DES Hasler signs a half for next season, Nate Myles’ game day routine and what the future holds for Roosters star Latrell Mitchell.

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

DOGS SIGN HALF

Des Hasler has signed a playmaker and no, it’s not Kieran Foran.

Round 20

Canterbury have recruited Cronulla back-up half Josh Cleeland to Belmore on a two-year deal.

Foxsports.com.au first revealed the club’s interest in Cleeland last month with the half officially putting pen to paper last week.

Cleeland joined the Sharks in the off-season after an incredible 2015 with Ipswich in the Intrust Super Premiership.

Josh Cleeland scores for the Sharks during the Auckland Nines. Source: News Corp Australia

Having impressed at the Auckland Nines and for Newtown this year, the 25-year-old will put some pressure on Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbye.

Hasler had hoped to bring the crafty half to the club before June 30 but Sharks wouldn’t release him.

The Bulldogs are expected to announce the deal by the end of the week.

Player agent Gavin Orr joins Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover to discuss contract negotiations and re-signings.

You can alsosubscribe via iTunesor for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

MY GAME DAY ROUTINE IN THE WORDS OF — NATE MYLES

If we’re a night game I try to get up as early as I can. I do things in reverse for some reason now. If we’ve got a 2pm or 4pm game, I’ll sleep in and try and start the game later but if I have a night game, I’ll get up early and stay busy before a little kip in the afternoon. I like to keep busy. If my wife is around, I’ll do something with her, otherwise I’ll take the dogs to the park. I have two Aussie Bulldogs.

Manly's Nate Myles come off the field. Source: News Corp Australia

Food wise, I’ve never been one who must have spaghetti Bolognese the night before. I always try and eat pretty healthy. Breakfast can vary. Sometimes I’ll go out and have eggs on toast or I’ll stay home and blend a smoothie or cook some eggs. One thing I do have is toasted sandwiches for lunch. Its comfort food I’ve grown up with as a kid. Ham and cheese on toast is beautiful.

I live close to the ground. I normally head in by myself.

I can get there in about 10 minutes. I love coffee but I love to have one before the game. It gets me a little more motivated. At the moment I’m on the almond cappuccinos. I don’t listen to music that much.

I get in the sheds and try and have a chat with everyone but you have to be wary of individuals and how they like to prepare.

Nate Myles wrapped up by the defence. Source: News Corp Australia

Marty Taupau and Jorge Taufua like their music meditation to get in the zone. I try and annoy the strapper and physio. I like to take it easy. Jamie Lyon is hilarious. He loves having banter with everyone.

I like to have lollies before a game and I wear swimmers every time I train or play. The only thing I don’t do is strap my boots with electrical tape. I used to do it as a kid. I thought it was cool but I only tape my socks up now.

I strap everything. Sometimes I only look like I’m held together by strapping tape. I do my sternum every game and have a guard which the great Mark O’Meley got me onto. Sometimes I do my elbows and thumbs. If it’s a hot day I’ll warm up in a training shirt because I’m a bit of a sweater but it depends.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ...

Intrust Super Cup QLD: Pat Vaivai. The former Newcastle prop has been running around for Burleigh this season and impressing each week. Looking to resurrect his NRL career, Private Ryan understands the 24-year-old has caught the attention of several clubs.

Having played six games for the Knights, Vaivai was released from his contract following an off-field incident but has since got his life back on track. A damaging ball runner, Vaivai has been a star for the Bears this season.

Vaivai scored two tries in the Bears’ 30-20 loss to PNG on the weekend.

Intrust Super Premiership NSW: Robbie Farah. The out of favour hooker proved yet again that he’s too good for this level. The veteran No.9 starred for their Tigers in their 22-18 win over Penrith. Farah set up a try and scored another in a game where he played hooker, lock and halfback.

Holden Cup: Jack Williams. The Canberra backrower was brilliant in the Raiders’ 18-12 win over Cronulla on Saturday. Williams, who can also play centre, trained with the NRL side during the pre-season. He scored a try on the weekend after barging over the stripe from close range.

AWESOME AUSTIN

Blake Austin has done a lot of good off the field this season. Source: AAP

By now you should all know the story of how Blake Austin picked up Canberra fan sitting at a bus stop and gave her a lift to the game earlier this season. But here’s one you haven’t heard.

Last week a group of junior league players dropped into Raiders HQ in hope of watching the team train. The only problem was they came on an off day.

Still, a handful of players including Austin came down to spend some time with the kids. It was here Austin asked them what time their game was on and where they played.

Not only did Austin rock up to their game but he sat on the bench and provided the pre-game and halftime talk. This is a superstar of the game, giving up his morning to give back to the game. What a legend.

HUSH, HUSH

Which NRL veteran is considering going around for another season?

While it has been expected 2016 would be his final year, this player is having second thoughts and is likely to play on if his club is willing to hand him one last deal.

ROOSTERS NO.1 PLAN

Latrell Mitchell of the Roosters dives to score a try. Source: Getty Images

With Blake Ferguson firing at fullback for the Roosters, what’s Trent Robinson’s plan for Michael Gordon and Latrell Mitchell next season?

“There’s two ends of the spectrum there in terms of fullbacks,” Robinson said on Triple M NRL.

“We’ve got a guy who’s learning to play fullback, who’s an extreme talent and we’ve got a guy who’s an absolute tradesman that knows the game inside out in Mick Gordon.

“I don’t have an answer at the moment other than I really want Mick to push Latrell for that position and if I can play both of them at the same time, I’m definitely thinking that.

“I also want Latrell to improve some of the work rate and defensive stuff that Mick’s got.

“It’ll be an interesting off-season for us and we needed a goal kicker as well.”

GREEN BEARD

Nathan Green of Manly celebrates a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Have you ever wondered what the deal is with Nathan Green’s beard?

Turns out, he and Manly strength and conditioning coach Dan Ferris, have a bet going.

Green has had the beard for almost a year now and is considering keeping it the entire season as it has proved a lucky omen for the backrower since he’s retuned to the top grade.

“I’ll probably keep it going until we lose,” Green said. “I don’t know when I’ll shave it. Me and Dan always give it to each other. My missus hates it. She’d give anything for me to shave it but me and Dan have a contest going on, so we’ll see who can grow it the longest.”

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I had to ask. I’ve been unemployed for almost a month now. I’ve been knocking back offers for that long waiting for theirs.”

- Gold Coast recruit Jarryd Hayne on contract talks with Parramatta.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Nathan Peats has fast become my favourite person on Twitter.

Not only is the banter quality but he makes some very valid points about the game.

Touching the ref is obviously not the right thing to do but what's going to happen when someone gets suspended for a grand final or origin — Nathan Peats (@peats05) August 2, 2016

Fine system like the AFL for grade 1 offences is the only way to go. People don't deserve to miss any NRL games let alone a grand final — Nathan Peats (@peats05) August 2, 2016

This writer is on Twitter @Nath_Ryan

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