The Australian

An important discussion looms on the horizon for Cronulla’s captain-in-waiting Wade Graham as he prepares to sit down with the club to begin contract negotiations.

Ben Barba’s misguided decision to dabble with drugs has cost Cronulla one member of their grand-final winning squad but it may end up saving the bulk of the backline.

The introduction of a fine system for minor offences, a concept already used in the AFL, is under serious consideration by the NRL.

With Greg Inglis secured, South Sydney are on the verge signing halfback Adam Reynolds to a long-term deal designed to ward off interest from a host of NRL rivals.

The Canterbury Bulldogs have flatly denied they have another coach waiting in the wings as the club’s directors prepare for a board meeting today to sort out the future of current NRL mentor Des Hasler.

Ivan Cleary and John Cartwright are ready to step into Des Hasler’s shoes should Canterbury cut loose their high-profile coach.

Kieran Foran’s impending move to the New Zealand Warriors looks set to deliver Brisbane an unexpected bonus, with talented youngster Tuimoala Lolohea on the verge of a move to the Broncos.

Now that he’s had a taste of the NRL, Penrith’s on-loan Englishman Zak Hardaker is determined to make a full-time transition.