May 21st, 2018

May 21st, 2018

Hunt emerges as shock favourite to replace Smith

Forget Andrew McCullough, Jake Granville or Jake Friend - Dragons halfback Ben Hunt has emerged as the shock favourite to replace Cameron Smith as Queensland State of Origin hooker.

Despite only playing cameo roles at hooker in his NRL career, Queensland coach Kevin Walters is seriously considering gambling on the Dragons halfback in the key dummy half role.

Hunt is in career best form at halfback for the Dragons since switching from Brisbane this year - but at number seven.

However, he is a genuine footballer who plays what is in front of him - and Walters believes that instinctive ability will allow him to be a success in the pack.

(AAP) Hunt in the hunt to replace Smith.

Former Tiger poised to make comeback

One of rugby league’s most popular players of recent years, big Keith Galloway, is poised to make a comeback after retiring at the end of last season following a three-year stint with English clubs Leeds.

Galloway, still only 32, will give something back to the game, playing alongside former Wests Tigers team-mate Bryce Gibbs for Oakdale in the Group 6 competition.

The former NSW State of Origin and Test forward played over 250 top grade games but still has the “itch”.

“It’s more for fun and to help the young blokes than anything,” says Galloway, who also now has a ‘real’ job doing cable installations.

(AAP) Galloway to make return.

Coote's future all but sealed

The dropping of Lachlan Coote by Cowboys coach Paul Green over the weekend has all but sealed the star fullback’s future.

One of the heroes of the Cowboys’ 2015 premiership win, Coote has been mulling over his future and a return to Sydney for months.

But after being given the axe following some indifferent performances in recent weeks, Coote seems certain to pack his bags and come back to Sydney.

Born and raised in Sydney, Coote has been in the far north since 2014 and is known to be homesick for friends and family.

A hamstring injury saw him start this season in rehab and he has struggled to find his best form since his return in a disappointing Cowboys side.

The Cowboys’ interest in former local boy Valentine Holmes is also a clear message to Coote that the club is looking in another direction.

(AAP) Coote keen to return to Sydney.

Rugby league on the nose?

Rugby league could be in more trouble than we thought.

Last Saturday night, a mate went to Sydney’s Cargo Bar, one of the most popular pubs in the harbour city.

The joint was full - and had at least 10 TVs showing a variety of AFL, Super Rugby and soccer matches.

My mate - a massive Souths fans - politely asked the barman to put the Rabbitohs v Cowboys game on one of the screens.

He was told “Sorry, sir, it’s against company policy to show rugby league”!… without further explanation.