Hasler’s big chance to do over old side

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HE notched 255 games for Manly as a player and then coached the Sea Eagles in another 206 games. Now Des Hasler has the chance to inflict some heavy-duty pain on his former club.

Manly sit last on the NRL ladder with just one win from six matches.

The club and coach Geoff Toovey are under increasing pressure with Hasler's Bulldogs ready to heap more anguish on Manly at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

Another loss will only add to the pressure, and will be followed by a tough assignment against the Storm in Melbourne the following week.

Manly's demoralising 22-12 loss to Penrith on Saturday night came a day after The Daily Telegraph revealed club chairman Scott Penn is closely scrutinising Toovey's future.

The Sea Eagles posted some stellar statistics against the Panthers yet lost the stat that mattered most — on the scoreboard.

The club has also been hit heavily by injuries, with Toovey already using 25 players this season.

"We trained hard and I thought our intent was there in defence, which we spoke about all week," Manly centre Steve Matai told the Sea Eagles' website.

Geoff Toovey is under fire. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

"But we went to sleep for two or three sets and they put three tries on us. We've got to be better against the Bulldogs.

"We are usually good at defending an error, we have to get back to that. We just haven't been doing that this year.

"We have been making an error and then making things harder by letting a try in. We have to get better at defending an error."

Manly hooker Matt Ballin added: "It was one that probably slipped away, like a few of the other games that we've had.

"We just turned off for a couple of minutes and they put three tries on us. Disappointing, the effort was there again, which was a positive sign.

"I thought we made some great steps forward, grinding away. We just dropped away in little bits and that let us down."

Matai said he was ready to rip in against Canterbury.

"Once I cross that white line, it's go hard or go home," Matai said. "I'll be doing the same thing this Friday.

"Hopefully we can have a light week, pick it up Thursday and get into the Bulldogs on Friday."

Matai and Ballin were co-captains on Saturday and both spoke of the honour.

"It was massive, a very proud moment for me, my family, my parents, my kids," Matai said.

"Very privileged, very blessed."

Ballin added: "It was a great honour to do it with a guy like Stevie, who plays tough every game. Unfortunately we didn't get the result but it was an special night and I really enjoyed the responsibility. It was great."

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We’re nowhere near our best: Bird

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THEY flogged Parramatta in their own backyard to record the second highest points tally in their history, but Greg Bird says the Titans are not near their best.

Written off as finals contenders, the Titans beat the Eels 38-16 on Saturday at Pirtek Stadium to record their best win of the season.

Parramatta were poor, but were forced into many of their mistakes by swarming Titans defence.

The Eels had won 11 of their previous 13 games at Pirtek, but were dominated in the second half as the Titans' attack finally woke up.

While their win rate of two from six this season is still not good enough, coach Neil Henry has already made a significant difference to the team.

The Titans effort and defence had been solid through the season, but it was their attack that lacked composure, until Saturday.

The 38 points they piled on was the second best behind a 42 point effort, also against the Eels, in 2013.

The 38 points the Titans scored against the Eels was the second highest total in team history. Picture Matt King. Source: Getty Images

Bird had his best game following his suspension for drug charges that he has plead not guilty too.

He said the team was not getting carried away with their victory because their performance was still below standard in several aspects.

"We are still a work in progress. We weren't perfect. We have a lot of improvement in us," he told The Courier-Mail.

"We are just improving. We are finessing a few things. Combinations are clicking. We have had the opportunity to win games every week.

"It was good to get over the line. We have been good without being great the last few weeks. We haven't had that finishing touch.

"I thought I went all right.

"I am just going out week to week and trying to do the best for this team.

Centre James Roberts was the star for the Titans with a hat-trick including two intercept tries.

Bird said he was the fastest player he had witnessed during his 13 year career that included being in the same team as former Cronulla speedster Matthew Riek who scored some improbable tries for the Sharks.

Youngster Kane Elgey has impressed in his initial stint in the top grade. Picture Matt Roberts. Source: Getty Images

"Yeah I think he is the fastest. I remember playing with Matt Rieck (at Cronulla) and he was lightning, but Jimmy is up there as the fastest though," Bird said.

Bird was reluctant to weigh in on the club's recruiting process which includes a battle for half Kane Elgey.

"Kane and Dan Mortimer are here at the moment. When Morts comes back there will be a good tussle between those two," he said.

"I am happy with the guys we have here at the moment but I don't recruit or select.

"I hope one of those guys grabs the position for next year.

"It is up to the player, not the recruiters. He has to grab that position himself."

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Monday Buzz: Keeping a Bird grounded

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YOU can often tell in the first couple of games of a young player's NRL career if he is going to be become a superstar.

When Brad Fittler first burst onto the scene at Penrith and Laurie Daley at Canberra you almost knew straight away they would play State of Origin and Test football.

From day one you could just see it in the way they carried themselves.

It was so obvious they were something special.

Another player has burst onto the scene in the last two weeks who reminds me of them.

Jack Bird, 20, has been absolutely stunning in two games at five-eighth for the Sharks.

Twice in two weeks he's clearly outpointed two of the NRL's most experienced five-eighths, James Maloney and Jarrod Mullen.

No wonder the Sharks have already begun talks to extend his contract beyond the end of next season amid speculation rival clubs are ready to pounce.

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At the same time there is an argument that to be throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars at a rookie after a couple of games is fraught with danger.

Over the weekend I went back over the records to check on previous Dally M rookie-of-the-year award winners.

Let's just say they don't all finish up like Israel Folau, Jarryd Hayne, Daly Cherry-Evans or George Burgess, all previous winners.

Do you remember Tasesa Lavea? Probably not. He was the Kiwi five-eighth who won the Dally M rookie award in 2000.

He played 44 games for Storm, five for Northern Eagles before disappearing to provincial rugby union in New Zealand for the remainder of his career.

Others, like halfbacks Mark McLinden at the Raiders and Tim Smith at Parramatta, didn't live up to the early hype after being rookie of the year.

Tim Smith was a rookie who fell off the radar. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

It's why the Cronulla Sharks and CEO Lyall Gorman are carefully planning their next move to guarantee Bird remains in a Sharks jersey long term, but at the same time not go overboard.

"The first priority is to keep his feet on the ground and focused for the long journey." Gorman said.

"We've seen young guys before come in and have the success Jack's had then lose their way. Clearly he's a special talent and off the park he's a very level-headed boy.

"He has tremendous belief and self-confidence but it's not an arrogance or aloofness that is going to get him into trouble.

"The increased media and attention from supporters can get in player's heads but we're really pleased at his progress."

The Sharks will hold further talks with his manager in the next few weeks.

"He's a talent and we want to keep him long term," Gorman said.

