May 15th, 2017

Anthony Mundine could play for St George Illawarra again if he returns to the NRL next season. (AAP)

May 15th, 2017

Mundine speculation ramps up

Former Dragons star Anthony Mundine was treated like a VIP during the club's clash with Cronulla at Jubilee Oval last Friday night.

The league star turned boxing champion was wined and dined by senior club officials Peter Doust and Brian Johnston as the Dragons fell to a narrow loss.

His appearance at the game has fuelled speculation that Mundine may turn our in the Big Red V again in 2018 after an absence of 17 years.

I'm hearing that Mundine may have a run in the Nines at the start of next season, and if he comes up with the goods, could be offered an NRL contract.

Most 41-year-olds would be laughed at if they attempted a return to the big league - but Mundine is an exceptional athlete and all eyes will be on him if he has a run in the Nines.

Brooks in the clear

One of my spies was an eyewitness at the Balmain bar where Luke Brooks was involved in an incident over the weekend and assures me the Tigers star has nothing to fear.

Brooks did have words with bouncers and left the premises in an angry state - but only after being baited by a group of drunken hoons looking for trouble.

Brooks exchanged words with the group but never threw a punch in the altercation.

The NRL Integrity Unit is is investigating the incident and I’m tipping Brooks will be cleared.

But the incident again highlights how difficult it is for league stars to go out in Sydney on a weekend night without finding trouble - or trouble finding them.

Leivaha Pulu heading across the Tasman

The Warriors have signed Titans super sub Leivaha Pulu for next season.

Desperate to boost their forward power after some inept showings up front this season, the Warriors have snapped up the aggressive Pulu on a two-year deal.

Expect the deal to be formally announced in coming days.

Pulu has been in great form for the Titans offf the bench this season and his two tries helped sink premiers Cronulla in one of the upsets of the season to date.

He bagged another try in the team’s stunning upset win over Melbourne last Saturday night.

The 27-year-old has been a late bloomer, only making his NRL debut last season.

But he has been quick to make up for lost time and made his international debut for Tonga in the international round last Saturday week.

Pulu was born in New Zealand but moved to the Gold Coast as a 16-year-old to attend renowned league nursery Keebra Park High School.

From there he joined the Wests Tigers and played in the NYC and NSW Cup before a brief stint in France and a year with Wyong.

Equally at home at prop or second row, he will be a great addition to the Warriors’ forward arsenal.

New coach for Lebanon?

Lebanon are still looking for a coach for their World Cup side and have failed in a bold bid to lure champion Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

The Cedars held talks with Bellamy last week and were hopeful of landing him - but he said no.

Rated by most good judges as the best in the business, Bellamy would have been a great catch.

Lebanon is now hoping to sign former Roosters coach Brad Fittler.

'Freddy' initially knocked back the Cedars - but may be having second thoughts.