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Jackson Ford has been dealt a major setback, with the breakout New Zealand Warriors prop ruled out for 10-12 weeks due to a pectoral injury.

The injury is a significant blow to the Warriors' premiership hopes, with Ford enjoying the best season of his career and emerging as one of the club's standout performers in 2026. His absence leaves a sizeable hole in New Zealand's forward pack heading into the business end of the season. NRL One NZ Warriors NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

Latrell Mitchell is expected to miss several weeks after scans confirmed a small calf tear, ruling him out for some games for the Rabbitohs and Game III of Origin. Coach Wayne Bennett indicated the injury may be linked to an underlying lower-back disc issue Mitchell has been managing in recent weeks. Disc-related nerve irritation can weaken the calf muscle and increase the risk of strain or tearing, adding another setback to the star centre's season. 📝 NRL Physio

Sitili Tupouniua is expected to be sidelined for around eight weeks after suffering a Grade 3 hamstring injury during Round 16. The Canterbury Bulldogs back-rower has sustained a full-thickness hamstring tear, although surgery is not yet guaranteed. Medical experts will assess the exact location of the injury, with some complete hamstring tears capable of healing successfully through rehabilitation alone. 📝 NRL Physio

Angus Crichton is expected to miss at least six weeks with an ongoing foot injury, dealing a significant blow to the Sydney Roosters. The back-rower was a late withdrawal from the Roosters' win over the Cronulla Sharks and was later seen in a moon boot using crutches and a knee scooter. Surgery remains a possibility if the injury fails to improve, which could prematurely end Crichton's NRL career before his planned move to rugby union at season's end. Nat Butcher replaced him in the starting side last weekend.

Jensen Taumoepeau is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a dislocated ankle in the Gold Coast Titans 19-18 victory over the Penrith Panthers. The winger underwent successful surgery on Sunday and is now beginning his rehabilitation after being forced from the field late in the match. Taumoepeau had made a strong start to his NRL career, playing six games since making his debut in Round 10. NRL South Sydney Rabbitohs NSW Blues Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Sydney Roosters Gold Coast Titans NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

Kurtis Morrin has extended his stay with the Gold Coast Titans until the end of 2029 after an impressive debut season at the club. The hardworking forward has featured in every game in 2026 and quickly become a key member of the Titans pack with his energy, toughness and team-first attitude. Coach Josh Hannay praised Morrin's impact on and off the field, describing him as a player who embodies the culture the club is building. The extension adds a further two years to his existing deal and secures an important piece of Gold Coast's long-term plans.

Mavrik Geyer has signed a two-year deal with the Perth Bears starting in 2027, following in the footsteps of his father, Mark Geyer, who played for the Western Reds in the 1990s. The 25-year-old forward, a member of the Penrith Panthers 2024 premiership squad, has played 16 NRL games across Penrith and the Wests Tigers. Perth coach Mal Meninga praised Geyer's versatility and work ethic, believing he can make an immediate impact as part of the Bears' inaugural roster. NRL Gold Coast Titans Perth Bears

Dane Gagai is in discussions with the Brisbane Broncos over a one-year deal for 2027, potentially setting up a fairytale finish to his NRL career at the club where he debuted in 2011. The move comes as Queensland and Kangaroos representative Gehamat Shibasaki appears increasingly likely to leave Brisbane, with the Perth Bears among the clubs linked to his signature. Contract negotiations between Shibasaki and the Broncos have reportedly stalled due to salary cap constraints, prompting Brisbane to explore experienced outside-back options. The 35-year-old Gagai, who has played 328 NRL games and 23 Origins for Queensland, remains in strong form and is being considered as a potential replacement.

Zane Harrison is in contract negotiations with the Gold Coast Titans, with the club reportedly offering the match-winning halfback a new three-year deal. Fresh off kicking the decisive field goal against the Penrith Panthers, Harrison is eligible to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, prompting the Titans to move quickly to lock down one of their most promising young talents long-term. NRL Brisbane Broncos Gold Coast Titans

Ben Hunt has signed a one-year contract extension with the Brisbane Broncos, ensuring he will remain at the club through the end of the 2027 season.

The veteran halfback and ho**er, who has played more than 360 NRL games, 20 Origins for Queensland and 15 Tests for Australia, said he still feels he has plenty to offer both on and off the field. Broncos recruitment boss Simon Scanlan praised Hunt's leadership, experience and influence on the club's younger players, describing him as a key figure in Brisbane's culture and future success. NRL Brisbane Broncos

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has signed a one-year contract extension with the New Zealand Warriors, keeping him at the club through a seventh season. The popular winger has become one of the Warriors' greatest try-scorers, crossing for 74 tries in 99 appearances, including 15 tries in 14 games this season. Watene-Zelezniak now sits fourth on the club's all-time try-scoring list behind Stacey Jones, Shaun Johnson and Manu Vatuvei.