"He's one of the shining stars of the NRL and if we nurture him well to create a good career pathway, we can make it attractive to him to have a long-term future at the Sharks."

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Maloney's defence ruffling feathers at Roosters

JAMES Maloney is not just struggling to make the NSW State of Origin team.

He also has to convince Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson he deserves a new contract.

Maloney's poor defence has cost the Roosters dearly in recent weeks. He missed NINE tackles against the Cronulla Sharks and EIGHT against the Broncos.

Opposition teams are aiming their big men straight at him but it's not just the forwards who are hammering him.

On Friday night he missed the tackle on Broncos halfback Ben Hunt that cost the Roosters the game in a golden point thriller at Suncorp. Last year he missed 3.1 tackles per game. This year the average is up to five per game.

Mini no minor in popularity stakes

THE popularity of retired legend Anthony Minichiello continues to amaze the Roosters camp.

To get an idea of Mini's appeal you had to be at the Roosters' open training session in Brisbane on Thursday for their Queensland-based members before the Broncos game.

"He had the longest queue for autographs," said CEO Brian Canavan. "He was the last to leave the field.

"We've always known he was popular but this was amazing."

It's another reason why there is so much talk of the Roosters chasing a superstar of the calibre of Jarryd Hayne or ­Israel Folau.

On Hayne, Canavan says: "There's not a coach in the game who wouldn't be interested in Jarryd, or Israel Folau for that matter. The question is who can afford them? We don't even know if Jarryd will be available yet."

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Inglis, Thurston to square off in halves

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MONDAY nights don't get any bigger — superstars Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston getting the rare chance to square off against each other in the halves.

Inglis is sure to pop up at five-eighth for the premiers at various stages on Monday night during their bumper clash against a rejuvenated North Queensland Cowboys.

The loss of John Sutton means South Sydney coach Michael Maguire will turn to Inglis at various stages to plug the No. 6 slot.

He has also hinted Cameron McInnes could be used as a halves partner to Luke Keary.

But seeing Inglis and Thurston go head to head in the middle will be worth the admission to ANZ Stadium alone.

You have to wonder who deserves top billing when it comes to NSW-born and bred "GI", or cheeky Queenslander and three-time Dally M Medal winner "JT"?

Greg Inglis is set to play five-eighth. Source: News Corp Australia

Only 33 votes separated them during voting for the Indigenous All Stars clash earlier this year.

Ask Thurston and he'll give you a surprise answer.

"I think it's hard to go past GI's form when it comes to the best player in the game at the moment. But if you're talking the best player the past few years, it's hard to go past 'Smithy' (Cameron Smith),'' Thurston told The Daily Telegraph.

"I played a fair bit of footy with Locky (Darren Lockyer), and apart from Locky, I've never known a person like Smithy who can play a game and be so influential in it.

"But GI has been outstanding. Captaincy is obviously agreeing with him, and his game has gone to another level.''

Thurston wasn't fazed by the match-up with Inglis in the halves. It's been trotted out on several occasions already that Inglis won the Clive Churchill Medal at five-eighth for Melbourne.

Thurston pointed out any shift of Inglis from fullback could even benefit North Queensland.

Johnathan Thurston could line up against Greg Inglis. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

"He's a big part of getting their sets started with his kick returns, and his quick play-the-balls for his back five to play off the back of, and that would be a loss for them if he plays in the front line,'' Thurston said.

"But he is comfortable in that (No. 6) role. He's big enough and strong enough to defend there. Souths are strong on the edges, and he'll have plenty of talk around him to assist him with that.

"But our game plan won't change because he's in the front line.''

A knee injury to Adam Reynolds, and the fact Inglis and possibly McInnes will slot into five-eighth, North Queensland are entitled to feel they're a red-hot chance to dust the premiers.

After three straight losses, the Cowboys bounced back with two convincing Monday night wins, largely because of Thurston.

The forgotten story of any positional switch by Inglis will be Alex Johnston being given a crack at fullback, which excites Bunnies teammate Chris McQueen.

The chance to play starting fullback could even lure Johnston away from Redfern at season's end.

"Alex Johnston has been going great on the wing for us, he got picked for Australia last year, and his preferred position is fullback,'' McQueen said.

"We're only enhancing his opportunities and giving him a better opportunity to play some footy if we put him back there.''

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Holmes surges into Origin contention

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CRONULLA teenager Valentine Holmes is being scouted by Queensland's State of Origin selectors as they sort through options in their unsettled back five for next month's series opener.

The selectors and coach Mal Meninga are determined to keep faith with the beaten side of 2014, but injuries to Billy Slater and Justin Hodges have had them tracking the form of 11-gamer Holmes, who has played wing and fullback for the Sharks.

Slater is expected to be out for at least three games more with a shoulder injury, but has demonstrated in the past he is a fast healer.

Hodges is in contention to return to the Broncos side to meet St George Illawarra on Friday at Kogarah after missing the past two matches with a hamstring strain.

Valentine Holmes is a bolter for the Maroons. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Will Chambers can play centre for the Maroons if Hodges, 33, cannot make it to Queensland's May 25 clash with NSW in Sydney.

To further the uncertainty over Queensland's three-quarterline, try-hungry left-winger Darius Boyd is making a steady recovery from an Achilles injury.

Chambers is a strong favourite to retain his right wing berth after a safe and constructive Origin debut there in Game Three last year.

But the Queensland selection panel have been impressed with Holmes in his 11-game NRL career and their previous knowledge of him as a Queensland under-20s standout.

Wet weather for Cronulla's win over Newcastle on Friday limited Holmes to one chance, which he turned into a Sharks try with acceleration and a well-weighted kick ahead for Luke Lewis.

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The Townsville product, who does not turn 20 until July, is not overly big for an Origin winger at 185cm and 87kg.

But Holmes' touches of class, which also saw him selected for the Junior Kangaroos last year, have caught the eye of many of the men who matter and may bestow an Origin blooding earlier than most considered likely.

Bronco Dale Copley lost some ground in the Origin selection states through no fault of his own when injured last month.

After his breakout 2014 season for Brisbane, Copley was filed away by selectors as one for the future even though Chambers was chosen ahead of him.

Copley had a strong defensive game against Roosters and NSW centre Michael Jennings while deputising for Hodges at right centre in Brisbane's golden-point win on Friday.

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Monday Buzz: Highlights, lowlights

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FROM Wooden spoons to Alex Johnston's contract future, it's all in Phil Rothfield's wrap of weekend sport.

HIGHLIGHT

The Glen Boss tweet after his old mate Jimmy Cassidy won the Sydney Cup at Randwick.

"If I had to pick a rider with my life in his hands. The Pumper hands down. Amazing champion."

