At a recent charity lunch during Magic Round, former rugby league star James Maloney captivated his audience with humorous anecdotes. However, it was his insights into coaching that predominantly stood out. When asked about the best coach he has played under, while he praised several, he didn’t hold back on criticising one coach, labelling him an “imposter” and claiming that the team’s success was largely due to the efforts of experienced players during training.
As the conversation turned to the future of rugby league, former Perth Reds captain Matt Fuller expressed his belief that the new Bears franchise could thrive by securing just two marquee players: Latrell Mitchell from South Sydney and Isaah Yeo, the skipper of Penrith. Fuller, an active member of Perth’s sporting community and involved in plans for a reunion of the original Western Reds, emphasised that attracting these high-profile players would significantly enhance the club’s appeal and performance once they join the league in 2027.
He noted Mitchell’s potential to resonate with the community due to his background and immense talent. Yeo, revered for his leadership qualities and connections in Perth, would also serve as an ideal club captain. Fuller expressed his excitement about the return of a team to Perth, stating that the community should never have lost their team, and many are now thrilled to see rugby league come back.
In a separate development, young player Lyhkan King-Togia has stirred controversy. The talented newcomer, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Dragons after an impressive NRL debut, has decided to withdraw from a contract with the Knights. Newcastle’s frustrations were evident, but the Dragons successfully managed his entry into the NRL during the cooling-off period post-signing, suggesting a shrewd strategy in player management. At just 20, King-Togia is seen as a promising solution to the Dragons’ halfback conundrum.
Lastly, there are murmurs of Bronson Garlick potentially departing the Melbourne Storm for South Sydney in 2026. A reliable utility forward, Garlick has stepped up impressively in the absence of Harry Grant. His motivation to return closer to home, alongside deeper family connections to Souths, adds to the anticipation surrounding his future, especially given his stint in the Rabbitohs’ under-20s as well as his father’s history with the club.
This week in rugby league has certainly been full of talking points—from coaching insights to player transitions and franchise ambitions, the landscape continues to evolve dramatically.