Brisbane’s resurgence in the NRL can be credited to premiership winner Issac Luke, who played a pivotal role in steering them back towards a top-four finish. Not long ago, the team was struggling, prompting coach Michael Maguire to invite Luke to the Broncos’ camp. There, Luke presented Adam Reynolds with his jersey for his 300th game, but also used the opportunity to quietly inform Maguire that the players felt overwhelmed by the training intensity, impacting their performance.
Drawing from his own experience with South Sydney, where a similar situation had previously led to their decline after a premiership win, Luke’s advice resonated with Maguire. He subsequently lightened the training regime, resulting in the Broncos winning six out of their past seven matches, reviving their status as title contenders.
In a separate story, Sharks winger Sione Katoa shared a candid account of his struggles upon moving to Sydney. He recounted the challenges of living on a modest $60,000 salary while supporting his wife and three young children, even resorting to collecting empty bottles for cash to afford nappies. Katoa, now an established NRL star, expressed gratitude for his current situation, having left those tough times behind.
Meanwhile, Canberra Raiders have made a strategic move by securing young playmaker Callum Dowell, who will join the team next season under a three-year deal. Dowell, who previously captained the Jersey Flegg team, turned down an offer from Manly to secure a better opportunity with the Raiders, given the competitive depth Manly has at the halfback position.
In a remarkable junior achievement, South Sydney winger Jacob Fong, affectionately known as ‘The Flying Fong’, scored four tries in a Jersey Flegg match against Parramatta, despite his team losing 44-18. This unusual feat has sparked curiosity, as it raises the question of whether a player has ever scored four tries for a team that was beaten by such a large margin.