HIGHLIGHT II

The Beast Manu Vatuvei and his two tries against the Wests Tigers is his 200th NRL game. What a wonderful player, ambassador and role model.

LOWLIGHT

We know the Parramatta Eels have a poor away record but Saturday's performance at home against the Titans was an embarrassment.

Alex Johnston is one of the hottest prospects in the NRL. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

SPIN CYCLE

On one of the rare occasions they got something right, the NRL spin doctors sent Todd Greenberg and Gerard Sutton to The Footy Show last week to bask in the glory. Let's hope they do the same to explain the next major stuff-up. It would be nice to know why the Broncos were not penalised once in the second half against the Roosters.

SPOONFUL

Who would have thought Manly would be pressing for wooden-spoon favouritism. When the TAB reopens their most losses market this morning, expect the Sea Eagles to be around the $4 mark, their price slashed from $81 at the beginning of the year. Unbelievable considering they have never won a wooden spoon.

OLD IDEAS

Lots of questions are being asked about Parramatta and its 'Dads Army' approach to recruitment. Despite having the biggest and best junior league in the country, coach Brad Arthur has signed Anthony Watmough 31 and Beau Scott 30.

IN-DEMAND ALEX

At least the Eels are chasing one young gun, Souths winger and wannabe fullback Alex Johnston. Johnston is tossing up between the Rabbitohs, Eels and Roosters.

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Aussie teams on Super slide

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A HORROR weekend has seen Australia's conference exposed as the weakest of the three halfway through the Super Rugby season.

Four of the bottom six places on the table are now occupied by Australian teams, including the 10th-placed Waratahs.

Australian teams have performed pathetically in inter-conference matches against Kiwi and South African sides, losing 13 of 16 encounters so far.

WARATAHS V STORMERS: Stormers belt Tahs into submission

REDS V BULLS: Reds now Super Rugby's worst team

FORCE V CHEETAHS: Cheetahs heap more pain on Force

BRUMBIES V BLUES: Blues kick away from Brumbies

The Blues scored their first win of the season against the Brumbies. Source: Getty Images

All four Australian teams who played last weekend were beaten by foreign sides, while the Melbourne Rebels had the bye.

The Brumbies kicked off round nine with defeat in Auckland to the Blues, who claimed their first win of the year.

The Waratahs reverted to one-dimensional rugby against the adroit Stormers defence in Sydney and were convincingly swept in the second half.

The woeful Western Force lost their seventh consecutive game, to the Cheetahs in Perth, and then Queensland, now the wooden spoon favourites, lost to the Bulls in Pretoria.

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While the Hurricanes and Chiefs of New Zealand dominate the competition, and the Bulls, Stormers and Lions fight for top spot in a competitive South African conference, Australia's teams are struggling to beat anyone other than themselves.

Winning just three of 16 games against overseas rivals so far, Australia's teams have shown themselves to be significantly off the pace in a World Cup year.

Key players are underperforming and confidence is lacking across the board.

It won't get easier this weekend as the Waratahs travel to Wellington to play the runaway leaders, while the Force host the Stormers and Reds travel to Bloemfontein to take on the Cheetahs.

NSW centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, who made his return from a knee injury in the final 25 minutes of last Saturday's loss, will take on long-time Hurricanes and All Blacks rival Conrad Smith.

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"It's always good to be tested, they've got some of the best players in New Zealand playing in that backline; Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, who wouldn't want to challenge themselves against those guys?" Ashley-Cooper said.

The Waratahs, defending champions, are struggling to penetrate defences as effectively as last season.

"We're just really disappointed we've lost two at home now, we had a real focus on making this place a fortress, a really tough place to play, and we let ourselves down in a few basic areas," Ashley-Cooper said.

"There are a few issues for us to address this week ahead of a very important game against the Hurricanes.

"It doesn't get any easier. One, they are playing really good football at the moment, and two, it is over in New Zealand so the travel is going to be a challenge as well.

"It's going to be a big week, a real test of character.

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"We didn't play smart enough footy [against the Stormers], defensively they were very strong, we didn't vary up the play enough, we got a little bit one-out off the ruck, just one-off runners, very direct in our attack," Ashley-Cooper said.

"We played with limited variation which made it easier for them. They applied good pressure in defence and we didn't work around with that.

"The fundamental point in any attack is to attack the space, we knew they were going to have a very strong defensive line.

"We wanted to work inside shoulders, work the spaces in between, be persistent in our attack but also when you're doing that and not getting much pay, you've got to look to your directors to make those calls and change up the point of attack. We didn't do that and let ourselves down."

SUPER RUGBY WEAKLINGS:

Australian teams have won just three of 16 matches against overseas rivals this season

Rebels 20 def Crusaders 10

Chiefs 19 def Brumbies 17

Highlanders 20 def Reds 13

Hurricanes 42 def Force 13

Highlanders 26 def Waratahs 19

Lions 20 def Rebels 16

Bulls 25 def Force 24

Hurricanes 36 def Rebels 12

Lions 18 def Reds 17

Waratahs 23 def Blues 11

Sharks 15 def Force 9

Brumbies 20 def Cheetahs 3

Blues 16 def Brumbies 14

Stormers 32 def Waratahs 16

Cheetahs 24 def Force 15

Bulls 43 def Reds 22

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Five clubs in hunt for Myles

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THE Gold Coast Titans are in danger of losing their captain and most consistent player in Nate Myles, who has already held formal meetings with one rival club and is booked to meet three more.

Myles would be a major loss to the Gold Coast as he is their most recognisable player and the cultural rock that bonded the team through their drugs crisis.

Coach Neil Henry wants to re-sign Myles but the club is juggling a complicated roster and have asked for more time to work their salary cap out.

Meanwhile, other NRL clubs are striking.

The rival clubs have tabled attractive offers for the State of Origin veteran who was among the Titans best in their victory over Parramatta.

Myles wants to make a decision on his future within a fortnight.

The Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Storm have been linked to Myles but they are not in the hunt for the prop who is now being courted by Sydney clubs.

Myles has been with the Titans since 2012. Picture Kit Wise Source: News Corp Australia

Myles' manager Chris Orr said his client was rightfully exploring formal offers following the Titans' decision not to activate a one-year extension on his contract.

"Four clubs have contacted me. He has met with one club and will meet with the other three over the next 10 days," Orr told The Courier-Mail.

"We are yet to receive any formal offer from the Titans at this stage but Neil has indicated he would like to sit down with Nate in the next week."

Myles has represented the Maroons every year since 2006, playing 26 games in the forwards for Mal Meninga's team.

The Titans last week lost five-eighth Aidan Sezer to the Canberra Raiders.

