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: DARIUS BOYD WANTS WAYNE BENNETT EXTENSION
"I spoke to Broncos skipper Darius Boyd, and he has pushed for Wayne Bennett to get a 12-month extension at the Broncos," Badel told Sporting News .
"This is a major show of faith from Darius Boyd. The players have been told not to talk about Wayne Bennett and the coaching situation.
"But, the skipper's come out and given a massive endorsement to Wayne Bennett who's off-contract at the end of next year.
"Darius says that based on performances at Red Hill, Bennett warrants another 12-month deal.
"It will be interesting to see how the Broncos' hierarchy feels about Darius Boyd's comments."
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS NEWS AND RUMOURS: JOHNATHAN THURSTON BACKS MICHAEL MORGAN TO TAKE NUMBER SEVEN JUMPER
"It's Johnathan Thurston's last game in Townsville, and I spoke to him during the week," Badel said.
"He tells me that he's given his endorsement to Michael Morgan to be the number seven for the Cowboys next year.
"There has been some conjecture about where Michael Morgan fits into the Cowboys machine next year, he's had some troubles this season, of course also some injuries.
"He was moved to fullback at one point by coach Paul Green to try and get his mojo back, so there's uncertainty about where he'll play next season.
"If anyone is best placed to give assessment, it's Thurston, and he says his number seven jumper at the Cowboys should go to Michael Morgan.
"That's a fair endorsement from JT, who will be playing a mentoring role at the club, he signed a three-year deal with the Cowboys to work in a multi-faceted role.
"He'll be doing some ambassadorial stuff, some development stuff, but also helping the playmakers such as Jake Clifford and Michael Morgan."
GOLD COAST TITANS NEWS AND RUMOURS: GARTH BRENNAN CONFIRMS CAMERON MUNSTER INTEREST
"I've got some breaking news, the Titans have formally expressed interest in Storm sensation Cameron Munster," Badel said.
"Now, I'm hearing that seven clubs are chasing Munster, the Titans are one of them.
"I've spoken to coach Garth Brennan, and he's confirmed that he would love Cam Munster at the Titans in 2020, but, he also concedes that they do have some salary cap restrictions, and also they face a battle with the likes of the Roosters and some of the Sydney clubs to come up with the third-party arrangements that can bolster Munster's package.
"While he'd be great for the Titans in the halves, Brennan knows that if Munster does go to the Titans, he'd probably have to go for less money than he could earn elsewhere.
"Let's see what happens. Munster's off-contract at the end of next year, but he can field former offers from November the 1st, so there are some clubs already lining up interest."
