NRL chief executive Dave Smith and ARU counterpart Bill Pulver have attended a secret briefing from the organisers pushing for a hybrid game between the codes. Smith and Pulver were in the same room to hear a pitch from a consortium hoping to finally make the historic clash a reality. While NRL insiders were at pains to talk down any interest in the event, the fact the pair even attended is intriguing, given their predecessors, David Gallop and John O'Neill, would never dream of getting together to explore the concept. Senior executives from both codes attended the meeting organised by a consortium comprising ex-league first-grader and entrepreneur Phil Franks, former leaguie-cum-politician Paul Gibson and sporting legends Bob Dwyer, Bob Fulton and Mark Ella. The rules have been roadtested at schoolboy level and ANZ Stadium will host the multimillion-dollar event if it gets off the ground in Australia.

Insiders claim that NRL and Super Rugby clubs had expressed interest in turning the dream into a reality and that senior All Blacks officials had also been approached. The ultimate goal is for a Test to be played between the Kangaroos and the Wallabies. Under the proposed rules, there would be 13 players per side, a try would be worth five points, conversions and penalties would be worth two points and field goals just one. There would be no tackle count, but a shot clock would require teams to leave their own half within 60 seconds. There would be play the balls for teams in possession in their own half and then ruck and maul when they cross into enemy territory. Franks was reluctant to comment about the latest developments but, when pressed, said: ''This game is going to be the greatest thing that has ever happened between the two codes. This will never be a replacement for either game. It's something the two codes will control and it won't be played unless they consent to it.''

Illustration: michaelmucci.com

Yow Yeh upbeat

Jharal Yow Yeh is adamant his NRL career isn't over despite another injury setback. The Brisbane winger is sidelined again after breaking his hand moving furniture and won't play again this year. It's a cruel blow for Yow Yeh, who made an inspirational comeback in the Queensland Cup this year from a from a sickening leg injury which orthopaedic surgeon Peter Myers described as the worst he had seen in more than three decades in the game. There has been speculation Yow Yeh is resigned to not returning to first grade due to the seriousness of the leg injury. However, the former Queensland and Australian winger is adamant he will be back for the Broncos. ''Absolutely. That's always been my goal since the injury occurred,'' Yow Yeh said.