Former Roosters and Eels prop Kane Evans has opened up about his emotional journey from battling addiction and sleeping in parks to celebrating 100 days sober.

Sleeping rough in parks, the former NRL player was ‘hoping to pass away’ before getting the help he needed and turning his life around. Simon Brunsdon

From being urged to “lower expectations” to climbing into the NRL top four: the Sydney Roosters are defying critics with an 18-month turnaround no one saw coming.

As he prepares to become the most capped player in North Queensland history, Cowboys veteran Jason Taumalolo has come back from the brink to forge one last legend in his glittering career. 

Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam is hoping for an unlikely Origin Game 1 berth for Queensland but concedes that defensively, his game is not up to scratch.

Luke Metcalf is reportedly seeking reassurance about his future after being relegated to the bench in favour of Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita. RNZ sports reporters

Dean Young should not be judged on wins and losses. Not this weekend against the Newcastle Knights. And certainly not over the next month.

Inside a fortnight until Origin squads for Game 1 are selected and debate has raged over who Blues coach Laurie Daley should name in his backline.

Want to know the biggest difference at the Knights this year?

The management of star halfback Luke Metcalf are reportedly seeking a meeting with the New Zealand Warriors to gain clarity on his future and role in the team.