While most NRL players were planning their off-season trips to exotic destinations, new Warriors signing Jonathan Wright was wondering if his professional football career had come to an end.

Australian league great Brad "Freddie" Fittler hopes Shaun Johnson's stunning performance for the Kiwis in the Four Nations final is a sign of things to come for the 24-year-old halfback.

The Kiwis secured their place in the Four Nations final with a thrilling 16-14 win over England at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Four Nations rugby league international between the Kiwis and England from Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The Four Nations is coming down to a close finish with all teams in the running to make next weekend's tournament final. What do they have to do to make it?

Despite having lived in Brisbane for almost a decade, Junior Kiwis fullback Kodi Nikorima was never tempted to declare his allegiance to Queensland and the green and gold of Australia.

English league's newest Man of Steel Daryl Clark wants to join the exodus to Australia's NRL but Warrington fans can breathe easy.

There are no guarantees Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will earn a recall to the Kiwis for the Four Nations in October, despite his impressive NRL form.

Increased squad sizes and longer rest periods between matches are two changes organisers of the NRL Auckland Nines hope will ease player workload.

Veteran hooker Nathan Friend says the Warriors' purple patch of form is helping him to enjoy his football more than ever since joining the club in 2012.

Under-fire Queensland Origin league five-eighth Johnathan Thurston has found an unlikely ally in New South Wales coach Laurie Daley.

St George Illawarra halfback Benji Marshall says he has cut the razzle dazzle from his game and is no longer trying to play like a young man.