While the Gold Coast had tabled an offer to Sezer, he had already made his mind up by the time he saw it.

Aidan Sezer will depart the Gold Coast at the end of the season. Picture Adam Head. Source: News Corp Australia

The Titans will also meet with star centre James Roberts this week to extend his contract.

Roberts wants to stay on the Gold Coast and the club wants him to stay too.

However, he will require an upgrade on his current deal due to his stunning form.

Gold Coast need to fit him in their cap alongside their marquee signing in Daly Cherry-Evans, also managed by Orr, who is being paid more than $1 million a year from next season.

The Titans are still interested in signing a strike centre after missing out on Dane Gagai, who has re-signed with Newcastle.

Then they need to re-sign Kane Elgey, who has received a significant offer from Manly, who want him to replace Cherry-Evans.

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Titan could be Manly’s DCE replacement

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MANLY have upped the ante in their bid to poach Gold Coast young gun Kane Elgey after the rookie halfback baulked at a three-year contract extension from the Titans.

Elgey will tour the Sea Eagles' Brookvale Oval headquarters in the next fortnight as the Silvertails search for a replacement for Titans-bound star Daly Cherry-Evans.

Manly have already submitted an offer to Elgey's manager, Tas Bartlett, which trumps the three-year deal tabled by the Titans last week.

Elgey has made a promising start to his NRL career as Daniel Mortimer's replacement, but the Titans have held back on offering a bumper salary increase for last season's Holden Cup's player of the year.

Titans coach Neil Henry is a fan of Elgey but has some delicate salary cap juggling to do given the club will be paying ''DCE'' $1 million a season.

Titans halfback Kane Elgey is being wooed by Manly. Source: Getty Images

The Titans have also been linked to several players for 2016, the latest being Parramatta five-eighth Corey Norman, who could be forced out by the arrival of Sea Eagles star Kieran Foran.

Norman, a Keebra Park product, has been in scintillating form and is a left-footed kicker who could be the perfect foil for Cherry-Evans.

Elgey is keen to stay on the Gold Coast but Bartlett said the 21-year-old would explore every option.

"He'll go down to Sydney and have a look around," he said.

"Manly have tabled a very good offer that would make him the starting halfback.

"He would love to remain a Titan however the current offer shows me they are in the market for someone else to partner Cherry-Evans."

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Complicating the situation is the uncertainty surrounding five-eighth Aidan Sezer.

Sezer is a free agent at season's end but has put contract talks on hold as he strives to find form on the field.

Sezer has moved to the right side of the field to make Elgey's transition to first grade simpler given he is also a left-foot kicker.

Cherry-Evans will wear the No. 7 jersey next year, meaning there is only one other halves position up for grabs.

Elgey made a solid debut in the Round 4 win over Cronulla and was defensively sound in Friday night's loss to Brisbane.

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Giant Titan shapes as Blues Origin bolter

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IN A bizarre role reversal, giant Titans second rower Ryan James has hailed diminutive halfback Kane Elgey for saving him in defence.

There is a 15cm and 35kg difference between them but James said the fact the little half had to cover him shows he should not be thinking about playing for the Blues.

Laurie Daley has stated James is Origin material and the 193cm forward has been among the Gold Coast's best in a disappointing season start.

Shifted to the edge this season after playing prop last year, the often injured James is showing why he has been hyped as a potential star.

However, ask James about his form and all he does is lament his defensive lapses and wish the Titans had executed better in their 26-16 home loss to Brisbane on Friday.

"You should never be satisfied with your own game," James said.

Ryan James has been one of the Titans' best in 2015. Source: Getty Images

"There are things I need to work on. Kane Elgey saved me a couple of times in defence.

"It is a bit strange for a halfback to save a second-rower in defence, it is usually the other way around.

"It is good to play consistent footy but disappointing to lose. We are one from five but we could have been three from five.

"I am not thinking about Origin.

''My focus is to get the Titans some wins and improve my own game.

"The effort is there from us. We need to work on our game plan and execute better."

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James' new-found versatility will help his Blues chances, where he is a realistic option for a bench spot.

"On the edge it is a lot different to the middle. I don't have to do those bash-up runs anymore but I have to time my runs now and get better at that," James said.

James Tamou's position in the NSW side is in danger while Trent Merrin has been average for St George Illawarra.

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Bulldogs blame game starts at the top

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DES Hasler reckoned that the throwing of projectiles at match officials is "not what this club is about".

But under Hasler's influence, the scowling on-field demeanour of the Bulldogs has made them the angriest kingdom of them all.

Hasler and Canterbury chief executive Raelene Castle tried initially to shape the media debate so it was about the potentially lethal bottle-throwing at referees by an unruly minority rather than the poor example set for their whole fanbase by the hectoring behaviour of players toward referee Gerard Sutton.

"That is not us. That is not what this club is about,'' Hasler said on Friday.

Were the Bulldogs as a club responsible for the bottle throwing? No. Angry people will always find avenues to be angry.

But the club's lack of respect for Sutton in the game, and its recent history toward referees, sent a message to supporters about how match officials were regarded at Belmore.

It is time for the NRL to forcibly lower the temperatures toward referees, at Belmore and throughout the league.

Charging and suspending James Graham and especially David Klemmer is a start.

David Klemmer and James Graham confront referee Gerard Sutton. Source: Getty Images

Canterbury skipper Graham had four separate cracks at Sutton, unable to suppress his rage at the decision (which was correct) to penalise him and also its timing, which would see South Sydney kick a winning penalty goal.

Klemmer was sin-binned for dissent.

Bulldogs centre Josh Morris could be heard telling Sutton his decision was "bull....'' as Klemmer headed for the sideline with one last F-rated rejoinder.

Klemmer is 21, an age at which most footballers are heavily influenced by the attitudes of their teammates and coaches.

Whatever happened to the NRL's demand at the start of last season that only captains speak to referees?

It is good Hasler expressed disapproval and dismay about the bottle-throwing by Bulldogs fans which scandalously left a match official with a broken shoulder.

It would have been even better had he not built such a resume for criticising and belittling referees in his four years as Canterbury coach, which built on his catalogue of diatribes while at Manly.

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Hasler last month branded referees "Voldemorts'' under the NRL's regulation in 2015 demanding coaches not comment on refereeing, a reference to the Harry Potter villain who "must not be named''.

Hasler took aim at the officiating after a loss to Souths in August, describing it as "very, very poor'' and adding it would take more than a central bunker for video reviews to "fix this mob''.

He described one of the decisions against his team in that game as "dumb, dumb, dumb".

After a win for the Bulldogs in Townsville in 2013, Hasler said: "We were ugly, the Cows were probably uglier, but the referees were the ugliest''.

