Taumalolo stands by his decision to snub Maroons, Kangaroos

Dally M medallist Jason Taumalolo believes his decision to shun Queensland and Australia is still an issue for the Kangaroos, who he predicts will mention it among themselves before the Four Nations final.

Bromwich concedes defeat to Smith when it comes to sweet-talking referee

The diplomatic aplomb with which Australia skipper Smith speaks to whistlers again came to prominence last weekend when England's Sam Burgess revealed he told Robert Hicks about the penalty count, which soon evened up.

Blair says he's an 'easy target'

Five months after he was slammed as one of rugby league's "dirtiest" while playing in a trans-Tasman Test, New Zealand forward Adam Blair says he remains an "easy target" for criticism.

What Trump and bringing back the biff have in common

• COMMENT

Yes, I know enough people who would ponder such an obscure and esoteric concept that I can run into two of them on the same day by sheer co-incidence.

Boyd confirmed, as Taumalolo says rookie may play

While green-and-golds coach Mal Meninga is yet to confirm who will replace the injured Sam Thaiday (eye) for Sunday's Four Nations final at Anfield, Darius Boyd (no relation) let the cat out of the bag during a media opportunity in Liverpool on Thursday.

Meninga labels Burgess 'out of order' over ref spray

Australia coach Mal Meninga has labelled England captain Sam Burgess 'out of order' over his attack on referee Robert Hicks before outlining his own radical plan to improve the standard of officiating in internationals.

Why the Four Nations final field has shrunk by nine metres

Faiirfax Media con confirm the markings on the hallowed turf will be nine metres short of the dimensions stipulated under international rules, with New Zealand captain Jesse Bromwich predicting more of a forward slog as a result.

Burgess tells Inglis he regrets Four Nations punch

Fairfax Media revealed before the current Four Nations tournament that the NRL punching ban would not apply either here or at the 2017 World Cup but the rules were not put to the test until Burgess threw one at Australia's David Klemmer on Sunday.

Kiwis went Walkabout for loaded clash

It must have been a strange sight: three big name New Zealand rugby league stars standing in an Australian-themed bar cheering the Kangaroos.