The announcement of Ivan Cleary as assistant coach of the Kiwis was a surprise to most and accepted by most.

It's a long time since the Dragons have been so devoid of fire.

Stephen Kearney wants to stay on as Kiwis coach after this year's World Cup, and to build New Zealand into a consistent force on the world stage.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has no intention of using Sonny Bill Williams as a five-eighth at this year's World Cup, even though the rugby league world is marvelling at his ability to flourish in the halves.

There's something invigorating about Blues coach Sir John Kirwan's bid to lure the league magician Benji Marshall to Auckland.

If you want to understand the genesis of the Warriors turnaround, take a close look at the progress of their forward pack today.

Anyone who had an opportunity to voice an opinion before State of Origin II was expressing concern about the knee-jerk reaction to Paul Gallen's punches in the first match of the 2013 series.

For a man who plays in the toughest area of the field, Warriors prop Ben Matulino has been incredibly durable.

Some of the venom coming from past and present players in relation to the latest Origin controversy is over the top, writes Hugh McGahan.

Inspirational skipper Robbie Farah says he can't wait to reunite with his NRL teammates and lead the Wests Tigers into battle at their spiritual home tonight.

State of Origin rivals Greg Inglis and Nathan Merritt flourished in the same side as South Sydney opened up a five-point lead on top of the NRL ladder with a crushing 32-2 win over Canberra last night.

Simon Mannering already knew what it was like to lead a side on a streak but, after the past 18 months, it must have been awfully difficult to recall.

NSW captain Paul Gallen is in doubt for the State of Origin decider because of a foot injury suffered in Origin II on Wednesday.

The build-up to tomorrow's second State of Origin clash has turned ugly.

From dark lows to more recent highs, the 2013 Warriors season has already been one to remember, with 10 games still to go.

Glen Fisiiahi and Shaun Johnson are among the quickest men in the NRL.

At last we know the answer. It hasn't been the rugby league players getting in trouble for booze, violence and sexual offences. It's all down to the media ...

Australian Rugby League officials are taking a huge gamble this week as they attempt to legislate against foul play in the second State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite admitting he broke team protocol when he was asked to leave a Brisbane hotel, Queensland coach Mal Meninga has blamed the media for creating yet another off-field league controversy.

Wynne Gray arrives in Brisbane for the first Lions test where the State of Origin is the talk of the city.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy is warning his players that winning isn't enough to keep them in the NRL side.

Canberra are standing by Sandor Earl in the face of allegations the winger was treated with peptides in 2011. He is under investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

Raelene Castle takes the Canterbury Bulldogs' reins next month in a landmark moment for the NRL. Castle, Netball New Zealand's boss for the past six years, is the first female chief executive in the NRL era.

Former NSW Origin back-rower Tony "T-Rex" Williams could make a surprise NRL return from injury for Canterbury against North Queensland today.

Gold Coast have left North Queensland coach Neil Henry with reportedly just one more chance to keep his job after trouncing the undermanned Cowboys in yesterday's NRL game.

Attitude and character play a big part in professional sport and the Warriors had both of these last weekend against Newcastle. Last weekend's win should not be seen as an indication they have fixed their issues. Attitude and character

The Warriors are saying all the right things, that the Broncos will be dangerous even with four players out through Origin duty, but it's undeniably a good time to play them.

Queensland State of Origin coach Mal Meninga might not know until the weekend the make-up of his side to play New South Wales in game one in Sydney on Wednesday.

So it wasn't just the Warriors, then. The Penrith Panthers also gave the Dragons a few deep scratches last night, though it was a long way from the bloodbath the Warriors had to endure last week.