No team have been more active this year in recruitment than the Dragons, but the Red V have now had a massive win on the retention front, locking up gun brothers Toby and Ryan Couchman until the end of 2030.

Two fiery middle forwards have been linked to the Broncos, with coach Michael Maguire conceding Brisbane will look to the free agency market to cover a brutal dual setback.

Jason Ryles built his entire reputation as a tough, no-nonsense prop who tore through middle thirds for over a decade, and he backed it up by becoming an assistant coach who simply did not know how to lose.

Storm legend Cooper Cronk doesn’t believe former Melbourne teammate Billy Slater will step up and replace Craig Bellamy as the club’s next head coach.

In Canberra, nobody expects the Sydney press to give the Raiders their due.

Catch up on all you need to know ahead of the Warriors crunch clash against the Titans on the Gold Coast. Stuff sports reporters

Craig Bellamy admitted he is “a bit pissed off” to be missing the finals and joked he may go home and “punch the s***” out of a few teddy bears, but one debutant gave the Storm coach plenty to smile about on Friday night.

Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has labelled his side’s performance against the Melbourne Storm as one of the most “frustrating” games of his coaching career despite walking away with the win.

Dragons coach Dean Young has confirmed that Lyhkan King-Togia will stay in the side for next week’s game against the Sharks, meaning a marquee signing will remain in reserve grade.

St George Illawarra hosts the Dolphins to begin Friday's NRL action. Follow live.