NRL

The 23-year-old hooker turned down down reported interest from other national rugby club to remain in Auckland until the end of the 2021 season.

Named the NRL's best interchange player last year, Tevaga has thrived in a starting role and is averaging 125 metres in his four starts while his 61 tackles in last week's draw with Brisbane was 18 more than anyone else.

Possibly the smallest middle forward in the NRL, coach Stephen Kearney lauded Tevaga for his courage.

"He isn't the biggest forward going around by a long way but that doesn't bother him," Kearney said.

The Dragons had slipped down the ladder with a string of defeats since their last win in April, but they were back on track thanks to a one-sided triumph on the road.

The visitors had Corey Norman back from a fractured cheekbone and both he and Queensland Maroons star Ben Hunt scored in inspiring performances.

It started badly for the Dragons as Raymond Faitala-Mariner crossed for the Bulldogs inside two minutes, but the Dragons were soon on top.

The Panthers racked up a third straight win by downing the defending premiers at Panthers Stadium, with Maloney providing three try assists and a field goal in an impressive showing to enhance his claims for a State of Origin recall.

Nathan Cleary came in for criticism following the Blues' State of Origin I defeat to Queensland in midweek, but he also put in a strong showing against the high-flying Roosters.

With Jai Arrow named to play for the Maroons in Origin I, Jai Whitbread is likely to start at lock for the Titans on Sunday where he will go up against Cowboys colossus Jason Taumalolo.

The 21-year-old was called into the run-on side late last week when Arrow went down with a quadriceps injury during the captain's run and ran for 102 metres in 35 minutes.

More importantly, he limited the impact of Manly giant Martin Taupau.

The Sharks lost Fifita barely seven minutes into their Magic Round win over the Titans and Prior not long after.

But veteran skipper Paul Gallen lifted in the pair's absence along with big contributions from bench forwards Brayden Hamlin-Uele, Jack Williams and Jayson Bukuya to overturn an 18-10 halftime deficit to run home 26-18 winners over an ill-disciplined Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

Born in Sydney, Fainu's rapid rise through the NRL ranks has landed him at the forefront of discussions for both Tonga and the Kiwis.

Another spanner was thrown into the works when the 20-year-old met with NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and declared an interest in playing State of Origin for the Blues.

Fainu spent time with the Tongan squad ahead of the Pacific Test in June last season after representing the Junior Kiwis in 2017 on account of his mother's heritage.

He was selected for a Junior Kiwis' squad in 2018 but did not play.

When Rugby Australia indicated its intention to sack Folau last month, eyes almost immediately turned to a handful of NRL clubs who could afford to bring the controversial fullback on board.

But before they could even pick up the phone, Beattie made a stand by declaring the NRL off limits for the fallen star.

Speaking in Brisbane ahead of the NRL Magic Round, Beattie reiterated the reasons behind that decision.

Nikorima has been left out of the Broncos side to play South Sydney tomorrow with Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold saying he needed time to ponder his future.

Seibold has said he couldn't guarantee the out of form Nikorima a future at the NRL club beyond 2020.

An announcement on Nikorima's early release from the Broncos is believed to be imminent and Kearney confirmed the Warriors had offered Nikorima a four year deal from 2020 but Brisbane appear ready to let him go sooner although Kearney was sensitive about discussing Nikorima's immediate future.

The Warriors were penalised for holding on to Storm prop Jesse Bromwich in the play the ball, which allowed the Storm to even up the scores before kicking the winning field goal.

But NRL head of football Graham Annesley said a scrum should have been called because Bromwich did not play the ball correctly and Cameron Smith knocked on.

The Sea Eagles led 24-12 at half time and scored eight tries to two.

Daly Cherry-Evans scored twice for Manly and kicked seven goals.

Isaiah Papali'i and Issac Luke scored first half tries for the Warriors.

It's the first win of the season for Manly, while it's the second straight loss for the Warriors.