Folau knocked back secret offer after being blocked by NRL

Controversial cross-code star Israel Folau recently knocked back an offer to make a return to league with the London Broncos.

The Broncos, who play in the second tier of the English game, the Betfred Championship, were keen to snare the 37-year-old former dual international after his bid to return to the NRL with the Tigers failed earlier this season.

But nine.com.au has learned that Folau decided against the move to Britain and looks set to hang up the boots.

Ironically, the former Storm and Broncos utility back had a run at league only last weekend, in a charity game in Papua New Guinea.

Star to re-sign with Manly

Struggling Manly are poised to get a massive boost with star utility back Lehi Hopoate close to signing a long-term deal with the club.

Hopoate was thinking of going to the open market on November 1, where his ability to play fullback, wing or centre would earn him approaches from a host of clubs.

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But the 21-year-old local junior - whose infamous father John won a premiership with the Sea Eagles exactly 30 years ago - has been holding positive talks with the club.

Manly runs through the family veins, with brother William also a grand final winner at Brookvale in 2011.

Hopoate was named Manly Members’ Player of the Year in 2025 and despite the club’s poor season, he has been among Kieran Foran’s most consistent players.

He has 14 tries from 20 games, mainly on a wing, and has proved a capable replacement for Tom Trbojevic during his well-documented injury battles.

More change coming at struggling Eels

I’m hearing former Parramatta chief executive Jim Sarantinos - who left the club last week - won’t be the only change at the club for next season.

Following another year of disappointment for Eels fans, more changes are in the wind.

Coach Jason Ryles’ job is safe for the moment - but he will want to win some games early next season to ease the pressure valve.

Fans are fed up with the club’s inability to even get close to finals football year after year and are putting pressure on the board - and that inevitably leads to changes.

Panthers snap up young gun

Penrith continue to scour the land for young talent and look to have come up with another winner in Harvey Smith, a young halfback from the Burleigh Bears on the Gold Coast.

A mature 18-year-old playmaker, Smith hails from renowned league nursery Keebra Park State High School - the same institution that produced Benji Marshall and a host of other world-class players.

The youngster has been a standout in the Cyril Connell Cup (under-16s) in 2025 and the Mal Meninga Cup (under-18s) this year for Burleigh and will be one to watch at the Panthers in coming years.