NRL 2016

Melbourne Storm thump Brisbane Broncos 48-6 as Wayne Bennett's concerns grow

Only days out from Queensland's State of Origin III team being named, Oates lasted barely 20 minutes of Friday night's Storm try-scoring blitz which included a Suliasi Vunivalu hat-trick.

Centre Cheyse Blair bagged a double as Melbourne inflicted Brisbane's biggest home loss in front of 44,519 fans.

Oates came off second best with try-bound centre Ryan Morgan in the 18th minute and was soon escorted from the field in a concern for Queensland selectors.

The Maroons name their Origin III team on Monday.

Tigers buoyed by new Mr Fix-It

Named at lock, Taylor shifted to hooker in the second half when Matt Ballin (concussion) was ruled out of the game and certainly made an impact.

Taylor set up two of the Tigers' three tries including Luke Brooks' match-winner in the 69th minute – earning the team's Players' Player as a result in just his second game with the club. 

As veteran utility Dene Halatau reaches the twilight of his career – a player who the Tigers have depended on for the most part since 2003 – they will certainly find comfort in Taylor's arrival following his show-stealing performance.

Johnston wants Rabbitohs' No.1 long-term

Johnston – after a two-month absence – made his return at fullback for South Sydney in their last-start win over the Eels with usual custodian Greg Inglis shifting to five-eighth.

Inglis, who earlier in the week expressed his comfort in the halves, was rather impressed with the 21-year-old's return but wasn't sure what the future holds for either man. 

"He played well. I've always said he had the talent to do it and he's a future fullback for sure," Inglis said.

Ballin eyes off Tigers' No.9 jumper

Ballin said it was only natural for him to vie for the club's top hooker billing after nine NRL seasons at the Sea Eagles but was ultimately happy to do what's best for the Tigers.

With Robbie Farah (concussion) unavailable to face the Knights, Ballin has been named on the bench for the Tigers just one Intrust Super Premiership game back from a knee injury following an almost nine-month lay-off. 

Norman's new Eels deal imminent

Despite massive recent upheaval at the club – including the likely stripping of 12 competition points as part of the NRL's penalty for repeated salary cap breaches which also led to the departure of key man Nathan Peats – Norman said he didn't even test the open market, so keen was he to remain at Parramatta.

With a bit of clear air in front of the Eels now the departure of Peats has freed up some cap space and the cap situation is clearer, Norman said he hoped to have a deal done this week.