Granted, the Bulldogs are not the only team getting up in the faces of referees in an unnecessary manner. Here are two words: Paul Gallen. Here are two more: Michael Ennis.

But the NRL does need to recommit this week to stamp out such incendiary behaviour toward referees.

Anecdotally, such outbursts in televised games have created instances of trickle-down abusive behaviour at junior levels.

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The backline crisis that could cost the Broncos

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THE Broncos are facing a backline crisis — they have too much talent and it could cost them Dane Gagai and Jordan Kahu.

The Broncos already have six first-grade calibre outside backs signed for 2016 and signing Gagai and Kahu would make it eight genuine starters battling for five positions.

Eight outside backs, who all expect to start, is too many for one club.

Kahu is wanted at Red Hill but has received significant interest from other NRL clubs.

Jordan Kahu has received interest from rival NRL clubs. Source: News Corp Australia

Kahu told The Courier-Mail he was in no rush to make a decision on his future and would sort it later in the year.

Gagai is weighing up offers from Brisbane, St George Illawarra and the Gold Coast and will decide his future within a fortnight.

It is believed one deal on the table for Gagai is worth $600,000 a year.

Gagai's club Newcastle have recently become favourites to re-sign the strike centre.

Brisbane's plethora of outside backs means they cannot match the money being offered by other clubs.

Brisbane also could not guarantee Gagai a starting centre spot.

The Broncos have already signed outside backs Justin Hodges, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Lachlan Maranta, Darius Boyd and Corey Oates for next year.

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Brisbane are also poised to re-sign centre Tom Opacic, a 103kg 20-year-old who Wayne Bennett rates highly.

Just finding room for Kahu will be a stretch.

If Kahu and Gagai are signed, Reed, Maranta and Oates would be at risk of having to battle away in the Intrust Super Cup each week.

Kahu, nursing a hamstring injury, said he wanted his football to do the talking.

"If I am playing good footy mate, it (his future) will work itself out," Kahu said.

"I am not thinking too far ahead of myself with that stuff.

Lachlan Maranta is signed with the Broncos for next year. Source: Getty Images

''I just have to play the best I can during the next five or six months.

"I am only worried about performing well and doing my job.

"This is the best I have played in the NRL but it is not the best I can play."

Winger Daniel Vidot is also off-contract but is trying to find another club before the June 30 cut-off.

It is unlikely the Broncos will re-sign Vidot.

Brisbane are entrenched in the top four, having won four of their opening five games but that has increased the interest in their roster after they lost to Souths in the season opener.

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How Harrigan would have handled Dogs drama

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BILL Harrigan is rugby league's most decorated referee.

He handled 392 first grade games, 10 grand finals, 21 Origins and 25 Tests.

And he was renowned for his no-nonsense approach to backchatting and player ­dissent.

Harrigan once sent off Geoff Toovey and John Hopoate in the one game at Brookvale Oval and Gorden Tallis in a State of Origin match.

He sin-binned Mark Geyer in a grand final and Wally Lewis, Martin Bella and the late Peter Jackson in State of Origin games.

"They're just the ones that I can remember," Harrigan said when I asked him over the weekend how he would have handled the James Graham and Dave Klemmer brain explosions at ANZ Stadium on Friday afternoon.

"They would have been sent off," Harrigan said.

"They needed to be dispatched.

"What the players did was unacceptable, absolutely un­acceptable. They crossed the line."

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COMMENT: Graham's referee outburst deserves serious punishment

EXCLUSIVE: James Graham denies disrespect or any malice

REPERCUSSIONS: NRL threaten to strip points off Bulldogs

David Klemmer and James Graham confront referee Gerard Sutton. Source: Getty Images

Still, he refuses to be critical of the way referee Gerard ­Sutton handled the situation.

"You could have sent them both off but maybe Gerard was thinking it could get right out of control," Harrigan said.

"Maybe it was good management by the ref. It was already a powder keg exploded.

"He was maybe thinking, 'I could exacerbate the situation'. It was already a minefield.

"If he'd sent them off, who knows what would have ­happened.

"They could have gone even more berserk."

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Harrigan says he is concerned that the actions of the two Bulldogs forwards could cause just as much damage to the game's image as off-field misbehaviour.

"When a player does something wrong off the field, the NRL steps in," he said.

"If it's good enough to fine players who bring the game into disrepute off the field, I'm thinking James Graham has caused as much drama.

"Their behaviour on Friday has a major impact on rugby league right down to the grassroots level. The NRL has to act."

Tom Trbojevic starred on debut for the Sea Eagles. Source: News Corp Australia

HIGHLIGHT

The sensational debut of Manly's superstar-in-the-making Tom Trbojevic, who scored a try with his second touch of the football against the Raiders in Albury. He scored a second try and made 152 metres.

HIGHLIGHT II

The Swans' magnificent come-from-behind victory against Essendon after trailing by 41 points at one stage of the game.

HIHGLIGHT III

The Sharks' miracle victory over the Roosters and the phenomenal performance of superstar-in-the-making Jack Bird. Two tries, one man-of-the-match award and a huge future.

LOWLIGHT

Sydney's terrible weather that forced the big races to be washed out at Randwick on Saturday. Plus the terrible knee injury suffered by Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds.

ROCK-SOLID CASTLE

Unlike her predecessor who covered up the Ben Barba scandal, Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle has been upfront and fully transparent in her handling of the Good Friday ANZ Stadium drama in a difficult situation. She is so superior to Todd Greenberg it is not funny.

DOGS OF AWE

The Bulldogs might have lost the footy game and star players Tim Lafai and Brett Morris for extended spells with injuries but at least coach Des Hasler left ANZ knowing his side has what it takes to match the premiers should they meet in the finals.

RED-V WALL

St George-Illawarra have struggled in attack for much of the season but their defence has been outstanding. They have conceded just one try in their last 200 minutes.

DOUSTANDING

And while on the Saints, there is no truth in the rumour the 'Oust Doust' banners will be replaced by 'Doustanding' #saveoursaints #redv after three wins on the trot.

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Morgan yet to convince Green at No. 6

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NORTH Queensland coach Paul Green says Michael Morgan still has not earned ownership of the Cowboys' No. 6 jersey.

Morgan has played two games at five-eighth this season but has been impressive in both and was a standout in the second half for the Cowboys as they surged to beat Melbourne 18-17 in Round 4.

Morgan will need another strong performance against Penrith on Monday night to try to convince Green that he is the best man for the No. 6 jersey that has been predominantly worn by Robert Lui in the past two years.

Monday night is the first leg of a NSW double, as the Cowboys go from the Panthers at Penrith to the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.

