The return of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater has made a tough task at Mt Smart Stadium even more difficult for the Warriors on Sunday.

The Warriors will be watching developments in the drugs probe across the Tasman with interest after new Warriors recruit Jayson Bukuya was named as one of eight Cronulla players who had been in negotiations with anti-doping officials.

St George Illawarra produced the upset of the NRL season late last night, Brett Morris scoring three minutes into extra-time to cap a miracle 22-18 win over South Sydney.

If the Warriors make it to the NRL playoffs, they will deserve to be there with a difficult run-in to complete their regular season.

The accolades bestowed on Shaun Johnson after his performance against the Tigers on Friday night are totally justified, writes Hugh McGahan.

Benji Marshall had tears in his eyes at kickoff and his mood hadn't improved much by the end as his side fell to the Warriors 24-14.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan and ceo Andy Dalton are flying to Sydney this weekend to talk to Benji Marshall about coming to the franchise.

Wests Tigers coach Michael Potter says there's no chance disgruntled star Benji Marshall will be released immediately by the NRL club.

Benji Marshall's future will dominate talk around the Wests Tigers this week and Warriors coach Matt Elliott is worried it will prove a distraction for his side.

The odds looked stacked against New South Wales winning a first series since 2005.

It's of little comfort to New South Wales pivot James Maloney but Maroons forward Sam Thaiday has declared his form didn't merit Queensland State of Origin selection this year.