North Queensland co-captain Tom Dearden has cleared the air about his future and given the club a boost as he targets returning from injury to inspire a finals run.

Former Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles halfback and ABC Sport rugby league commentator John Gibbs has been diagnosed with cancer.

Luke Bateman has described being flown to race days by betting companies, where he was plied with alcohol and supplied with his choice of drugs. Natassia Chrysanthos

Cowboys superstar Tom Dearden has pledged his long-term commitment to the club while labelling the speculation over his future as “a whole lot of nonsense”.

Brisbane Broncos NRLW star Ali Brigginshaw is facing the prospect of a lengthy stint on the sidelines after being referred straight to the judiciary for a lifting tackle during last weekend's Magic Round.

Broncos legend Ali Brigginshaw is facing one of the biggest bans in NRLW history after she received a grade three charge for a dangerous throw which will see her referred directly to a judiciary hearing on Tuesday night.

It is being billed as the match-ups of the season, but Penrith are set to be without at least two of their big stars in a huge encounter against the New Zealand Warriors on Friday.

New South Wales legend Laurie Daley has confirmed he won’t coach the Blues again. Simon Brunsdon

Let’s not get side-tracked by Benji Marshall’s post match praise about how brave Adam Doueihi was in his return after a week of self-inflicted pain.

The NSWRL pays tribute to Blues "hero" Laurie Daley as the coach stands down from his role after this year's series win over Queensland.