Billy Walters has secured his future with the Brisbane Broncos, agreeing to a new two-year contract extension that will keep him at Red Hill until the end of 2028. The fan favourite was facing an uncertain future due to salary cap pressures but has now been backed by club officials as he prepares to return from a second ACL reconstruction. Walters is set to end a 287-day injury layoff with a Queensland Cup appearance for Souths Logan this weekend before targeting an NRL comeback against the Cronulla Sharks in Round 18.

Starford To'a will join the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on a two-year deal from 2027 after being granted a release from the final two years of his contract with the Wests Tigers. The 25-year-old centre has scored 32 tries in 87 NRL appearances since debuting with the Newcastle Knights in 2019. Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran praised To'a as a quality addition who will strengthen the club's outside-back stocks.

Jesse McLean has been granted permission by the Penrith Panthers to negotiate with rival clubs despite having two years remaining on his contract, with the Canterbury Bulldogs emerging as the frontrunners for his signature. The 21-year-old outside back, and older brother of NSW representative Casey McLean, has impressed in NSW Cup this season with 10 tries in 11 games. Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo previously worked with McLean at Penrith, while Canterbury's strong Panthers connection could aid recruitment. A potential move may also place renewed focus on the long-term future of Bronson Xerri, with veteran winger Marcelo Montoya set to retire at season's end. NRL One NZ Warriors Brisbane Broncos Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Penrith Panthers

New Zealand Warriors thrilled a packed home crowd at Christchurch's One New Zealand Stadium with a convincing 38-20 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad starred with four tries, while Origin forward Mitch Barnett produced a powerhouse performance, running for 191 metres from 24 carries. The win moves the Warriors to within four competition points of the ladder-leading Penrith Panthers.

Melbourne Storm marked Cameron Munster's 250th NRL appearance in style, overcoming a 16-0 deficit to storm home for a 42-20 victory. The momentum shifted when Origin ho**er Harry Grant entered the game midway through the first half, helping spark Melbourne's comeback. Winger Will Warbrick was outstanding, scoring a hat-trick and dominating several aerial contests as the Storm ran away with the match.

Sydney Roosters closed out Round 16 with a hard-fought 27-8 victory over the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium. The Sharks remained in the contest for much of the night, but a second-half double from Mark Nawaqanitawase helped the Roosters pull clear and secure an impressive win in front of their home crowd. NRL One NZ Warriors Melbourne Storm Sydney Roosters NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

Dolphins continued their red-hot form with a 36-22 victory over the Wests Tigers in a 10-try thriller at Campbelltown Stadium. Despite missing Origin stars Max Plath, Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo, along with injured halfback Isaiya Katoa, the Dolphins proved too strong, stretching their winning streak to seven consecutive matches.

Gold Coast Titans produced a courageous defensive display to upset the Penrith Panthers 19-18, securing their first win over Penrith since 2019. After holding firm under immense pressure throughout the contest, rookie halfback Zane Harrison stepped up in the dying moments to slot the match-winning field goal and complete a memorable victory for the Titans.

Canterbury Bulldogs continued their winning momentum with a dramatic 13-12 golden point victory over the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. The Sea Eagles were unable to strengthen their top-four position as another tightly contested clash went down to the wire. Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton proved the hero, slotting the match-winning field goal in extra time to seal a thrilling win. NRL Dolphins NRL Gold Coast Titans Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

Todd Payten has signed a two-year contract extension with the North Queensland Cowboys, securing his future at the club until the end of 2028. The new deal ends speculation surrounding Payten's future and puts him on track to become the longest-serving coach in Cowboys history, surpassing club legends Paul Green and Graham Murray. Backed by the club's football committee and playing group, including co-captain Tom Dearden, Payten has been rewarded for guiding a talented young squad and keeping North Queensland firmly in finals contention as they chase a second premiership.

Ben Hornby has strengthened his bid to become the next permanent coach of the St George Illawarra Dragons, recently presenting his vision to the club's coaching selection committee. The former Dragons premiership-winning captain and current South Sydney Rabbitohs assistant is now considered one of the leading contenders alongside interim coach Dean Young. With the Dragons accelerating their search for a successor to Shane Flanagan, Hornby's strong club ties and coaching experience have made him a serious candidate as the Red V looks to rebuild following a major recruitment drive for 2027. NRL North Queensland Toyota Cowboys St George Illawarra Dragons

Blayke Brailey has made a surprise return for the Cronulla Sharks just three weeks after fracturing his arm, while star halfback Nicho Hynes is back from a calf injury.
Hynes' return sees Niwhai Puru shift to the bench, while Brailey's inclusion pushes Jayden Berrell out of the squad, giving the Sharks a significant boost ahead of tonight's clash against the Roosters.

Egan Butcher has been promoted to the starting side for the Sydney Roosters in the club's 24-hour team update. The versatile forward comes into the run-on team in place of Angus Crichton, providing the Roosters with a late change ahead of tonight's clash. NRL Cronulla Sharks Sydney Roosters NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL