NRL

Warriors can't weather the Storm

The Auckland-based outfit were outclassed in atrocious conditions at Mount Smart Stadium, despite putting up a solid showing through the middle of the park.

No side dominated the rain-soaked tussle, but the Storm proved too ruthless in their execution, nabbing four tries to two and grinding out the two points.

Kearney was pleased with his forward pack's showing but rued the team's inability to see out the 80 minutes after losing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to concussion.

NZ-born Tim Simona deregistered by NRL over betting

The Wests Tigers centre also lied when interviewed by the NRL's integrity unit, bet on rugby league matches and didn't pass on jersey auction proceeds to charities.

"Based on the evidence we have identified it is very hard to imagine that Tim Simona will be registered with the NRL at any time in the future," NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said in a statement on Friday.

The NRL has not released specific details of Simona's indiscretions.

But text messages sent by the 25-year-old indicated he knew his behaviour was in breach of the rules, Greenberg said.

Stats that matter: Round 1

The Saints are coming 

What a time to be alive for Dragons fans. Saturday's 42-10 win over the Panthers sent shockwaves through the competition and forced rugby league scribes to update their record books. The 32-point win eclipsed their previous biggest wins over Penrith (42-14 in 2001 and 38-10 in 2009), while Gareth Widdop's 22-point haul equalled the club record for most points in a game, tying Amos Roberts's effort from 2000 and Jamie Soward's day out against Canberra in 2007.

Hat-trick heroe

Vatuvei to miss NRL season opener

Vatuvei has been unable to return to full fitness in time since injuring his knee during a wrestling session earlier this month.

In naming his first NRL team for the Warriors, Coach Stephen Kearney has named the same starting lineup that played Gold Coast in a recent trial match in Palmerston North.

Rookie stand-off Mafoa'Aeata Hingano will make his NRL debut in the halves alongside playmaker Shaun Johnson.

Fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will captain the side in his first game back in the NRL in 11 months.

Has rugby league’s relationship with gambling begun to go too far?

But what do we call the suits in charge who have encouraged this mad fixation on betting that now brings millions of dollars into the sport every year?

Clever?

Innocent?

Responsible?

Hold that thought.

As we’ve all heard by now, young Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona was stood down amid the latest NRL betting investigation.

The claims are that 25-year-old allegedly made a string of small bets on several games over a series of months.

Referees given more responsibility as Super Rugby changes video review system

Previously, referees have been able to send contentious decisions upstairs without providing the television match official (TMO) with their take on the incident.

From this season onwards, any referee who wants a decision reviewed by the TMO will first have to state their "on-field decision", based on their real-time view.

The TMO will then only be able to overturn the call if there is "compelling" video evidence.

NRL wants compulsory education, training for players following Ben Barba's French rugby exit

The NRL's chief executive Todd Greenberg has told the ABC he would like to see the condition form part of the code's new player pay deal.

Players should be doing something in addition to playing football "so they have something to fall back on," he said.

"I would expect that will be a big part of the collective bargaining agreement," Greenberg said.

Shane Flanagan sheds light on potential Segeyaro signing

Segeyaro is said to be looking for an NRL return, but is still contracted to Super League side Leeds.

With veteran Michael Ennis announcing his shock retirement last year, Flanagan says he still hasn’t decided on a replacement, but wouldn’t rule out making a play for former Cowboys and Panthers rake Segeyaro.

“We have spoken to James but we believe he’s got a contract in place with Leeds, so he’s got to deal with that before he does anything with our club,” Flanagan told Sky Sports Radio.

How your team could line up in Round 1

Here's our guess at the likely line-ups for all 16 clubs based on off-season player moves and the current injury list.

Your NRL club's young gun to watch in 2017

BRISBANE - JAI ARROW: Former Australian schoolboy representative who only averaged 23 minutes in the 12 matches of his rookie year, but will likely to take on a more senior role following the retirement of Corey Parker.

CANBERRA - CLAY PRIEST: Went from Sydney labourer to one of the real finds for the Raiders in attack during the second half of 2016 before injury cut short his finals hopes.