NRL

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.

Glenn announced his looming retirement at season's end on Thursday, having become the fourth-most capped Bronco behind Darren Lockyer (355 games), Corey Parker (347) and Sam Thaiday (304).

But for the first real run of injuries in his career over the past two seasons, the 33-year-old would be bowing out as one of the NRL's fabled 300-gamers.

His reputation as one of the most durable forwards in Brisbane's proud history will endure regardless, having never played fewer than 20 games each year between his 2009 debut and 2019.

The Dragons announced on Monday that Burgess has signed a two-year deal after his recovery from a hip operation has progressed well since his return to Wigan last year in the Super League was cut short by what was at one point feared to be a career-threatening injury.

Canterbury completed at over 80% and had slightly the better of possession in their 34-6 loss to the Titans on Monday night but came up with fundamental errors at key times to make life far too easy for their opponents. 

Barrett described the performance as "not good".

"I thought we were our own worst enemy again. A lot of ill-disciplined errors and gave them too much footy," he said.

Apart from his tries, Trbojevic tormented the Sharks with three line breaks, another four line break assists, three try assists, five off-loads, 14 tackle-busts, all on top of running for 217 metres. Little wonder coach Des Hasler gave him an early shower.

It gave Manly their 12th win against the Sharks in their past 14 meetings.

Cronulla cling to the top eight in eighth spot, but are now one of five teams stuck on 18 competition points all trying to jag a finals spot.

The Dragons had four players serving their one-game bans for a previous COVID breach and their makeshift centre pairing of Junior Amone and Corey Norman was targeted ruthlessly while Mitchell simply bullied the defence to the tune of two tries and 15 busts with Walker adding a try and four try assists of his own.

Broncos-bound halfback Adam Reynolds was also impressive with a try, two assists and seven goals while the Dragons were simply lacking in direction and experience.

Souths coach Wayne Bennett wasn't overly impressed with his team's performance.