Joseph Tapine’s tears are for a man he isn’t in touch with these days.

The Bulldogs have suffered a blow with suspended star Sitili Tupouniua set for an extended sideline stint after injuring his hamstring at training.

Debate has raged over how best to integrate Lachlan Galvin into the Bulldogs team without creating disharmony in the playing ranks given they are on top of the table.

Broncos star Reece Walsh has fired back at 2GB presenter Adam Hawse after the sports radio host told teammate Ezra Mam to cop his criticism on the chin amid a wave of crowd boos.

Questions have been raised over the Broncos’ ageing playmakers and lack of rising halves as Brisbane look try and extend skipper Adam Reynolds for another season in 2026.

Former NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has emerged as the shock frontrunner to become the new Kangaroos coach if as expected Mal Meninga takes the Perth Bears job.