A YOUNG gun opens up about what’s most important when it comes to his next contract and a Parramatta star secures his future.

We also reveal which players have gone under the knife to fix injuries already this off-season.

Plus we take a look at the best performers from the lower grades as Private Ryan takes you behind the scenes of the greatest game of all.

EEL TO EXTEND STAY

Round 20

Parramatta are set to continue their impressive run of re-signings by adding blockbusting backrower Manu Ma’u to the list.

Foxsports.com.au can reveal Ma’u has agreed to a contract extension which will keep him in the blue and gold until at least the end of 2019.

Manu Ma'u of the Eels takes on the line. Source: AAP

Already contracted for 2017, the Eels moved fast to lock him up for another two seasons with his form so impressive that rivals would have swooped had he hit the open market in November.

Ma’u’s extension caps off an impressive recruitment and retention drive from the club.

They’ve signed Titans back Josh Hoffman on a three year deal, Nathan Brown for two seasons and George Jennings for one.

They’ve also extended the deals of Brad Takairangi and Corey Norman recently.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe joins Nathan Ryan, Ben Glover and Ben Ikin to discuss Jason Taylor’s future, the Robbie Farah drama, recruitment for 2017 and the direction the club is heading.

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WHO’S BOOKED IN FOR SURGERY?

Several NRL talents have gone under the knife as they prepare for next season.

Wests Tigers duo Tim Simona and JJ Felise both had surgery on their shoulders and are expected to be ready for round one.

Hooker Matt Ballin has started running and will ease into pre-season training after injuring his ACL.

Operation done. Fingers crossed this is my last visit here for a long time. A photo posted by Tim Simona (@timsimona) on Sep 16, 2016 at 1:24am PDT

Newcastle hooker Danny Levi had surgery on his back, while Jarrod Mullen had clean-out surgery on his hamstring. Mullen tore his hamstring off the bone earlier in the year and had a build-up of scar tissue which was causing him some issues.

Young half Jack Cogger has also had a shoulder operation.

St George Illawarra forward Russell Packer has gone under the knife to fix a shoulder issue and lock Dunamis Lui had ankle surgery.

Tom Trbojevic of Manly. Source: News Corp Australia

Departing hooker Mitch Rein has had an ongoing shoulder complaint and had a clean-out.

Exciting Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has had ankle surgery, while forward Darcy Lussick had his shoulder cleaned out as did Dylan Walker.

Broncos duo Matt Gillett and Tom Opacic both have shoulder issues.

Gillett has a tendon problem but won’t go under the knife but Opacic will have a torn ligament repaired.

Finally, Warriors forward Ben Matulino has had clean-out surgery on his knee.

LEILUA’S NEXT MOVE

Luciano Leilua of the Dragons is tackled. Source: Getty Images

It’s a two club race with St George Illawarra and Cronulla head-to-head for the prized signature of exciting backrower Luciano Leilua.

The 20-year-old has also been linked with the Bulldogs although we understand they are no longer in the mix.

But where will he land in 2017?

Leilua said the most important factor in making his decision will be his family.

“Family, that’s probably the most important thing,” Leilua told Private Ryan.

“I’m putting that (contract talk) aside and focusing on myself. It’s going all right. It’s ongoing.”

Leilua finished the season with five NRL games to his name after making his first grade debut against Brisbane in round 22.

Dragons backrower Luciano Leilua offloads the ball. Source: News Corp Australia

It was quite the achievement with the younger brother of Canberra sensation Joey Leilua also featuring in every Holden Cup game he was named to play this year.

“I’m just proud of my efforts to play in every game. That was my main focus in the pre-season, to get through 26 rounds without injuries,” he said.

“The last two seasons I’ve had injuries which let me down but this season has been good for me.

“I’m injury free so it’s paid off. I’ve battled with cartilage damage, PCL and MCL. All in the left leg.

“I had a big break with the injuries last year leading into the pre-season which had me focused leading into this year.”

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ...

Intrust Super Cup QLD: Aaron Whitchurch. The 24-year-old Redcliffe backrower has had a great season for the Dolphins. Previously contracted with Brisbane, the 102kg Whitchurch made his NRL debut back in 2012 and played five games in first grade.

Redcliffe backrower Aaron Whitchurch. Source: News Corp Australia

Intrust Super Premiership NSW: Zac Santo. The fullback has enjoyed a great season for the Mounties. Contracted to Canberra and without an NRL debut for 2017, the 23-year-old has been in fine form. Fast, good feet and able to ball play, the former Cowboy should have more than two first grade games to his name.

Holden Cup: Cooper Bambling. The Yeppoon product is the captain of North Queensland’s 20s side. A halfback, Bambling has been in fine form in his last year of NYC. The 20-year-old is destined for big things and has captained Queensland in the Under 15s and 18s.

SUPPORT THE CAUSE

Jump on board the #FistsDown movement.

Penrith prop Suaia Matagi and several other sports people are supporting the movement to raise awareness and help prevent youth related violence in New South Wales.

TEAMMATES OWN HORSE

Robbie Farah in a South Sydney jumper. Source: Supplied

Robbie Farah might have finished up with the Tigers but don’t expect him to stop hanging around his former teammates anytime soon.

The hooker and several friends, including Chris Lawrence, own a racehorse which is trainer by Gai Waterhouse.

Their horse ran in a trial at Randwick last Tuesday and performed well.

HUSH, HUSH

Which club doctor has put one of his players on blast for his poor attitude during games.

The player in question would often complain during games that he didn’t want to be there and that he wasn’t in the mood to play despite being one of the team’s highest paid players.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Irrespective of his standing, Manu Vatuvei has got to go.”

- Former New Zealand captain Hugh McGahan calling for the sackings of Manu Vatuvei and Ben Matulino last week.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

The people of PNG sure love their footy.

Check out these crazy scenes as the PMXIII side arrives at the airport.

Check out all the people that came out to welcome us in PNG. What an experience that was! #PMXIII A video posted by Tyson Frizell (@tysonfrizell) on Sep 22, 2016 at 12:28am PDT

This writer is on Twitter @Nath_Ryan

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