They need to jag a victory in at least one of those games to stay in touch with the eight.

Darren Lockyer said last week that Morgan should be locked in outside Johnathan Thurston for the season so he could learn the position properly.

"There are a few pieces still to fall into place, but there is one key individual who can complete North Queensland's elusive premiership puzzle. His name is Michael Morgan," Lockyer wrote in his column for The Courier-Mail.

"With his ball-playing ability and the speed to run lines and isolate defenders on an edge, Morgan has to be locked in as the Cowboys' No.6."

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North Queensland Cowboys against Brisbane Broncos at Mackay Stadium. Cowboys Michael Morgan. Picture: Evan Morgan Source: News Corp Australia

Green said Morgan was their five-eighth for the immediate future but he had not locked him in for the position and Lui was still an option for them if he rediscovered his best form.

After all, Morgan has only played two games in the position this year and was adamant in the pre-season he wanted to be North Queensland's fullback long-term.

Green did state his side posed the greatest threat to teams with Morgan partnering Thurston in the halves and Lachlan Coote at fullback.

"We will head in that direction," Green said about Morgan's five-eighth role.

"We are most dangerous with those three there.

"In saying that, Robert Lui in form adds a different proposition but I needed to get something happening there.

Robert Lui in action for Townsville. Source: News Corp Australia

"Last week they (Thurston and Morgan) were better than they were in the Broncos game (a 44-22 Round 3 loss).

"It still comes down to form and combinations.

''We had a good win last week with that combination.

"The more familiar they get with each other the better they will be."

Green said the side was not getting carried away with its first victory of the year, built on a dominant second half against Melbourne.

"It gave us a bit of belief, a bit of confidence,'' he said.

''We won't really know until Penrith.

"Having a win like that reminds everyone of how good we can be.

"It doesn't mean a lot unless we back it up."

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Buzz: Gotta love Bulldogs-Rabbitohs madness

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WARNING. This is a politically incorrect column.

It's about how rugby league has thrived on controversy, outrage and scandal since 1908.

It brings out our passion, our tribalism and our true love for the game.

Social media goes into meltdown. Channel 9 gets super ratings and it sells lots of newspapers. Our website had 34,000 readers vote on the controversial penalty — an unbelievable response on a public holiday.

Next time the Bulldogs play the Rabbitohs it will be on for young and old. No advertising or promos will be required.

Sadly, we have to wait until round 24, Friday night, August 21 until we get to witness a replay of what has now ­become the game's most-anticipated grudge match.

What happened on Friday night was obviously unacceptable behaviour on and off the field.

Fans should not have thrown bottles, while James Graham and Dave Klemmer should have shown more respect to the referee. We all know that.

But what it has done is kickstart the NRL season with the massive explosion it needed.

MORE BUZZ: How Harrigan would have handled Dogs drama

COMMENT: Graham's referee outburst deserves serious punishment

EXCLUSIVE: James Graham denies disrespect or any malice

REPERCUSSIONS: NRL threaten to strip points off Bulldogs

David Klemmer and James Graham confront referee Gerard Sutton. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

After a flat opening four rounds with poor crowds, Sydney is talking rugby league again.

Maybe for the wrong reasons but we're still talking about it. Like the old saying: any publicity is good publicity.

Give me Friday afternoon's game any day over the dreadfully boring Knights v Dragons.

In clubs, pubs and TABs on Saturday afternoon everyone was talking about the Bulldogs-Rabbitohs game. About Graham, Klemmer and poor Adam Reynolds. About the mugs who hurled missiles and face life bans.

Everyone had an opinion on the penalty that decided the game.

This match had everything. The eight-point try, big hits, superb skill and great tries.

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Klemmer made an unbelievable 205m from just 43 minutes.

He should be one of the first forwards chosen in the Blues' State of ­Origin pack.

It was just a memorable afternoon for rugby league.

And yes, Klemmer and Graham need to be punished. But let's not go overboard like after the now infamous $50,000 Paul Gallen tweet.

Fine them, for sure. Maybe even a one-game suspension. But remember too that Chris Sandow escaped a ­suspension last year for calling Ben Cummins a cheat.

And remember too that rugby league is such a great game because it can create drama like no other sport.

That's why we all love it.

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Titans v Broncos ... in Sydney?

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THE Titans were hours away from shifting their Good Friday Queensland derby against the Broncos to Sydney.

The Courier-Mail can reveal preliminary plans had been made for the derby to be played at ANZ Stadium as negotiations between the Titans and Stadiums Queensland hit a stalemate on Tuesday.

If the Sydney move was to happen, the changes had to be actioned by Tuesday night.

The Titans reached a short-term agreement to play the match at Cbus Super Stadium hours before the deadline.

Before the club was placed into voluntary administration in February, it was paying up to $2 million a year to play 12 games at the Robina venue.

The contract was its second-largest cost behind player and employee salaries, and regarded as a huge reason for the club's financial struggles.

Broncos playmaker Anthony Milford is tackled by Titans forward Greg Bird. Source: Getty Images

Titans boss Graham Annesley and NRL head of club services Tony Crawford are expected to meet Stadiums Queensland and Government divisions this week to negotiate a new long-term agreement.

The Titans' claim is simple — they want to pay less to play at the stadium.

The Government has been reluctant to come to the party, despite negotiations starting more than a month ago.

The Titans are the stadium's only permanent tenant, but they also realise the club has few alternative venues to play home games on the Coast.

It is not only Stadiums Queensland the Titans and NRL have to negotiate with.

The transport department is involved because of public transport options along with police, given traffic management and security plans are implemented at games.

Access to the stadium has been a talking point and Annesley said that had to be considered in the negotiations.

"It's well acknowledged, even by Stadiums Queensland, that there are transport and access issues associated with getting to and from Cbus Super Stadium," he said.

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"All we're seeking is a sustainable financial model given the issues associated with the location of the stadium."

A Stadiums Queensland spokesman said an option to reduce costs was to limit which seating areas were opened.

But Clive Palmer went down that route while he owned the now defunct A-League football outfit Gold Coast United and it was met with a supporter backlash.

"An individual hirer can specify to open a limited number of gates or stands to bring down costs and Stadiums Queensland is very happy to discuss options with hirers as it does with the Titans," the spokesman said.

"We have always been willing to work with any interested party to ensure that both sides get a reasonable return from a hiring agreement.

"The arrangements for the Titans is consistent with the commercial model applied at other venues and within other codes."

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Starc’s journey to top of World Cup tree

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LEFT-ARM greatness again struck the MCG on World Cup final day, with Australian superstar Mitchell Starc putting his name up in lights alongside the legendary Wasim Akram.

