Tuesday 5 September 2017 15:49, UK
Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as the wait for the top eight is over. Plus a former Wigan coach is linked with a return to Super League.
Finals Footy
We might have to wait three more weeks until the Super League play-offs, but in the NRL the wait is over and finals footy is upon us.
Heading into the final round of the regular season, there was one spot in the top eight still undecided, but we now have the eight teams that are capable of winning the competition, and it promises to be an exciting month.
The Minor Premiers Melbourne will face Parramatta on Saturday, where Storm captain Cameron Smith will pass Darren Lockyer's 355-game record and will sit on his own at 356, while second-placed Roosters take on third-placed Brisbane on Friday night in the qualifying finals.
The Dragons' defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs meant North Queensland made the finals, finishing in eighth spot, despite losing five of their last six games.
The Cowboys will play reigning premiers Cronulla, while Manly take on Penrith, both elimination finals.
Reign Over
After almost six years in charge Michael Maguire has left South Sydney.
Maguire led the Bunnies to the NRL Premiership in 2014, as well as the World Club Challenge in 2015, but he has failed to guide his team to the finals for the last two years, and the decision was made after his team suffered a 64-6 defeat to Melbourne last week.
The former Wigan coach has been linked with a return to Super League, with reports suggesting Maguire will take over from under-pressure Tony Smith at Warrington next year.
Maguire was contracted to coach South Sydney until the end of 2019. His assistant coach Anthony Semibold is favourite to take charge of the Rabbitohs for next season.
Graham Moves On
James Graham has announced he will play for St George Illawarra next season.
Speaking on Fox Sports the Bulldogs captain confirmed he will link up with England team-mate Gareth Widdop, having signed a three-year deal with the Dragons.
"I think it's the best move for myself and for both clubs, too," Graham told Fox Sports.
"At the age I'm at, that will probably take me to the end of my NRL career. I'm really excited for what's ahead."
Thaiday Retires
Sam Thaiday will retire at the end of next season after an incredible 16-year career with Brisbane.
Thaiday, who began his career with the Broncos in 2003, had already been told by coach Wayne Bennett he wouldn't be offered a new contract. Instead of playing for another club, Thaiday opted to remain a one-club player.
Thaiday admitted it had become more difficult to recover and said it was the way his body felt after playing that helped him make the decision.
"I've got three steps out of my bedroom into the main living area and I struggle to get up those so I thought I was done."
Thaiday said: "I've had a fantastic career so I'm happy to finish my contract at the Broncos and I've got things in place already that I want to transition into after footy. So I'm looking forward to what's going to come next."
The Brisbane forward has played 29 games for Queensland and 34 Tests for Australia and is set to play his 300th game in the NRL next year.
