Rugby League

He hasn't left yet, but the tributes are already flowing for departing Warriors great Simon Mannering.

The Kiwis rugby league coach Michael Maguire says the Test against Australia in October is the start of a new journey for his side.

Cronulla and the NRL insist they're confident the Sharks are salary cap compliant headed into the finals series after historical breaches are reported.

He hasn't left yet but the tributes are already flowing week for departing Warriors great Simon Mannering, including an accolade out of left field from coach Stephen Kearney.

The former St George Illawarra and Cronulla rugby league player Lance Thompson has died.

The end-of-year rugby league Test match between Australia and Tonga is reportedly close to being given the green light, with an announcement expected next week.

The Wests Tigers' NRL season still has a heartbeat but they face a nervous weekend of watching their finals hopes go on the line after they held out a fast-finishing Manly 22-20.

It's not the jitters, yet, but the Warriors admit they've left it late to lock down an NRL finals berth.

Parramatta chairman Max Donnelly has hit out at fresh claims the club is again cheating the NRL salary cap by providing free or discounted rental properties to its players.

Kiwis rugby league coach Michael Maguire has denied rumours he's been lined up to replace Wayne Bennett at Brisbane.

The former Australian rugby league player John Hopoate has been banned from any involvement in rugby league for 10 years for a fight in a Manly A-Grade match last month.

David Fusitu'a will become a 10-season Warrior after signing a long-term deal with the NRL club.

Penrith have sacked coach Anthony Griffin just four weeks out from the NRL finals, despite the club being in the NRL premiership hunt.

Sonny Bill Williams has left the door open to making a return to rugby league, declaring off-field opportunities will guide his next career move.

Adam Blair concedes he's playing too close to the edge and has vowed to shed a dirty player tag by toning down his tackle technique.

Experienced forwards Adam Blair, Issac Luke and Tohu Harris have returned to boost the Warriors for Saturday's NRL game against St George Illawarra in Wollongong.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has joined the chorus of voices criticising referees, believing they are being "poorly led" by NRL officials.

Melbourne Storm have clambered to the top of the NRL standings after another arm-wrestle win, holding out the Warriors 12-6 in Auckland.

It will border on a travesty if the Warriors don't challenge for an NRL premiership in Simon Mannering's final season of rugby league.