Rugby League

Familiar feeling: Sam Burgess after a Cowboys try.

Season all but over for sorry Souths

The Cowboys had never won three straight games without Johnathan Thurston. But having broken new ground, are they ready to confound their critics again?

Beaten man: Mitchell Pearce comes to terms with defeat in game three.

Pearce's NSW days may not be over, says Sterling

NSW adviser Peter Sterling has challenged Mitchell Pearce to prove he's the best halfback in the state and demand State of Origin selection again next year in an impassioned defence of the Blues' whipping boy.

Boots and all: Andrew Fifita goes the toe at Blues training.

Look, it's Andrew Fi-field goal

They reckon Andrew Fifita can emulate Arthur Beetson, but did Queensland's State of Origin godfather kick field goals like the man his modern day throwback?

Referee rarity: Bernard Sutton and Johnathan Thurston during Origin II.

NSW hierarchy decline to meet referees

NSW hierarchy turned down a chance to meet referees boss Tony Archer for a traditional pre-match briefing at any stage throughout the State of Origin series as Laurie Daley dead batted-questions about the whistleblowers for the decider.

Last Origin?: Questions are being asked about Laurie Daley's future as Blues coach.

Daley's last dance? Gould says no alternative better

A cryptic Laurie Daley hinted at a State of Origin exit, but refused to confirm whether the decider would be his last game in charge of NSW as he plots to deliver a hammer blow to Queensland's decade-long dynasty.