Origin gun snubs rivals to sign 'richest ever' deal

Blockbusting Knight Bradman Best is only days away from signing one of the richest deals ever by a centre in the NRL.The 22-year-old powerhouse comes off contract at the end of this season and has been inundated with offers from several rival clubs.But Best has declared he is committed to the Knights and is set to put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth around $700,000 per season.While it's big money, Best could have made more elsewhere – the Tigers offered him around $800,000 a year.The signing will be a massive boost for the Knights leading into the new season.Best is rated among the most damaging centres in the game and his combination with the brilliant Kalyn Ponga was a highlight of the club's superb nine-match winning streak leading into last year's final series.Big, strong and mobile, he is good as any centre in the game and is set for a long career at the top.He broke through into representative football last season, scoring two tries on debut for NSW as they won the final game of the Origin series against Queensland.

Blues shake-up confirmed as Fittler's key man quits

Change is happening at New South Wales' Origin team with Brad Fittler's key right-hand man stepping down.Respected Blues adviser Greg Alexander announced on radio on Friday morning he won't be continuing in the role any longer."I decided last week - I spoke to Freddy last week - that 2023 would be my final State of Origin series," Alexander told SEN's Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy."I know Freddy still wants to coach, still wants the job, so I certainly wish him well on that. But I'm done."After six years, and six I've got to say fantastic years - up and down, but that's Origin - the rollercoaster, seductive as it is to have another go ... I've just decided that that's enough."It's a big commitment, and I've committed elsewhere."Freddy asked me, 'Are you good to go again?', and when you hesitate you know ... it's not a job that you hesitate on."Alexander, 58, claimed he would have quit the job even if the Blues had won this year's series.NSW has lost the last two Origin series to rookie coach Billy Slater and his Queensland side.Fittler has not been given a new contract to coach the Blues, but is reportedly due to meet with NSWRL on Friday.Alexander continues to work with his beloved Penrith, with whom he played 228 games. He was one of the most exciting players to ever strap on a boot, being named the Dally M rookie of the year in 1984, player of the year in 1985, and was three-time halfback of the year.

Cleary comeback date clearer after injury blow

Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary could make his NRL return next weekend as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.9News and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas revealed the news at half-time of Nine's NRL coverage on Sunday, along with reports Dylan Edwards has been offered a multimillion-dollar deal by the Panthers.Cleary suffered his hamstring injury before Origin II, ruling him out for the rest of the series. "He's told those at the club that's he ready to play against the Dolphins (next Sunday), that doesn't mean he'll play, the Panthers want to make sure they're not taking any risks with Nathan Cleary and make sure he's right for their run home for the finals," Chammas said."But Nathan Cleary says he's ready to go."The good fortune keeps coming for the Panthers, with Edwards reportedly offered a three-year contract extension to keep him at the club until 2027, on a deal worth around $2.5 million.In more injury news, Viliame Kikau could also return for the Bulldogs soon, with Chammas stating the club is considering naming him against the Broncos on Saturday."The Bulldogs, they say he's an outside chance to play this week, he's likely to be named but (he'll play) probably the week after against his old club the Penrith Panthers, that's one he would've definitely circled on the calendar and could be back for in round 21," he said.An update was also provided on Parramatta hooker Josh Hodgson, who is out with a neck injury.

Knights star Freddy must pick after 'timely reminder'

Bradman Best gave Blues coach Brad Fittler a timely reminder of his skills on the eve of State of Origin III selection with a powerhouse display against the dreadful Dogs yesterday.Best scored three tries — he could have scored five — and had a hand in two others in his team's record 66-0 romp.The Blues have lost Tom Trbojevic through injury and Best put both hands up for the job in emphatic style at Accor Stadium — which will be the scene of the Origin finale on Wednesday week.There are few more intimidating sights in the game than Best in full flight out wide and Queensland will be hoping the strongly-built centre is not selected.That fact alone should make Fittler go with the Knights star as NSW looks to the future in the now-dead rubber.

