NRL

It has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Australian National Rugby League and the Fiji National Rugby League to help them run programmes that use the sport's platform to prevent violence.

The NRL's Voice against Violence program will be implemented in Fiji and the Pacific over coming months, with players, officials and administrators receiving training on gender, violence against women and human rights.

Darius Boyd: Arguably the best fullback in the NRL, Boyd's career-best season for Brisbane allowed him to keep the No.1 jerseys in the Queensland and Australian teams.

An explosive hooker, Cook joined the Rabbitohs in October of 2015 and went on to represent the Rabbitohs 17 times in 2016. He made 462 tackles, 15 offloads and was handy with his boot – kicking seven goals and 21 times in open play for 554 kick metres.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire was happy with Cook's decision to remain in the Red & Green until the end of season 2019. Maguire pointed to Cook's professionalism and growth as a football player as signs that a big future lies ahead for Damien Cook.

The NRL's School to Work Program was recognised for its success in providing increased opportunities, through Rugby League, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to access quality programs aimed at closing the gap between Indigenous and other Australians across key social indicators such as education, employment and health.

Kostjasyn, who grew up on the Central Coast before a stint in Melbourne, returns to the club he played 32-games for after his debut in 2010. 

“I’m looking forward to getting to the club and seeing all of the young guys tear in and improve on what they’ve built this year,” Kostjasyn said in a statement released by the Knights.

“It’s an exciting time and there’s going to be some hard work.

“It’s been seven years since I’ve lived close to family and friends, so I’m looking forward to coming back.”

Andrew Fifita and Semi Radradra were ruled ineligible by the NRL for selection on Australia's Four Nations tour.

Former Tonga international Fifita, who scored the decisive try for Cronulla in Sunday's NRL Grand Final, is under investigation for supporting one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge while ex Fiji Bati star Radradra wasn't considered because of ongoing cases of domestic violence.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg said it was an indication of what players had to lose if they did not uphold the values and behaviour expected of them.

Wests Tigers speedster Kevin Naiqama is set to play his 10th test for the Bati after missing the Melanesian Cup defeat to Papua New Guinea in May.

Manly hooker Apoisai Koroisau and Knights forward Korbin Sims are also poised to pull on the Fiji jersey for the first time in 2016, while Lautoka-born Panthers centre Waqa Blake is in line to make his test debut at Apia Park.

Etuate Qionimacawa, who starred with a hat-trick in the May test against the Kumuls, is absent from the 18-strong squad, with Pio Seci and Saimoni Lomaloma are the only locally based players included.

RNZ reports the North Queensland Cowboys lock and Melbourne Storm half-back headed into the final round of counting level on 26 points, but neither managed to poll, meaning the league's top honour was shared for the second time in three years.

Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston followed in equal third on 22 points.

Kiwi's star Taumalolo said he was happy to share the award with Cronk, but was modest when talking about his own outstanding season.

"I don't think I changed compared to last year, just run harder," he said.

A big second half from the home side saw them move to within one win of a grand final berth, as North Queensland will now host Brisbane next weekend in a rematch of last year's decider.

An early second half try to prop Jesse Bromwich would give the Storm a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, as the Storm would quash the demons of last year's preliminary final loss to the Cowboys.

The opening 40 turned out to be a game of two halves, as Melbourne took it to the Cowboys from the outset and dominated the opening 20 minutes.

The Broncos centre has been forced to hang up the boots due to complications from a serious shoulder injury he suffered this year.

Despite surgery and intensive rehabilitation attempts since then, it has become apparent that his shoulder will never recover sufficiently to enable him play rugby league again.

As a result, Jack has accepted the advice from his medical team that he has suffered a career-ending injury, and has made the difficult decision to retire from the game, effective immediately.