NRL rumours: Tevita Pangai Jnr representative tug-of-war, Matthew Johns to mentor Ash Taylor

Angus Reid

NRL rumours: Tevita Pangai Jnr representative tug-of-war, Matthew Johns to mentor Ash Taylor image

Each week, The Courier Mail's Pete Badel reports live from Red Hill to give us the latest team news, injury updates and contract sticking points for the three Queensland NRL teams. This week he's got exclusive insight on some major news with QLD stars.

BRISBANE BRONCOS NEWS AND RUMOURS: O'SULLIVAN PRESSURES NIKORIMA; KANGAROOS WANT PANGAI JNR

"Some interesting news with the Broncos, and it concerns their halfback Kodi Nikorima," Badel told Sporting News.

"He's under the pump in more ways than one, his form has been pretty good of late, but the Broncos have signed Sean O'Sullivan for next season, the Roosters young gun.

"I'm hearing that's going to put major pressure on Kodi Nikorima to fire next season, so there'll be competition for spots.

"I'm also hearing that Tevita Pangai Jnr, there's a representative tug-of-war going with him. There's an Australia-Tonga Test on October 20, slated to be played the week after the Australia-New Zealand game.

"The Aussies have opened the door for Tevita Pangai Jnr to play for the green and gold if he so chooses, but, Tonga are keen to keep him, so it will be interesting to see what Pangai Jnr chooses in the coming weeks.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS NEWS AND RUMOURS: GAME TO STOP FOR THURSTON; MACDONALD TO TOWNSVILLE?

"Johnathan Thurston's final game in the NRL, what a servant he has been," Badel said.

"His final game against the Titans this week in Robina on Saturday night and it's going to be a sell out, 27,000 capacity at Cbus Super Stadium. Fans are flocking to watch JT in his 294th and final game.

"There's going to be a special touch on Saturday, the fans in the seventh minute will all rise as one, that's the plan, to clap Thurston and the game will stop briefly.

"That will be a lovely touch for JT, of course he wears the number seven for the Cowboys.

"Some other news, I'm hearing that Nene Macdonald, the Dragons winger, is still pretty certain to link with the Cowboys either next season or in 2020.

"The Cowboys are interested in Macdonald, I hear they've discussed some figures and a possible term of contract, but he is under contract to the Dragons, and it's dependent on the Dragons agreeing to a release for Nene Macdonald to eventually return to Townsville.

"I'm hearing that Nene is somewhat homesick and he's keen to go back to Townsville to be with family, and I don't think the Dragons would have too much problem standing in the way of Nene Macdonald returning home if he so chooses."

GOLD COAST TITANS NEWS AND RUMOURS: JOHNS TO MENTOR TAYLOR

"Interesting stuff from the TItans, Ash Taylor has been a bit erratic and disappointing this season, and Garth Brennan has decided that the star halfback needs help," Badel said.

"He has reached out to Matthew Johns, the former NSW and Australian pivot and respected commentator, and I've been told that Matty Johns will work with Ash Taylor in the off-season in a mentoring capacity.

"Ash Taylor has lost his way a little bit this year, the rookie of the year has struggled with the expectation to deliver the Titans to the finals at such a young age, and Garth Brennan feels that he can do with the type of tutor that several Sydney playmakers have had.

"Mitchell Pearce has had Andrew Johns, and there's been some others that have benefited from the knowledge of the Johns brothers.

"In the coming months, don't be surprised to see Matthew Johns pop his head into Gold Coast training to help Ash Taylor."

Angus Reid

Angus Reid Photo