In a batsman's tournament, it is only fitting that the Player of the Tournament be the bowler who not only bucked the trend but capped it all off with a debunking of the Cup's most explosive hitter.

"I wouldn't say that," said Starc when asked if he was the best bowler in the world.

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"But I've worked really hard at it for a number of months now with (bowling coach) Craig McDermott in the background. A few series ago we put down a plan and to see it come to fruition through the whole tournament and tonight is amazing."

"A few series ago we sat down and panned out a little plan. To see it come to fruition tonight or through the whole tournament really has been phenomenal."

Starc's breathtaking three-ball dismantling of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum in the opening over of last night's final will live forever in World Cup folklore.

"There was a lot of luck involved I think but it's a little plan Craig and I had going a couple of days ago," said Starc.

"Brendon has been fantastic throughout the whole tournament so I think there was a lot of luck involved but I'm just happy to get that one."

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Starc celebrates rattling Brendon McCullum's castle. Source: AP

It served as a spectacular launching pad for what promises to be a stellar career as New Zealand and the catalyst of an emphatic seven-wicket victory as the Black Caps were rolled for just 183.

Twenty-three years after Pakistan wonder kid Akram decimated England in the 1992 decider in Melbourne, Starc (2-20) showed yesterday that lightning can strike twice.

Fellow southpaw power punchers Mitchell Johnson (3-30) and James Faulkner (3-36) weren't to be outdone either, as Australia's left-arm brigade tore the heart out of an overawed and outclassed New Zealand batting order.

Starc has finished this World Cup with stunning figures of 22 wickets at just 10.18, with an economy rate of 3.5.

Wasim Akram was a left-arm master. Source: News Limited

As a result, the 25-year-old sensation is well on his way to emulating the likes of Akram and teammate Johnson as one of the most feared left-armers in cricket history.

"Bowlers have won us the World Cup," Australia captain Michael Clarke said on Sunday night.

"No doubt Starcy deserves the man of the series award. I think he's been exceptional. I think our whole attack has to be honest.

"Batters certainly stood up and grabbed their opportuniteis but bowling perfomrances in every single game have been exceptional, and probably none better than today."

It's hard to fathom that Starc stood accused of being soft to start this summer.

Yesterday, on the season's final day he proved he's as hard as cement by delivering when it mattered most.

The tutelage that Akram has given a young Starc over the years has clearly not gone to waste.

Starc has been dropped from the Test team 11 times in his 15-match career, but all of a sudden it's hard to image an Australian attack without him, irrespective of ball colour.

"I'd like to but I'm just going to enjoy this one for now," Starc said on becoming a permanent figure in the Test team.

McCullum v Starc was the bout 91,000 supporters came to see, and the fight was all over in spectacular round one knockout.

.

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Starc has been dropped from the Test team 11 times in his 15-match career, but all of a sudden it's hard to image an Australian attack without him, irrespective of ball colour.

"I'd like to but I'm just going to enjoy this one for now," Starc said on becoming a permanent figure in the Test team.

McCullum v Starc was the bout 91,000 supporters came to see, and the fight was all over in spectacular round one knockout.

"The support from the Australian public and the crowd here tonight has been fantastic through the whole tournament for us so thank you all," he said.

"To play in front of this many people, there's nothing like it."

First ball to the Black Caps' inspirational leader was near perfect.

Full, just outside the off-stump at 149km/h.

Mitchell Starc claimed the prize wicket of Brendon McCullum in the first over of the final. Source: AP

First ball to the Black Caps' inspirational leader was near perfect.

Full, just outside the off-stump at 149km/h.

McCullum drove forward and missed as the ball sizzled past the inside edge and the timber by the narrowest of margins.

Next ball McCullum decided to charge.

It was a poor decision.

Starc tracked him with another thunderbolt which McCullum slashed at to no avail and the ball this time passed by his leg-stump.

Before the group game between the trans-Tasman rivals in Auckland, David Warner declared McCullum was capable of a "brain explosion."

It didn't come that day, but yesterday McCullum's next move was to hit the self-destruct button.

Starc crashed a full ball through McCullum's loose attempt at a drive and into the stumps.

It was a case of three strikes and your out so classic, even New York Yankees baseball legend Derek Jeter understood what had happened as he watched from an MCG corporate box.

Starc set off into the outfield in rampant celebration, with New Zealand's hopes of a fairytale virtually extinguished.

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It was the same in 1992, when Akram landed two lethal blows in an over to crush English dreams.

New Zealand collapsed, the skipper was culpable, but this was rare class from Starc.

It was followed up in emphatic fashion by Johnson and Faulkner.

Johnson has had to ride shot gun to Starc as the young bull has assumed the mantle of one-day spearhead this tournament.

But in the heat of a semi-final and now a final, Johnson has once again shown what he's made of.

Allrounder Faulkner was so desired in this World Cup XI for his finishing ability with the bat.

But yesterday marked the third occasion this tournament where his bowling has been match-turning for his team.

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McCullum plays with fire, gets burned

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IT was always feared the occasion would swamp New Zealand.

But few thought steel-boned captain Brendon McCullum would be the man most culpable.

In the biggest cricket match his country has ever known, it was almost cruel that the superstar who has reinvigorated the game in New Zealand lost his head.

Pre-match, McCullum was asked if he would consider toning down his aggression for a World Cup final.

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Brendon McCullum watches his bails fly. Source: AFP

The 33-year-old scoffed at the suggestion and justifiably so.

Why would the most dominant figure in the tournament's only unbeaten team try and fix something that wasn't broke?

But there's aggression and then there's lunacy, and for the first time, McCullum was found guilty of crossing that fine line.

Mitchell Starc's three-ball dismantling of McCullum in the first over of the match will go down as the defining moment in Australia's emphatic fifth world crown triumph.

"They stepped up," said McCullum.

"All credit to them to grab those key moments.

"Even with 183 on the board, I still felt like we were a chance in this game. Whether that's my eternal optimism ... it didn't (happen) and credit to Australia to deliver on the big stage.

"Sometimes you have to admit you've run second in the race."

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McCullum was typically gracious in defeat, heaping praise on the Aussies while still taking great pride in his team's performance over the past six weeks.

"It would have been nice to have won it, but I'm sure everyone will be proud of what we've been able to achieve," he said.

"We've entertained people and I guess left nothing out there in terms of the character and attitude on the field," he said.

"It has been one hell of a ride.

"What we were able to achieve in this tournament will last for a long time. The friendhips we've created, the experiences that we've had, and I guess the people that we've been able to inspire throughout the tournament is something that we're really proud of."

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was typically gracious in the post-match press conference. Source: AP

McCullum praised ill former Black Caps' skipper Martin Crowe, who is at 52 facing up to a life-threatening illness.

