Matt Elliott was absent from the coaches' box at the Warriors match last night - but don't read too much into it.

Unlocking the mystery behind Feleti Mateo needs to be one of the major projects for the Warriors coaching staff this season.

The biggest issue in rugby league this week has been the reaction to the Alex McKinnon tragedy and the outpouring of support he has received.

Glen Fisiiahi says he isn't one for extravagant celebrations when he scores a try - but he is building an eye-catching record.

New Zealand Herald sports columnist Chris Rattue watches a weekend of sport and decides it is time to change a few rules on the sporting landscape.

Nathan Friend is into his third season with the Warriors but already he finds himself in an all-too-familiar place.

Sonny Bill Williams will miss the Sydney Roosters' next three NRL games after pleading guilty to a grade two shoulder charge.

It's only one game into the new season but it seems all too familiar.

The NRL needs to dramatically rethink its scheduling to avoid player burnout and unnecessary injuries, says Penrith coach Ivan Cleary.

Given the lack of obvious alternatives, Stephen Kearney was the only choice the NZRL could make for Kiwis coach.

Stephen Kearney admits that next time the Kiwis are selected, they will need to take into account "character as well as talent".

The Auckland Nines, regarded as a huge success, may also have an important benefit for the Warriors - it should help with the signing Australian players to the club.

His name - and game - is still a mystery to most Warriors fans but Chad Townsend is set to become a lot more familiar over the coming weeks.

The Warriors identified last year they needed a more competitive edge and signed Sam Tomkins, who is not only one of the world's best fullbacks but also a player who is hugely driven.

City leaders are breathing a sigh of relief after Auckland made it through what has been described as one of its "greatest weekends".

The North Queensland Cowboys have beaten the Brisbane Broncos 16-7 to win the first NRL Auckland Nines rugby league tournament.

Apart from those first up, teams will be watching and learning right up to kick-off

A number of the most recognisable players in league will bypass the weekend or have been told to bypass the tournament, writes Richie Barnett.

Shaun Johnson once played for a touch team called Kryptonite.

For someone who has only ever been contracted to two clubs, it will seem strange for Sam Tomkins not to be playing when they meet in Hamilton tonight.

All Sisa Waqa really wanted to do when growing up was play sevens for Fiji.

Sonny Bill Williams and Kieran Foran have been identified internally as two of several Kiwis players under investigation.

With most league interest focused on next weekend's Auckland Nines, it's easy to forget the Warriors, like all clubs, are preparing for an assault on a more prestigious prize.

Little-known Australian Glenn Morrison has joined Stephen Kearney, David Kidwell and Richie Blackmore on a shortlist of four for the Kiwis coaching position.