Christian Nicolussi

Haumole Olakau’atu explained why he leapt to the defence of his NSW teammates during a sideline melee, which has now left him facing a lengthy ban.

Ten players have been charged with a potential total of six weeks on the sidelines and more than $25,000 in fines as NSW and Queensland count the cost of a brutal clash.

The NSW back-rower is the season’s best comeback story – but the player of the series feared it was all over in the third minute on Wednesday night.

As they jostle to be included as part of the NRL’s expansion plans, the Pacific country has been handed a massive boost by its Australian neighbours.

Cameron Munster returns from a lengthy injury lay-off for ladder leaders Melbourne – but confirmed he will require double hip surgery at the end of the year.

Two of the leading NRL rookie-of-the-year candidates are set to face off on Friday night. Who wins this year’s first-year gong?