Fiery Raider starting to mature

Corey Horsburgh pressed his claims for a Queensland State of Origin call-up with a fast and furious performance against the Titans on Saturday afternoon.The fiery Raiders red-head made 55 tackles — more than anyone on the field — in his 70 minutes of game time against the Titans and ran for 113 metres.But perhaps most importantly, in a pressure match, Horsburgh's discipline could not be faulted.The tough forward has had brain explosions in tight games in the past but was faultless in the Raiders' narrow 26-22 win.

New job for forgotten coach could save Fittler

Brad Fittler may not be a dead coach walking - just yet.NSW Rugby League will make a decision on Fittler's future after the final Origin game early next month.It has been widely reported Fittler's future is bleak after losing three of the past four series, but Wide World of Sports has learnt the NSWRL is considering a new plan to retain the popular former great.Under the proposed new structure, the NSWRL would create a new position of coaching director to assist Fittler.And in a major shock, the man they are considering for the job is veteran former Steelers, Dragons, Eels, Knights and Roosters coach Brian Smith.A forgotten man on the rugby league landscape, Smith hasn't coach in the big league since being sacked by the Roosters at the end of the 2012 season.But, at age 69, he remains a respected figure in the game with nearly 700 top grade coaching games to his name.Smith would be an ideal mentor for Fittler and a new voice for the players as they attempt to end Queensland's current dominance of the Origin arena.

Fittler's secret Origin 'gamble' revealed

Blues coach Brad Fittler is set to roll the dice and put Origin rookie Reece Robson in his starting side for next Wednesday night's crucial clash with Queensland.Robson has been named on the bench and the Blues were expected to start the game with Souths' Damien Cook at number nine following the loss of Api Koroisau through injury.But Wide World of Sports has learned that Fittler has been training behind closed doors with Cowboys rake Robson in the starting XIII and Cook on the bench.The move is a massive gamble considering Cook is a veteran of 16 Origins since debuting in 2018 and Robson has yet to wear the sky blue jumper.Robson's toughness and durability - he has played every minute of all the Cowboys' 14 games this year - have won over Fittler and his assistant Greg Alexander.Cook is not out of the Blues' plans, however. He has dynamic acceleration and speed out of dummyhalf and Fittler is counting on him to blow the game open against the tiring Queensland forwards when he is thrown into the game, probably late in the first half.There has been speculation about the hooker switch in recent days - but WWOS has been told it will definitely be happening and the Blues are committed to starting with Robson.

Left-field answer to almighty Fittler headache

If the Blues pick their team on form next week, then Kotoni Staggs will have to come close to getting a centre spot.Staggs - who played one game for New South Wales last year - was outstanding in the Broncos' 20-12 win at Shark Park.The strongly built centre scored a try, had a hand in another and ran for nearly 200 metres, winning his battle with another former Blue, Siosifa Talakai.Staggs has been strong all season in the new-look Broncos and has the toughness and 'whatever it takes' attitude necessary to be a success at Origin football.With the Blues struggling for go-forward and penetration in game one, they could go a lot worse than giving Staggs a recall for game two in Brisbane.

Tedesco, Addo-Carr bounce back from Origin flop

Two under-pressure Blues bounced back to cement their spots for Origin two in Sunday's thriller in Gosford.Roosters fullback James Tedesco has been copping it from all quarters after a below-par game in Adelaide but bounced back to his best with a two-try effort against the Bulldogs.Winger Josh Addo-Carr, who got few chances in Origin I, showed how devastating he can be when given room to move, emulating Tedesco's feat with two tries.The Blues HAVE to make changes for game two - but these two blokes ensured they won't be on the chopping block with five-star performances in Gosford.

