim a fourth-straight premiership. The Storm legend was full of praise for skipper Harry Grant and the rest of his old club, and said anyone else would've been pumped by 40. "Harry was great, 59 tackles in the middle and he was carrying a niggling calf injury into the game as well. It was a real captain's knock," he said on Nine's Today on Monday morning. "I thought the Melbourne Storm were brave. Any other team would have been beaten by 30 or 40, but they hung in there. "They just weren't quite good enough to beat the Panthers." James Fisher-Harris, Sunia Turuva and Jarome Luai have all now joined the list of champion Panthers to leave the club for NRL rivals. But Slater believes a fifth-straight premiership "absolutely" isn't out of the question. "While Nathan and Ivan (Cleary) are still there leading this team, they've just had this ability to rejuvenate positions after losing star players," he said. "Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Api Koroisau, all these players have left over the last four years and they've been able to fill those spots with youth and developed players. "Five is not out of the question." Like they did against the Broncos last year, the Panthers were forced to come from behind against the Storm. After a gripping opening period, it was the Storm who broke the deadlock through Harry Grant in the 22nd minute. Turuva hit back for the Panthers less than five minutes later, before the Panthers hit the lead through Liam Martin to lead 10-6 at half time. Slater said once in front, the Panthers showed why they're a "champion team". "They've got this one champion player in Nathan Cleary, but they are a champion team across the board," he said. "They all just lift and they apply pressure to their opposition like no one else. Once they got in front they were happy just to apply the pressure." A former trackwork jockey, Slater owns and runs his own thoroughbred stud. He will now join Nine's coverage of the Lexus Melbourne Cup carnival.

Ben Hunt and Shane Flanagan's relationship 'unworkable' as ugly new details come to light

Ben Hunt's relationship with Shane Flanagan is reportedly at the point of no return following a brutal end-of-season review. The Dragons captain is expected set to voluntarily relinquish his captaincy ahead of next season and there are widespread reports the halfback may never play for the Red V again. Hunt endured a tough season in the NRL in 2024 and came under fire for his side's late-season collapse that saw them drop out of the top eight and miss out on playing finals footy. In the Dragons' season review Hunt, whose contract is worth over $1 million a season, was told "his performances – including his defence, kicking game and leadership – when his team’s finals hopes hung in the balance were not befitting of his standing in the side". And according to SMH’s Danny Weidler, Hunt was deeply hurt and offended at being 'salary shamed'. "It has been several weeks now since we revealed that Ben Hunt’s salary was thrown in his face during his season review. There has been no denial from the Dragons in that time," Weidler wrote in an SMH column on Saturday. "The situation is unworkable and the best thing is for Hunt to walk away from the club. You will remember Hunt was forced to stay when he asked for an early release last year. Then at the end of the season he was criticised for being on a big contract. It feels like the time is up on the relationship between player and club, and a fresh start for both is needed." Weidler also noted that Hunt felt singled out due to the widespread praise his fellow playmaker Kyle Flanagan received. The No.7's situation at the Red V has also led rugby league great Andrew Johns to form the opinion that he won't play another game for the Dragons. The Knights legend suggested a three-way move with Hunt to the Titans, Gold Coast hooker Sam Verrills to the Roosters to cover the injured Brandon Smith and Storm utility Tyran Wishart to the Dragons could solve several issues. “I’ve heard Sam Verrills may be going back to the Roosters … have a look at Brandon Smith, he won’t play until mid-next year,” Johns said on WWOS’ Freddy and the Eighth. “So that opens the way for Ben Hunt to go to the Titans.

