Cooper Bai's famous father Marcus was annoyed at him over a previous contractual decision, but says the pair have now moved past their rift.

England has suffered a “devastating blow” with premiership-winning Rooster Jasmin Strange ruled out of the World Cup after scans confirmed she suffered a major knee injury following a freak accident at training.

A dummy-half once likened to rugby league legend Cameron Smith has been tapped on the shoulder by the Broncos and is now free to leave the club.

The former Warriors star has not played since he needed fluid drained from his brain after suffering three separate blows to the head before and during Tonga’s Pacific Championships clash with New Zealand last November. Christian Nicolussi

The second week of the men’s Rugby League World Cup is almost here, with a few powerhouse teams resting stars as one eye turns towards the semi-finals.

Plans for a new lakeside stadium in the centre of Canberra have emerged this month, with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr calling for the proposed rectangular venue to also be configured for AFL and cricket matches.

Alex Conti and Mitchell Woods have taken different paths to the NRL in recent years, but the childhood mates remain united by a shared ambition to play alongside each other for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Rising star Salesi Foketi will never complain if he receives a poor pass from dummy-half after the boom back-rower was thrust into the unfamiliar role for the first time in his career in Tonga’s statement win over England at the World Cup.

Not even a legal fight with New Zealand Rugby could prevent the new NRL club from unveiling a motif they believe will unite a nation. Adrian Proszenko

The PNG Chiefs logo brings together elements representative of the country ahead of its NRL debut in 2028.