The RLWC is flying through the knockout rounds, club players are back on the paddock in pre-season while NRL Leaks is already in mid-season form with all the latest word on internal drama, suspect media releases and shock returns.

MORE: It looks like the SCG will host the NRL grand final | The Lurker: The truth behind Mitchell Pearce and those Knights rumours

CRONK 2.0 MAY NOT MATCH THE HYPE

Want to know the real reason why Test captain Cameron Smith has been so public in his pursuit for Mitchell Pearce to join Melbourne?

Because it's been suggested that he doesn't have much belief in the player everyone thinks is the successor to Cooper Cronk, rising star Brodie Croft.

For one reason or another, word has got back to Pearce's camp that Smith isn't convinced Croft will develop into the talent most good judges think he can be.

Which is why Pearce is giving serious consideration to linking with the Storm.

LEILUA NOT GLITTER STRIP-BOUND

Take it as read, Canberra's Joey "BJ" Leilua has chosen to knock back an approach from the Gold Coast Titans.

It was widely speculated that the Raiders star was set for a pre-season move north.

However, Leilua has told his teammates that he is committed to fulfilling his contract in the nation's capital.

MALONEY'S MOUTH CAUGHT OUT

James Maloney has done himself no favours at the Sharks.

In a poor way to depart a club that helped him win a premiership and which honoured him by being named in their greatest team in 50 years, Maloney has been caught bad-mouthing members of the Cronulla coaching staff to Mitchell Pearce, who is weighing up an offer from the Shire club.

There are Sharks players who are aware of the five-eighth's ordinary form and according to several of his former teammates, it gives an insight into why Maloney's move to Penrith will be his sixth club in 10 years.

TITANS CONSIDERING ORIGIN SQUAD PLAYER

The Titans are considering signing former QLD Origin squad member Edrick Lee - should Jarryd Hayne link with Parramatta.

Lee, who began his career with Canberra, is contracted to the Sharks for 2018.

However, Hayne's anticipated departure from the Gold Coast would free-up space in the salary cap for the Titans to replenish their backline with a player like Lee, whose manager resides on the holiday strip.

BRIAN SMITH SNIFFS AN OPPORTUNITY

There's mail that after playing a role with the New Zealand Kiwis, polarising former NRL coach Brian Smith could be working with the Warriors next season.

It's been suggested that Smith is eyeing a role with the Warriors in their 'athlete performance' department.

Keep an eye on this developing story, Warriors fans.