Bellamy's $2m sacrifice as Melbourne close in on big grand final advantage

In a bombshell revelation ahead of Sunday's NRL grand final, it has been revealed that the Parramatta Eels tabled the biggest coaching contract in NRL history to try and lure Craig Bellamy away from the Storm. Sunday night's clash against Penrith will mark Bellamy's 10th grand final in charge of Melbourne and it could have been his last in purple if Parramatta had their way. The Eels were on the hunt for a new coach following the axing of Brad Arthur and attempted to persuade Bellamy to leave Melbourne by offering him a whopping $10 million deal - the richest coaching contract in rugby league's 116-year history according to News Corp. Parramatta ended up signing Jason Ryles as their new coach but it was only after they made moves for two of the biggest coaching names in the game. There was plenty of chatter after Arthur's sacking about the Eels going after Wayne Bennett. But it was revealed this week that he wasn't the only big-name coach on Parramatta's radar, with a $2.5million a season four-year deal tabled for the Melbourne Storm leader. The 65-year-old is on $2 million a year at Melbourne and therefore forewent a staggering $2 million by snubbing the Eels to stay at the Storm. And Storm chairman Matt Tripp says he is fully aware that other clubs have and can offer Bellamy more than the $2 million a year he earns at the Storm but is confident he would never leave the club to join a rival team. "The truth is Craig has been offered much more money by other clubs than we can give him," Tripp told News Corp. "If Craig was motivated just by money, he would have taken the offers and we wouldn’t have him anymore. "I’d be incredibly surprised if Craig got the urge to go to another club, or even a start-up (expansion) club, because of his familiarity with Melbourne and what he has created here. To be honest, the greatness of Craig is that he is coaching better now than he ever has. He’s contracted with us until 2026 and we’ve got a rolling arrangement where in March or April each year, Craig has a think about things. He will tell me whether he was to stay as head coach or move into a mentoring role." Bellamy - who has been weighing up retiring from coaching for the past couple of years - is in the midst of a five-year deal with the Storm which runs until the end of the 2026 season. How long he continues to coach remains unclear and as part of his current five-year deal, he can transition into another role at the club if he wishes to step away from coaching.

Zac Lomax's $2.6m mistake laid bare as NRL star crowned winger of the year at Dally M

Zac Lomax's incredible season for the Dragons has been rewarded with being named Dally M winger of the year, but it once again raises the question over what prompted his move to the Eels in 2025. Jahrome Hughes was the talk of the night after eclipsing James Tedesco in a close battle for his maiden Dally M award. However, Lomax's achievement to be selected in the Dally M team of the season has also raised eyebrows within the NRL community. Earlier this year, Lomax put an end to months of speculation when the Dragons released him from his contract so he could join the Eels in 2025. Lomax was reportedly unhappy at playing on the wing for the Dragons and wanted to switch to his preferred centre position. And with rival clubs lurking, the Eels signed the star on a reported $2.6 million deal. This is a reported pay cut from the final year of his Dragons deal, where he was earning $850,000 per year. However, it could be hard to see Lomax moving away from the wing at the Eels after producing a career-best year. The winger was selected for NSW in State of Origin and was one of the Blues' best in a series victory. He scored 14 tries in 21 appearances at club level, which earned him a debut in the Dally M team of the year. Lomax would also be hard to look past for a debut for the Kangaroos this year in Mal Meninga's Australia team. This leaves incoming Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles with a huge decision to make. Circumstances have changed a lot since Lomax struck an agreement with the Eels in April, most notably with former coach Brad Arthur - the man who convinced Lomax to join - departing.

'Incredible' Tigers rookie caps rise with rep selection

Lachlan Galvin has capped off an incredible rookie campaign, earning selection for the Australian Prime Minister's XIII squad to take on Papua New Guinea. The teen sensation was a shining light for the Wests Tigers this season, spending the majority of the year in the No.6 jumper and cementing himself as a future superstar. Galvin is one of many young guns selected in the squad by head coach Brad Fittler ahead of the clash on October 13. Titans speedster Alofi Khan-Pereira, Rabbitohs forward Tallis Duncan and Raiders winger Xavier Savage have also been picked in the 20-man touring group. Damien Cook will captain the side, with Luke Brooks and Nat Butcher some of the other experienced players called up for the fixture. "We have some incredibly talented players making their debuts in the green and gold," Fittler said in a statement on Thursday morning. "I'm excited to see what they can do at this level, giving us a real eye to the future." PM Anthony Albanese said the combination of fresh blood and older heads should hold the Aussies in good stead. "We tried to get a balance there of some real up and comers, future stars … then mixing it up with some veterans," he told SEN Radio. "Damien Cook will be the captain, he will lead the team around the ground with great distinction. We try to have players from all the clubs represented so I think that gives everyone the opportunity." The women's team has also been announced for a match against PNG, with Kezie Apps to lead the side that includes young guns Rory Owen and Kasey Reh. "The team features some real experience alongside some young players who will be pushing for representative honours well into the future," coach Jess Skinner said.

