SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Jake Granville, Lachlan Coote, Kyle Feldt and Justin O'Neill of the Cowboys sing the national anthem before the 2017 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Going away Young

Talented Melbourne outside back Young Tonumaipea has been released by the club to take up a two-year Mormon mission overseas. Tonumaipea, 25, has played 40 first grade games to date but has been limited to reserves this season, playing less than a handful of first-grade matches. Tonumaipea joins a long list of Polynesian players who leave the game to take on a Mormon mission; including Will Hopoate, Jordan Rapana and Lagi Setu.

Bulldogs to target premiership winner

After the recent loss of Moses Mbye to the Wests Tigers next season, the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs are about to throw everything they have at unwanted North Queensland fullback Lachlan Coote. Coote, still just 28 years old, still has a lot of football left in him. His premiership experience; having won a grand final and appeared in another in the space of two seasons, is the main factor in the Dogs decision to have targeted him.

The Bulldogs are also believed to be interested in fringe first-graders Sione Katoa and Nick Meaney. Meaney has also received interest from rival club, Wests Tigers.

Gould returns after hiatus 

Phil Gould has returned to Twitter after what feels like an eternity away from the social media service. Gould interacts with Rugby League fans like no other in the game, sharing his insight and knowledge without a filter. It's great to see and its great for the game. To follow Gus, search for his Twitter handle: @PhilGould15.

James packs his bags and then... unpacks them again 

Ryan James was on his way to boarding his flight when told he was no longer in the New South Wales squad for Game I on June 6. Having been made aware of his selection in the side by none other than Blues coach Brad Fittler himself, James had all but packed his bags. A day later, he was informed he was no longer needed after incumbent Blues front-rower David Klemmer put in a strong performance against Wests on Sunday afternoon.