NSW rocked after bombshell Latrell Mitchell news

New South Wales star Latrell Mitchell has sensationally been ruled out of State of Origin Game I after suffering a calf injury during training. Mitchell was one of the definite selections from Brad Fittler this year having been in remarkable form for the high-flying Rabbitohs to start the 2023 season.However, the Rabbitohs fullback has gone down with a calf injury during Blues training and has been ruled out of the game on Wednesday. There is no timeline on his return with NRL Physio Brien Seeney claimed a low grade calf injury will rule him out for 1-3 weeks, which could see him return for Game II.Penrith ace Stephen Cricthon will come into the centres for Mitchell and Bulldogs' Matt Burtton will enter the squad as 18th man. This followes Rabbitohs teammate Campbell Graham also pulling out of the squad.“Mitchell sustained the injury at training and scans later revealed a strain which would prevent him playing,” a statement from NSW Rugby League read. “Mitchell will be replaced by 18th man Stephen Crichton and did not travel with the team to Adelaide today.”Crichton moves into the centres having played all three games last year in the series loss. The NRL world was quick to react to the Blues' devastating blow as they lose one of their most in-form stars only a few days out from the clash.

Ponga, Maroons hero dumped in Billy's cut-throat squad

Queensland coach Billy Slater has confirmed a number of big calls in his team for Origin I.As expected, Reece Walsh won the race to the fullback position over incumbent Kalyn Ponga.He is the only debutant in the squad. 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. David Fifita, 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Harry Grant, 15. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Jai Arrow, 18. Tom Dearden, 19. Christian Welch.

Eight new faces named in Freddy's Blues squad

New South Wales coach Brad Fittler has unveiled his team for the 2023 State of Origin opener.The team includes three debutants in Tevita Pangai Junior, Nicho Hynes and Hudson Young. They are among eight faces named in this team who didn't play game three last year.Josh Addo-Carr has also been recalled, as has Latrell Mitchell. A hat-trick against the Raiders on Sunday afternoon was enough to secure Tom Trbojevic's place in the side. He missed last year's series due to injury.Speaking on Nine's Today, Fittler said the decision to choose Api Koroisau over Damien Cook was tough."I think going down to the last couple of weeks, Api's form and his relationship with the players in the team has been long," Fittler said.

Josh Addo-Carr (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Tyson Frizell (Newcastle Knights), Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos), Nicho Hynes (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers), Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers), Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Tevita Pangai Junior (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels), James Tedesco (c) (Sydney Roosters), Brian To'o (Penrith Panthers), Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers), Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders), 18th player – Campbell Graham (South Sydney Rabbitohs).

Maroons rocked by star's sudden retirement

Queensland enforcer Josh Papalii has retired from State of Origin on the eve of the 2023 series.The Raiders front-rower follows in the footsteps of his club teammate Jack Wighton, who retired from Blues selection recently.Papalii, 31, played 23 Origin games for the Maroons."I've loved every minute of my time playing for Queensland and representing the state and I have memories from my time in maroon I will never forget," Papalii said."For me, it's about giving the next generation of Queensland players the chance to represent and it also allows me to concentrate on my football for the Raiders during the middle part of the season."I want to thank all of the coaches over the years that have given me the opportunity to play for Queensland and all of the players who I have taken the field with."While New South Wales coach Brad Fittler said he had been aware of Wighton's decision for some time, it's unclear if Queensland coach Billy Slater knew about Papalii.Slater and his selectors will unveil their squad on Monday for game one, which is in Adelaide on Wednesday week."Josh's decision to retire from State of Origin showcases Josh's character and his selflessness for his state," Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said."Playing one State of Origin match is a huge achievement, but to play over 20 Origin matches over a decade makes Josh one of the most experienced and decorated players in Origin history."His efforts for Queensland playing in the toughest arena in the toughest position will forever be remembered and Josh will go down as one of Origin's greatest players."Papalii's Raiders teammate Corey Horsburgh is a chance of an Origin debut and the retirement will no doubt bump him up the Queensland pecking order.

Graham set for Blues call-up

Campbell Graham has given Blues coach Brad Fittler no choice - he must be the first centre picked for Origin One.The long-striding Souths star was outstanding in the Rabbitohs' 32-6 demolition of Brisbane, scoring three tries and setting up another.Graham now has eight tries in eight games this season and is playing the best football of his career in the red-hot Bunnies backline.No centre in the NRL has scored as many - and Graham has also been outstanding in defence, saving tries with last-ditch tackles.Graham played for Australia in the World Cup and looked very comfortable in the green and gold - now it's time to blood him in Origin football against the Maroons.