Men's Prime Minister's XIII squad:

Luke Brooks, Ethan Bullemor, Nat Butcher, Damien Cook (c), Tallis Duncan, Beau Fermor, Jamal Fogarty, Lachlan Galvin, Reuben Garrick, Kobe Hetherington, Alofi Khan-Pereira, Jacob Liddle, Dylan Lucas, Sam McIntyre, Sean Russell, Xavier Savage, Alex Seyfarth, Fletcher Sharpe, Kaeo Weekes, Hudson Young.

'Massive advantage' set to end Panthers dynasty

Sunday's blockbuster NRL grand final shapes as a tight, even affair - but there's one area where the Storm have a massive advantage that could turn the game. And that is why I believe Melbourne are poised to end Penrith's marvellous run of three straight premierships. In most positions on paper, there is little between the players that finished first and second in the league… well ahead of the field. But at hooker - one of the most important spots on the field the way the modern game is played - the Storm have a clear edge. Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny is a good solid pro who has won premierships and held up the middle for the Panthers in fine style and this is no sleight on him. But in Harry Grant, the Storm have the most dangerous hooker in the league and a player capable of unlocking the Panthers' defensive wall. A comparision of the statistics of the two dummy-halves tells the tale. Kenny played 23 games, made an average of two runs per game and scored two tries in 2024. Grant, by contrast, played 22 games, made six runs per game and scored 11 tries. Kenny had six try assists - Grant doubled him with 12. Kenny made just two line breaks and eight tackle breaks. Grant - 13 line breaks and 47 tackle breaks. Wow. Panthers fans will challenge this by saying Kenny's defence is superior and he did make the third most tackles in the NRL in the regular season. But he missed 123 tackles… Grant missed 82. So there you have it - my reason for believing that the Storm will edge out the Panthers in what shapes as a grand final classic. I have been wrong before - many times - however I see Grant as the big-match player who will deliver the title to the Storm on Sunday night.

Manager reveals 'homesick' Hughes almost quit Storm

Jahrome Hughes' manager has made the shock revelation that but for the outbreak of COVID in 2019, the newly-crowned Dally M Medallist would now be a Warrior. Hughes, who deservedly took out the award by one point from Roosters fullback James Tedesco on Wednesday night, joined the Storm in 2017 but after a couple of seasons was feeling homesick. "Jahrome felt it was time to go home and the Warriors offered him $1 million, which was big money for a halfback four or five years ago," Tas Bartlett of PSM management told Wide World of Sports. "But COVID came in and prevented us from making the trip. "Basically, the Warriors couldn't show him the love. We had a couple of Zoom chats but it wasn't the same - and he decided to stay in Melbourne." The 29-year-old Hughes is a great lesson to all young players about fighting back from adversity. He made his debut for the Titans in 2013… and was sacked after one game. The classy halfback floated around park footy for a few seasons before being picked up by the Cowboys in 2016… and was again sacked after one game. He tried his luck at the Storm the following year, started at fullback, before being moved to No.7, where he has developed into one of the most polished playmakers in modern football.

'Alleged leak' creates 'ill feeling' between Manly Sea Eagles and Wests Tigers

There's plenty of ill feeling between the Sea Eagles and Tigers over boom youngster Onitoni Large. Rated the best schoolboy player in the country, Large quit the Tigers last week to sign a lucrative deal with Manly. Large and his family wanted the move kept secret - but it was allegedly leaked to the media by someone at the Tigers. That annoyed both the young half and the Sea Eagles, who refused to announce the signing on their own website. If the kid becomes a star, which seems highly likely, the bad vibe between the clubs will only increase.

'Kick up the arse' for unlikely grand final star

No player in Sunday's grand final has overcome more adversity in his career than under-rated Panthers back-rower Luke Garner. At various times during his journey to the grand final, Garner was cut by clubs, told 'you are too small', 'your attitude isn't good' and 'you are too slow'. At one stage, Garner had to mow lawns to make ends meet after being cut by the Roosters and reduced to playing park football. "I've had plenty of ups and downs, that's for sure," Garner told Wide World of Sports. "I started out on the wing at home on the Gold Coast, the Titans didn't really want me so then moved to the centres and played U20s for Manly and then tried my luck at the Roosters. "They tried to make me a back-rower but I just couldn't put on enough weight - and they said my work ethic wasn't good enough. "To be fair they were probably right - they sent me to their feeder club Wyong on the Central Coast and I became a park footy player who mowed lawns. "It was the kick up the arse I needed and I knuckled down and was lucky enough to be picked up by Wests in the NSW Cup and eventually Ivan (Cleary) gave me a shot at the Tigers from there.

