The Canberra Raiders will get a chance to test their premiership credentials in the opening two weeks of the season when they play the last two NRL champions in a brutal start to their campaign.

SYDNEY, Nov 21 AAP - NRL stars Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes have reportedly travelled to the US to participate in secret NFL trials.

Ben Barba's off-field dramas could result in another hit to the hip pocket, with global brand Nike considering ending its association with the troubled star.

• ANALYSIS

Of all the reasons cited for the Sharks releasing fullback Ben Barba, one has been overlooked. The Broncos paid most of his salary for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Next year, the Sharks would be required to fund his entire playing contract.

Ben Barba could resume his career in the Super League next season without missing a single game as the NRL is powerless to enforce his 12-match drugs ban in the English competition.

• COMMENT

Is it any of the NRL's business if Ben Barba takes cocaine?

SYDNEY, Nov 9 AAP - Ben Barba's rehabilitation in Thailand isn't solely about addressing his recent positive drug test to cocaine but also facing up to other personal issues, according to his manager.

Thailand has long been a holiday hotspot for Australian tourists, but a growing number of NRL stars are heading there for rehabilitation rather than recreation.

Cronulla CEO Lyall Gorman is confident Ben Barba is the only Shark to have recorded a positive result following a Mad Monday testing blitz on party drugs.

Cronulla will have to officially terminate Ben Barba's playing contract or fine him 10 per cent of his annual wage as the fallout from his drugs dramas continue.

Valentine Holmes could be the big beneficiary from Ben Barba's departure from the club, a development that could free up for him the fullback position and the riches that come with it.

• COMMENT

Weak? Selfish? A fool? The alternative view is that the Sharks fullback is just a troubled soul.

Ben Barba's NRL ups and downs throughout his career to date.

Ben Barba's career is again in jeopardy after Cronulla released the premiership-winning fullback following a positive drugs test.

Cronulla have signed Gold Coast utility Daniel Mortimer as the replacement for veteran hooker Michael Ennis.

Andrew Fifita has rubbished suggestions he wants out of rugby league because of his snubbing from the Australian team or because he missed out the Clive Churchill medal, revealing he would have given the award to teammate Michael Ennis had he been declared the best on ground after Cronulla's historic grand final victory.

Paul Gallen has revealed he is keen to share the Cronulla captaincy with Wade Graham next year in a move that could have leadership implications for the State of Origin arena.

Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen is confident Andrew Fifita won't walk out on the NRL.

Andrew Fifita has revealed he has been scouring options in rival codes over fears the NRL could rip up his playing contract at any moment.