NRL

Jennings elected to admit to anti-doping rule violations of presence and use of prohibited substances LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and Ibutamoren, waive his right to a hearing before the NRL Anti-Doping Tribunal and accept the resulting sanction.

This follows completion of the anti-doping process conducted by Sport Integrity Australia.

The resulting sanction of a three-year period of ineligibility includes a one-year reduction for admission and acceptance of sanction in accordance with the provisions of the WADA Code.

On Wednesday, the NRL officially confirmed the Dolphins had clinched the league’s 17th licence, staving off bids from the Brisbane Firehawks and Brisbane Jets.

The Australian Rugby League Commission accepted the Dolphins as the preferred candidate on the back of the club’s $70 million assets and $20 million cash reserves.

The Dragons and NRL have confirmed rugby league’s 13th Immortal and figurehead of St George’s unprecedented 11-year reign as NSW premiers between 1956 and 1966 died on Wednesday night.

The NRL and Dragons will release a statement on Thursday paying tribute to one of the greatest players in rugby league’s 113-year history.

Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith will be forced to front up to the media next week after a video of their post-season celebrations leaked online.

Back-rower Chris Lewis, who was not seen in the vision, will also be forced to face the music.

It was revealed on Wednesday that the Rabbitohs lodged a formal complaint with the NRL about a Panthers trainer going onto the field 13 times during their win over the Storm last weekend.

As per the NRL’s rule, a trainer can only go onto the field three times per half.

Both of his former Storm teammates insist Slater, who has a three-year deal on the table from the QRL to succeed departed coach Paul Green, would do an outstanding job in the role.

NSW Blues forward Finucane, when asked if he was concerned about the prospect of Slater guiding the Maroons, said, “Oh yeah, certainly.”

“I know how much attention to detail Billy has with a team,” Finucane said.

“Even as a player, he was a coach. From a tactical point of view he will have a high expectation of what he expects from everyone.

“For the first time in history, the Dally M Awards will be held over two special events which will culminate in an awards ceremony in Brisbane on Monday 27 September,” the NRL released in a statement.

Broadcast partner Fox Sports will host a made for television event on Monday 20 September which will crown a number of award winners before the Dally M Medal will be announced at a gala ceremony at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane a week later.

Kikau, 26, is off contract at the Panthers next year and in a sign to rival clubs looks likely to head to market.

The Fiji Bati Test star has been linked with rugby union and a move to the Cowboys in recent weeks.

And speaking on NRL Tonight, The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie said it was unlikely the Panthers would be able to keep him.

“Viliame Kikau is a story we’ve got on our website right now,” Ritchie said.

“At the moment he’s under contract for next year and that won’t change.

Easts Tigers CEO Brian Torpy, who is heading the Firehawks consortium, confirmed that the two bid teams met on Sunday and will continue talks during the coming week to determine the benefits of joining forces.

"The Brisbane Firehawks and the Brisbane Jets met this afternoon to consider the benefits associated with both of their bids for the 17th team in the NRL competition," Torpy said in a statement.

"Discussions will continue with a view to establishing a final position regarding both bids within the next few days."

With only two games remaining - against the Raiders and the Titans - the Warriors will be relying on other results to go their way if they are to make the top eight.

They were punished for a slow start at Suncorp Stadium, going 12-0 down after 25 minutes.

The Broncos' Storm-bound winger Xavier Coates provided Brisbane with a glimpse of what they'll be missing next year with two well-taken first-half tries.