Penrith punish rusty Roosters
12 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
What a huge week of NRL news already! We wrap it up and link you to the right places for all the latest.
Rogers returns
(Formerly) retired Titans' legend Mat Rogers today announced his return to the NRL club as they look to arrest a worrying slide down the competition table. While he won't commit to an NRL-level return to the park just yet, the former Maroon winger will resume training with the club next week. Click here to read the full official statement from the Titans club.
Cleary clears out of the Warriors, joins Penrith
The Ivan Cleary rumours were persistent for weeks and this morning press conferences on both sides of the Tasman confirmed the NRL's worst-kept coaching secret. The Warriors confirmed early this morning they would release Cleary from the final year of his contract, and later that day Panthers General Manager of Football Phil Gould announced his appointment for three years. Cleary will join Penrith at the end of the 2011 season. Click here to read the full media release from Penrith.
Naiqama stays a Knight
Despite rumours of a return to the Dragons, Wes Naiqama today penned a contract for a further three seasons at the Newcastle Knights. Wes will enjoy the coaching prowess of Wayne Bennett in the "Steel City", while spending valuable time in the backline alongside Queensland winger Darius Boyd. Naiqama has recently been captain of the Newcastle side in the absence of regular skipper Kurt Gidley and prodigal half Jarrod Mullen. Click here to see Newcastle's official statement on Naiqama's contract extension.
King comes home, McPherson heads abroad
South Sydney had a big news day and signings and releases headed the pack. Former Blues and Melbourne Storm centre Matt King announced he would be departing Super League club the Warrington Wolves at the end of the season to join the Rabbitohs, while on the same day the club agreed to release Shannan McPherson at the end of the year to the Super League. Click here for the run-down from South Sydney.
Dwyer's rare injury to keep him sidelined for the season
After suffering what appeared to be a career-threatening injury last Friday in his side's loss to Canterbury, the Wests Tigers have confirmed the young prospect Simon Dwyer will miss the remainder of 2011. Click here to learn about the medical advice the Tigers received on Dwyer.
Matt Elliott upstages Cleary announcement, joining Roosters
If the Cleary news wasn't enough for Penrith, former coach Matt Elliott, just weeks after standing down from his role, signed on with the Sydney Roosters as assistant coach to Brian Smith. The pair have coached together before at the St George club during the 1990's. Elliott will assume the role at the conclusion of the 2011 season. Click here for the Roosters' statement.
Dave Taylor gone for 5 weeks
In a decision sure to fire up not only those in red and green, but also Maroon, the NRL Judiciary tonight turned down David Taylor's challenge of the grading of a dangerous throw coming from last Friday's Rabbitohs v Brisbane clash. Originally to miss four weeks, the unsuccessful challenge sees the bustling second-rower now miss five games for the Redfern club. Click here to read about Taylor's suspension.
YOUR LOWDOWN ON ROUND 17
THIS WEEKEND'S TEAMS (all grades) | NRL Team Changes | NRL Injury & Suspension Report