Monday 27 June 2016 16:05, UK
Jenna Brooks wraps up all the big stories coming out of the NRL, as Wayne Bennett makes a play for two former Australia players, Cronulla equal a club record, and some surprising transfer news...
Wayne's world
Wayne Bennett has revealed his plans to prepare England for next year's World Cup. The England coach would like the Super League to agree to a one week break, to allow for a mid-season international in 2017. Dubai has been suggested as a possible location.
Another one of Bennett's requests is for players to meet the England conditioning team at least once a month. He would also like clubs to agree to a two-week training camp before the Super League season begins next year.
It's believed Bennett is making a play for former Australia winger Brett Morris and his twin Josh, to play for England. The Morris twins are eligible to play for England through their grandfather.
"There's been no chat between Wayne and us about that. We are eligible to play for England through our granddad and our mother lived in England until she was 13 years-old," Brett said.
"There is that option but it's not something we've looked into seriously at all."
Bennett has also reportedly shown interest in Newcastle's Trent Hodkinson for the Four Nations.
However, James Graham isn't convinced that Bennett is the right man to lead England forward, with the prop suggesting Steve McNamara has laid the foundations for the national side.
The Canterbury captain questioned whether Bennett will have an immediate impact.
"Until we come together in a proper environment and a proper camp it's going to be difficult to judge," said Graham.
"Unfortunately the way the international game is set up at the minute we have to wait until October to get the opportunity to get together in that proper environment. Until then I don't think we'll know the full impact of having the coach we do."
The Morris twins and Graham's Bulldogs beat Bennett's Broncos by 26 points on Saturday, with Brett scoring three tries in the win.
Sharks on top
Cronulla beat the Warriors 19-18 in a golden point thriller to equal a club record of 11 wins in a row. James Maloney, who was backing up from Wednesday night's State of Origin, kicked the field goal that clinched the victory.
The win moves the Sharks two points clear at the top of the ladder. Melbourne are in second with the Cowboys third.
Brett Stewart latest
According to reports in Australia, Brett Stewart is set to sign a three-year deal with the Catalans Dragons.
The full-back would join his brother Glenn and former Manly team-mate Willie Mason in Perpignan. The 31-year old has spent his entire career with Manly, helping them to two NRL Premierships.
Frank-Paul the warrior
Sky Sports first linked Frank-Paul Nuuausala to Wigan at the start of the month and on Thursday the deal was confirmed. The Canberra prop, who was previously linked with St Helens, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal.
Nuuausala is expected in Wigan next month once his visa is approved. The Raiders forward said: "I've achieved everything that I can in my career in the NRL, and, whilst still in my prime, want to experience the challenge of Super League."
Hardaker out Segeyaro in
Brian Carney, Phil Clarke and Terry O'Connor react to Hardaker's departure
Last week we finally got confirmation that Penrith hooker James Segeyaro was coming to Leeds, but what we weren't expecting was that Zak Hardaker would be moving in the opposite direction.
The player swap involves the England full-back joining the Panthers with immediate effect, while Segeyaro could be in line to make his Rhinos debut on Sunday against Widnes.
The deal is only until the end of the season and Segeyaro has vowed he will return to the NRL.
Panthers beat Rabbitohs
Hardaker arrives in Penrith to a Panthers side in the top eight. Despite two late tries from Sam Burgess, Penrith held on to beat South Sydney 28-26.
It was Joe Burgess' first game for the Rabbitohs. The winger joined from the Roosters for the rest of the season before returning to Wigan. But there was nothing the new recruit could do to stop his team falling to a fourth straight defeat.
