Jenna Brooks
Rugby League reporter @JennaBrooks
Inside the NRL: Josh Hodgson and Zak Hardaker
Last Updated: 12/09/16 1:21pm
Jenna Brooks wraps up the latest news in the NRL as finals football gets underway, including the latest on Josh Hodgson’s injury, plus Zak Hardaker on his return to Super League
Finals football
Cronulla overcame the late withdrawal of captain Paul Gallen and came from 12-points behind to beat Canberra in what was one of their best wins of the season.
The Sharks have a week off before playing the winner between North Queensland - who lost to Melbourne, and Brisbane - who eliminated the Gold Coast on Friday.
The Cowboys could not find a way past the Storm, who won by six-points and secured a place in the preliminary finals for the second year in a row.
An impressive second-half performance by Penrith was enough to beat Canterbury 28-12 and set-up a semi-final spot against Canberra on Saturday.
Hodgson Blow
Despite being carried from the pitch after suffering an ankle injury during Saturday's qualifying final loss to Cronulla, Josh Hodgson is still a slim hope for Canberra's crucial match against Penrith on Saturday.
The England hooker, who is a favourite to win the Dally M medal, was part of the Raiders recovery session on Monday.
Despite the injury to his ankle, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart will name Hodgson in his squad for the semi-final, in the hope he can recover in time.
Hardaker update
Zak Hardaker continues to make it clear he wants to remain in the NRL beyond this season. The former Leeds full-back, who moved to Penrith mid-season on loan, is contracted to the Rhinos for another three years and is expected to return to Super League at the end of the season.
Leeds are asking for a £300,000 transfer fee for the England international and Hardaker told The Australian he believes that is the biggest obstacle from remaining in the NRL.
"£300,000, it is a hefty fee," he said. "Before I came out I was talking to five or six NRL clubs that wanted me. They had discussions with Leeds about the fee but the club did not budge. Obviously over here that fee comes out of the salary cap. Back home it is separate."
"It's the only thing that stops me from coming here (permanently) at the moment."
Rumour mill
Reports in Australia suggest Kieran Foran is on the verge of signing with the New Zealand Warriors on a one-year deal, with the option to extend.
Foran, whose signature is expected this week, struggled with off-field issues and was released from Parramatta earlier this season.
New Zealand national coach and Brisbane assistant coach Stephen Kearney is expected to be named as the Warriors new coach this week, replacing Andrew McFadden.
McFadden, who is contracted until the end of next season, was appointed coach of the New Zealand side in 2014, but in his three years in charge has not managed a finals series.
Meanwhile, Tony Williams has been linked with a move to Cronulla and it's believed the Bulldogs forward is close to signing a one-year deal.
The Sharks will wait until their season is over before making any announcements in regards to the former New South Wales and Australia representative.