"We walk away with our heads held high," McCullum said.

"We had Martin Crowe and John Key, our Prime Minister, in the changing room before, and they were incredibly proud of what we've been able to achieve.

"They're just a couple of guys we've been able to share it with, and I guess we've shared this experience with the whole country."

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It's not often a cricketer sparks an outbreak of applause in a media conference, but McCullum's dignity in defeat added to his legend last night.

McCullum became the first captain in the history of Cup finals to fall for a duck as he swung wildly at two deliveries, before having his off stump rocked back when he foolishly tried for third time lucky.

It was electric fast bowling, but a brain explosion from McCullum all the same.

Even in their worst nightmares, New Zealand couldn't have imagined a worse start.

In an instant, the MCG cathedral New Zealand were so confident wouldn't intimidate them, erupted like few times before.

Starc celebrates bowling Brendon McCullum. Source: News Corp Australia

One can only imagine how that noise must have contrasted with the deathly silence inside the Black Caps room.

When the leader jumps off the plank, it was hardly going to inspire confidence in the rest of the group.

Guptill followed and then Williamson, and although semi-final hero Grant Elliott and the experienced Ross Taylor were brave, they were always batting in quicksand.

What happened last night shouldn't take away from the fact that McCullum has been immense this World Cup.

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But now he and an inspired nation will forever ponder what might have been.

Earlier this tournament when New Zealand rolled Australia for 151 at Eden Park, McCullum's astute, relentless captaincy was at the coalface of a win for the ages.

But even in this department, McCullum last night slipped.

When Australian opener Aaron Finch was sent packing for a duck, New Zealand had reason to believe given the events that transpired in Auckland just four weeks ago.

Brendon McCullum trudges off the MCG after scoring a duck. Source: Getty Images

But in the fifth over when David Warner edged to second slip, there was no fielder there.

The captain at Eden Park would have had a man right there to swallow it.

But at the MCG, McCullum couldn't nail the moment and the chance to get into Australia's middle order went begging as Warner dashed to 45.

McCullum loves his racing, and all tournament he's referred to his side as a 'good horse.'

That quality remains unchanged, but last night, the unescapable fact is Kiwi's jockey missed the kick at the Melbourne Cup.

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In-demand Roberts wants to stay put

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TITANS x-factor James Roberts has pledged his allegiance to the Gold Coast, declaring his intention to ink a contract extension with the club that saved him.

Roberts is the Gold Coast's leading tryscorer (4) this year and played a decisive role in their first win of the season against Cronulla on Saturday.

He scored two tries — including the matchwinning intercept with five minutes to go — and produced a clever one-on-one strip to put Dave Taylor over.

Roberts has now scored 20 tries in 32 NRL games and is growing in confidence by the week after settling on the Gold Coast.

And in a huge show of faith to the Titans, Roberts said he was ready to reject interest from rivals and commit to the club that threw him a lifeline last year after he was punted by Penrith.

James Roberts is looking to sign a new deal. Picture: Mike Batterham Source: News Corp Australia

"This is my last year (but) hopefully we can sort out something," he said.

"I'm loving it on the Gold Coast. I don't want to go anywhere else.

"There's no rush. I'm sure the club will look after me.

"I'm looking to just play good footy, get some wins under our belt and make the finals."

The 22-year-old has long been regarded as a prodigious talent but he's only now starting to find some consistency in his performances.

The lightening fast centre suffered a broken ankle during last year's pre-season and has battled the side effects of it since.

But he's now played 16 straight matches for the Titans dating back to his club debut in round 14 last year and is feeling the benefits.

"It's only early days for me," he said.

"I'm just worried about playing consistent footy so hopefully I can bring that in the months to come.

"I'm slowly getting my match fitness up.

"There's still plenty to work on as a team and myself."

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The Titans are yet to begin negotiations with Roberts' management to keep him on the Gold Coast and it's shaping as an extremely busy year for the club's recruitment department.

Captain Nate Myles was tight-lipped on Sunday about his future in light of the club choosing to not take up an option on his contract for 2016.

Coach Neil Henry is keen to keep Myles at the club and it's possible they will negotiate a new contract, which could result in a pay-cut for the Queensland and Test forward who turns 30 in June.

Myles has turned his immediate focus to Friday's blockbuster clash against the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium and said the Titans had to build on their breakthrough win.

"We need to create more of a winning feeling through the team," he said.

"That (beating Cronulla) was a way to do that."

The Titans are sitting on a 1-3 ledger but could easily have two more wins next to their name.

"There's some fight in the team," Henry said.

"When we control possession and do what we're training to do, we're really competing out there."

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Vancouver to be sold for $40m

Tommy Berry celebrates winning the Golden Slipper on Vancouver. Source: Simon Bullard / News Corp Australia

ONE of the Hunter Valley's leading thoroughbred studs is expected to complete the purchase of unbeaten Golden Slipper winner Vancouver this week in a deal which values the colt at more than $40 million.

Vancouver, the Gai Waterhouse-trained two-year-old, has become the most valuable potential stallion prospect in the southern hemisphere since his outstanding Golden Slipper win earlier this month.

A number of major national and international thoroughbred breeding operations have been negotiating to buy the colt in the last week but The Daily Telegraph understands a NSW stud farm is about to clinch the deal.

Waterhouse was tight-lipped about the proposed sale, which is understandable given the commercial sensitivity of negotiations and the sheer size of the deal, but a breeding industry source said the colt's purchase should be completed within days.

It is understood that Vancouver will race on next season with Waterhouse already declaring her ambition to set the colt for an unprecedented Golden Rose-Caulfield Guineas-Cox Plate Group 1 treble in the spring.

Vancouver won his only four starts this season in the Breeders Plate, Canonbury Stakes, Todman Stakes and Golden Slipper to earn $2.33 million prizemoney and almost certainly clinch the Champion Two-year-old title.

The colt is by super stallion Medaglia D'Oro, a multiple Group 1 winner himself and the sire of freakish American filly Rachel Alexandra, out of Skates, and was sold for $185,000i at the 2014 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Vancouver is an imposing individual and combined with his regal bloodlines and now proven racetrack ability, it was only a matter of time before he was sold for stud duties.

The good news for Australian race fans is that we will see more of Vancouver on the racetrack as a three-year-old and if Waterhouse is right, the colt's best racetrack performances are ahead of him.

"If Vancouver going for the triple crown races this autumn, the colt would not be going to the spelling paddock for another month or so,'' Waterhouse told The Daily Telegraph last week when explained the decision to spell the youngster after his Golden Slipper win.

"By turning him out now he can have a longer break and still enjoy the warm weather before winter comes. He will be a better horse for it in the spring.''

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