NRL

NRL's bold plan to split competition into two conferences as part of expansion push

The plans have the backing of one of the game’s most influential figures, with Wayne Bennett throwing his support behind the concept that would revolutionise the professional game.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and chairman Peter V’landys have met with several clubs over the past fortnight to outline the long-term vision for the game in regards to expansion and how they can maximise future broadcast rights deals.

Kiwi-born NRL ref Henry Perenara retires with a heart condition

Perenara, who played one test for the Kiwis in 2001, has been an NRL referee since 2011, after playing 72 first grade matches in the NRL for five clubs.

He is a cousin of All Blacks T J Perenara and Sonny Bill Williams.

Perenara has been diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, an abnormally fast heartbeat that causes shortness of breath, dizziness sweating or fainting, The Daily Telegraph reported.

He almost collapsed at training a week ago, Perenara told the newspaper. At times his heart raced to about 230 beats per minute.

Kotoni Staggs investigated by NRL over alleged drunken incident

The NRL boss has drawn a line in the sand after it emerged the Brisbane centre was allegedly involved in an off-field incident over the Easter long weekend, sources told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The NRL launched an investigation after a woman contacted the governing body to complain about Staggs, accusing him of making unwanted advances to her while intoxicated. No police charges have been laid.

Unbeaten Panthers keep the winning bug over Knights to stay top of NRL

In a high-quality game on Thursday night where Kalyn Ponga was dangerous as ever for Newcastle, Penrith's young guns Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary still had the last laugh.

James Fisher-Harris was also immense in the middle for the Panthers, who have still only conceded two tries in the second half of games this year.

With the score stuck at 10-6 for what felt like an age after the break, Penrith looked in danger of dropping their first game of the year in round seven.

But in the big moments, Penrith just keep stepping up and winning.

Dragons knock Eels out of top four with fourth straight win

Dynamic fullback Matt Dufty starred with two tries and two first-half assists for Jack Bird and Mikaele Ravalawa but the scoreboard didn't quite reflect a tough contest where Parramatta struggled to execute.

St George Illawarra's goal-line and scramble defence was outstanding as they displayed line-speed and aggression from the get-go, shocking the Eels and mounting an 18-0 half-time lead.

They overcame the sin-binning of Tariq Sims early in the second half, after which the hosts finally scored, to eventually kick clear.

Lobby ramp up effort to get Israel Folau back playing

The Australian Christian Lobby took out the ad this week in The Daily Telegraph in an effort to heap pressure on the NRL, who said no to a return to their league after he left Australian rugby union under a cloud after his explosive sacking and a subsequent court case over a number of disputed social media posts.

On their petition page, the Australian Christian Lobby write: “Israel Folau is a much-loved Australian champion who has been banned from the NRL for once sharing a post on social media that they didn’t like.

Warriors cautious on trans-Tasman travel bubble

From 19 April travellers on flights between New Zealand and Australia will not need to go into Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) - opening up quarantine-free travel between the two countries.

The rugby league club reiterated on Tuesday that they will stay in Australia until 21 June.

At the outset of the NRL season the Warriors had planned to return to Auckland for their round five clash against Manly Sea Eagles on 9 April to be played at Mt Smart Stadium.

Warriors lose leading prop in Roosters defeat

They have been beaten 32-12 by the Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground, after leading 12-4 midway through the first half.

The result leaves the Warriors' 11th on the NRL ladder, outside the top eight on points differential.

"They were a bit too good for us," Warriors coach Nathan Brown said.

"Even though we were in the game for longer periods than what it ended up, I still think we've got a way to go to catch up with those sides.

Fifita faces battle to regain spot but not being forced out of club: Morris

Fifita was linked to the Dragons on Tuesday after Morris left the premiership-winning prop out of his game-day 17 for a third consecutive week.

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin was coy on the club's interest in Fifita when pressed on Thursday, while Morris insists he had no knowledge the Sharks prop was interested in moving on.

"It's all speculation as far as I can see," Morris said on Friday.

"We've had no approach from Andrew or his management so I'm not going to get drawn into any comment."

NRL refs boss wants sin bin and send-offs to stamp out high shots

The NRL has been criticised for not taking stronger action after several players were concussed by high tackles. Melbourne’s Kaufusi remained on the field after clocking Parramatta’s Ryan Matterson, who took no further part in the game and is sidelined for this weekend’s clash with Cronulla. Kaufusi escaped with a two-game ban after entering an early guilty plea to a grade-two dangerous contact charge.

South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds was also knocked out of the game after copping a high hit from Manly’s Keppie on Saturday night. Keppie also remained on the field.