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Inside the NRL: Titans sack Neil Henry, Sam Burgess rested by Rabbitohs

Rabbitohs captain Sam Burgess
Image: Sam Burgess has struggled with a rib injury since round 20

Jenna Brooks has the latest as the Titans make their decision, Melbourne secure the Minor Premiership, plus developments on James Graham's future.

Titans sack Henry

The Gold Coast Titans have sacked their coach Neil Henry, despite a year remaining on his contract.

The decision follows last week's 'crisis meeting', after reports Henry and under performing full-back Jarryd Hayne had fallen out.

Titans CEO Graham Annesley denied the decision had been driven by the players and said there was a number of factors considered when making it.

"They'll be plenty of criticism of this decision. We understand and accept that," Annesley said. "The people involved are polarising in some ways and the issues involved are polarising as well."

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Coach  Neil Henry arrives for a Gold Coast Titans NRL training session on May 10, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia
Image: The Titans have denied that the players were behind Neil Henry's sacking

Hayne is contracted until the end of next year and Annesley expects the star player to fulfil his obligations to the club.

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Assistant coaches Terry Matterson and Craig Hodges will take charge of the Titans' final two games of the season, before the search begins for Henry's replacement.

The Titans are 14th on the ladder, having lost 15 games and winning just seven.

Graham Latest

James Graham's future continues to be a big talking point, with the Bulldogs being forced to release players due to salary cap issues.

James Graham of the Bulldogs runs the ball
Image: Reports suggest James Graham could be heading to the Dragons

Reports suggest Graham is on the verge of linking up with England team-mate Gareth Widdop at St George Illawarra, with the Dragons discussing the possibility of signing the Bulldogs captain on a two-year deal.

Having spent the best part of nine year playing for St Helens in Super League, Graham could once again wear the Red V, but this time in the NRL.

Burgess Rested

Sam Burgess was rested against the Warriors on Friday, after the England star continued to struggle with a rib injury.

The South Sydney captain suffered the injury against Cronulla in round 20 but hadn't missed a game until Friday, which Burgess said was his duty as a leader.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21:  Sam Burgess of the Rabbitohs leaves the field with an injury during the round 20 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and th
Image: Sam Burgess leaves the field against the Sharks

"You have a certain responsibility as a senior player at the club to take the field," he said. "It's my job to play and go out there and do a job. I'll always do my best to get out on the field."

With just over two months until the start of the World Cup, it's a decision that would have pleased England coach Wayne Bennett.

However, Burgess is expected to return for South Sydney's game against Melbourne on Saturday.

Carney's Return

Could Todd Carney be about to leave Super League and return to the NRL next season?

Reports suggest the Salford playmaker, who is out of contract at the end of this season, is eager to finish his career in Australia.

30/03/2017 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League - Salford Red Devils v St Helens - AJ Bell Stadium, Salford, England - Salford's Todd Carney.
Image: Todd Carney could be making a return to the NRL

Carney was sacked in 2014 by Cronulla after lewd photos surfaced on social media, but it's believed NRL management would consider registering Carney if he could find a club for next year.

The former Origin representative returns to Australia this week to settle his wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the Sharks.

Watch this space.

Storm Finish Top

Melbourne have secured the 2017 Minor Premiership with two rounds remaining.

The Storm beat Newcastle 44-12 giving them 40 competition points from 18 wins in 22 matches to see them finish on top of the NRL.

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While captain Cameron Smith was delighted with the prize, he insisted there was still a lot of work to be done.

"A lot of effort goes into achieving a Minor Premiership, not only from the guys playing but the coaching staff and everyone involved in the administration side," Smith said.

"It's reward for being the most consistent over 26 rounds, but we know it's not going to mean anything next week or in three weeks' time when we play our first final."

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