Ryles lands first key signing as Eels rebuild begins

Jason Ryles has landed his first key signing as Parramatta head coach, with Sharks forward Jack Williams agreeing to a three-year deal. The 28-year-old has been part of the Cronulla system for more than half a decade, amassing 124 first grade games for the club. Williams was off-contract at the end of this year and according to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Eels have swooped in and locked in the middle forward. It's believed Ryles has been in talks with Williams for a number of weeks, and his contract will see him join the blue and gold until at least the end of 2027. Williams has played in a host of finals matches and will bring plenty of experience to the Eels' engine room, where he could push for a starting spot. The news of Williams' signing comes just weeks after the club parted ways with front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard, despite winning their player of the year award. Ryles has said it was "nothing personal" as the Eels look to start a rebuild under the new coach, who will be tasked with snapping a lengthy premiership drought. Williams will join the likes of Zac Lomax and Isaiah Iongi at the club for the 2025 campaign, while rookies Ethan Sanders and Blaize Talagi will move away from the Eels.

'No Rush' for unsigned cowboys veteran

Jordan McLean turns 33 next week - is unsigned for 2025 - but is confident of landing a new deal with the Cowboys in coming weeks. The big prop is approaching 150 games with the club after five seasons with the Storm and was among Todd Payten's most consistent performers in 2024. "I would love to stick around for another season or two," McLean told Wide World of Sports. "The body feels good and I'm in no rush - hopefully we can work something out soon. "It feels like home up here - I love the place."

Rising star heads overseas

The Titans have lost one of their best young forwards to English club Wakefield. Seth Nikotemo, a 20-year-old back-rower was named in Gold Coast's top 30 squad at the start of the year but couldn't force his way ahead of established players like David Fifita and Beau Fermor. He spent the season playing for Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup and made a good enough impression to earn a three-year contract with Wakefield, who are set to return to Super League next season. Nikotemo's contract will contain an option that he can return to the NRL at the end of any of his three seasons.

Maligned signing suddenly looms as Roosters saviour

One of the most successful eras in the Roosters' long history came to an end just one game short of another grand final in 2024. With star players Joseph Suaalii (rugby union), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), Joseph Manu (rugby union), Luke Keary (Catalans) and Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs) all departing and no big names coming in at this stage, it's hard to see the Roosters coming close to emulating their third placed finish next season. The Roosters were the Harlem Globetrotters of the league this campaign, scoring a remarkable 738 points and 130 tries for an average of 30.8 points and 5.4 tries per game - well ahead of the pack. But late season injuries to two key members of their spine - brilliant half Sam Walker and hooker Brandon Smith - reduced much of their strike power and they lost two of their three finals to narrowly miss the big dance. Had they been at full strength, they may have been a threat to the Panthers and Storm - but it wasn't to be and a younger, much different looking Roosters side will have to start from scratch in 2025. The back three - James Tedesco (17 tries), Daniel Tupou (21) and Dominic Young (20) - were as good as any in the league and scored nearly half the team's tries between them. Centres Suaalii and Manu were both outstanding and their departures will leave a huge hole, with the veteran Michael Jennings unlikely to be re-signed. Walker was as dangerous as any playmaker in the NRL on his day and losing him on the eve of the finals was a cruel blow. His halves partner Luke Keary was a steady, experienced hand - as he has been for a decade in the NRL - and he will also be hard to replace in 2025. Victor Radley was a tower of strength at lock and showed his courage by playing the finals with a broken scapula.

Best signing: With so many experienced players leaving, veteran halfback Chad Townsend may find himself a key figure at the club next season.

2025 gains: Chad Townsend (Cowboys)

2025 losses: Joseph Suaalii (rugby union), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), Joseph Manu (rugby union), Luke Keary (Catalans), Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs).

Roosters: 2023 finish: 7th | 2024 finish: 3rd.