NRL

Whether they're providing the final pass for their winger or bustling their way through for a four-pointer, these are the best centres in the business as voted by the NRL.com team.

5 Matt Moylan

2016 stats: 4 tries, 21 try assists, 5 line breaks, 53 tackle breaks, 114 metres per game

At a meeting this week, NRL CEOs talked about inserting a clause into every player contract, prohibiting them from trying out with NFL franchises.

The initiative comes after the high-profile trip Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes took to trial in front of NFL scouts last month. 

Similar restrictions already apply to AFL and union.

“The clubs have made it clear that they don’t want their players going to another code, including NFL, and risking serious injury,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg told News Corp.

Darius Boyd: Arguably the best fullback in the NRL, Boyd's career-best season for Brisbane allowed him to keep the No.1 jerseys in the Queensland and Australian teams.

An explosive hooker, Cook joined the Rabbitohs in October of 2015 and went on to represent the Rabbitohs 17 times in 2016. He made 462 tackles, 15 offloads and was handy with his boot – kicking seven goals and 21 times in open play for 554 kick metres.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire was happy with Cook's decision to remain in the Red & Green until the end of season 2019. Maguire pointed to Cook's professionalism and growth as a football player as signs that a big future lies ahead for Damien Cook.

The NRL's School to Work Program was recognised for its success in providing increased opportunities, through Rugby League, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to access quality programs aimed at closing the gap between Indigenous and other Australians across key social indicators such as education, employment and health.

Kostjasyn, who grew up on the Central Coast before a stint in Melbourne, returns to the club he played 32-games for after his debut in 2010. 

“I’m looking forward to getting to the club and seeing all of the young guys tear in and improve on what they’ve built this year,” Kostjasyn said in a statement released by the Knights.

“It’s an exciting time and there’s going to be some hard work.

“It’s been seven years since I’ve lived close to family and friends, so I’m looking forward to coming back.”

RNZ reports the North Queensland Cowboys lock and Melbourne Storm half-back headed into the final round of counting level on 26 points, but neither managed to poll, meaning the league's top honour was shared for the second time in three years.

Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston followed in equal third on 22 points.

Kiwi's star Taumalolo said he was happy to share the award with Cronk, but was modest when talking about his own outstanding season.

"I don't think I changed compared to last year, just run harder," he said.

Gulf Day turns out a disappointment

http://www.looppng.com/content/gulf-day-turns-out-disappointment

Today has been a disappointment for all Gulf residents in Port Moresby.

Brian is PNG’s first Soft Tissue Remedial Therapist

http://www.looppng.com/content/brian-png%E2%80%99s-first-soft-tissue-remedial-therapist

The hosts controlled the contest from the get-go with bruising hits in defence, powerful running and an endless supply of offloads to set up a showdown with the Storm in Melbourne next Saturday night.

Things looked good for the Raiders as they raced out to an 18-0 lead before the Panthers showed their fighting spirit to close within six points, only to have their hopes of a comeback cruelled by two late Jarrod Croker penalty goals.