Isaiya Katoa prepares for his NRL semifinal debut as the prince of the game's playmakers and four years ago it was a series of brilliant finals performances that birthed his budding legend. 

The former All Blacks coach will link up with Kiwis great Kieran Foran at the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Stuff sports reporters

There are any number of Cowboys stars who can help coach Todd Payten keep their season going this weekend, but it’s the club’s secret weapon off the field who may have played the biggest role leading into Saturday’s elimination final.

The Roosters come home strong to secure a second straight unbeaten NRLW season as they look to rectify last year's grand final stumble.

In a letter to the NRL this week, NZ Rugby said naming the new team the Chiefs was unacceptable because of a clash with the Waikato-based rugby franchise. Chris Barrett

ANALYSIS: 11 of the NRL’s other 16 teams have played in a grand final since the Warriors last did 15 years ago. It’s time for that to change. Andrew Voerman

Some big names are firming to make their returns for week one of the NRL Finals, but there could still be late changes for this weekend’s blockbuster battles.

The NRLW has spent much of this season reminding us that predicting what happens next is becoming increasingly difficult. The Dragons pushing the Broncos closer than expected.

If you asked retired English rugby league legend James Roby how the Newcastle Knights would go at the start of the season he would have predicted they’d be playing finals this week.

Former Warriors captain Monty Betham says ticket scalping ahead of Saturday’s NRL finals match against the Dolphins is disgusting and those doing it don’t under the club and it’s culture. Jim Kayes