Inside the NRL: James Segeyaro and Paul Gallen contemplate futures as 2017 season kicks off

Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as the 2017 season gets ready to kick-off on Thursday.

Two captains have shown interest in a move to Betfred Super League next year, and there is an update on the future of James Segeyaro.

Round 1

The NRL kicks off this week and what better way to launch it than with defending premiers Cronulla hosting Brisbane in Thursday's season opener.

Both the Sharks and the Broncos spent a week in the UK mid-February as they prepared to take part in the World Club Series, so there will be no travel or jet-lag excuses come Thursday.

New Brisbane captain Darius Boyd believes his side's loss to Warrington could have been the best outcome for his team.

"It was our first game together for the year but we can take it as a blessing in disguise," Boyd said. "We know that we have to put in some hard work to get what we want."

The opening round continues on Friday when the Bulldogs take on the Storm, before the Rabbitohs face the Tigers. Saturday starts with the Panthers, who travel to Jubilee Oval to take on the Dragons. Then the Cowboys play the Raiders, before the Titans host the Roosters.

It wraps up on Sunday when the Knights travel to Auckland to play the Warriors and Manly take on the Eels.

Segeyaro's Future

Former Leeds hooker James Segeyaro has been linked with a move to Cronulla.

Segeyaro has been training with the Sharks and living with friend Wade Graham as he attempts to secure his place with the premiers this season.

It's understood Leeds are asking for a £250,000 transfer fee for the 26-year-old's registration, which expires in November 2018, but Cronulla are not interested in sacrificing such a large amount of their salary cap on the fee.

Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington has revealed his club are preparing for a legal battle for breach of contract, leaving Segeyaro with an uncertain future in the game.

"I am making the stand for integrity of the game and for fans who pay money to watch rugby league every week," Hetherington said.

Super League Interest

Sky sources understand Gareth Widdop is looking at options in Super League. The St George Illawarra co-captain's contract is up at the end of the year and we believe the England international is eager to move back to the United Kingdom.

Widdop spent four years playing for Melbourne, winning the 2012 NRL Grand Final with the Storm, before moving to the Dragons on a four-year deal.

Widdop isn't the only player we could see switching leagues; Paul Gallen's contract is also set to expire at the end of the year. The Cronulla captain, who is the oldest player in the NRL, admits he hasn't made any decisions on his future, but the 35-year-old hasn't ruled out a move to Super League.

"I haven't put a date on anything and I haven't made a decision on what I want to do next year," Gallen said.

This year marks the 17th professional season for Gallen, who retired from representative football in 2016 after appearing in 24 games for New South Wales and 32 Tests for Australia.

Watch this space.

Slater Return Delayed

Melbourne full-back Billy Slater will miss the start of the season as he continues his rehab from shoulder surgery.

The 33-year old, who was sidelined in March 2016, has played just eight NRL games in two years.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy revealed last week Slater wouldn't be taking part in the season opener.

"I'm pretty sure he won't be playing the first couple of rounds," Bellamy said. "We've waited a long time and we're not going to take any risks on him physically or mentally."