The Mole: NZRL keen for Taumalolo to return

Kiwis want Taumalolo back

The New Zealand Rugby League is putting the pressure on superstar Jason Taumalolo to backflip on his decision to represent Tonga at international level.

Reon Edwards, the chairman of NZRL, has stated that the Kiwis will welcome the Cowboys juggernaut back with open arms despite his shock move to turn his back on his country in last year’s World Cup.

There was a massive public and official backlash against Taumalolo in New Zealand at the time and it seemed certain there would be no turning back.

But the Kiwis have a busy six-Test schedule this year, including a series against England - and that may convince the Cowboys ace to return to the country of his birth.

Taumalolo is keeping his cards close to his chest, telling friends he won’t make any decision until Tonga’s next Test against Samoa in May.

Buy of the year?

The buy of the year may not be a player or a coach.

Watching the stunning body shape transformation in the Warriors players as they produced an upset win over Souths on the weekend, the signing of high performance manager Alex Corvo looks a master-stroke.

I could barely recognise Issac Luke and several of the Warriors’ big forwards as they took to the field - so much weight had they lost, replacing it with pure muscle.

After a dismal time in recent years, the Warriors buried several hoodoos at the new Optus stadium and maybe, just maybe, this will prove a turning point for the club.

Hastings impresses in NSW Cup

Out-of-favour Manly five-eighth Jackson Hastings is putting the heat on Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett.

Barrett announced weeks ago that rookie Lachlan Croker would start the new season at five eighth in what amounts to a slap in the face to Hastings.

But the son of Roosters great Kevin ‘Horrie’ Hastings took the move as a challenge and was outstanding in the NSW Cup on the weekend, scoring two tries and booting three goals for Blacktown Eagles in a 28-all draw against the Knights.

Croker, in contrast, struggled in his debut for the Eagles - leaving Barrett with a tough decision when he selects his team today.

Canterbury want Tolman

The Bulldogs have decided to hang on to experienced prop Aiden Tolman after earlier shopping him around.

With James Graham gone and Dave Klemmer and Aaron Woods set to be missing for the State of Origin period, the Dogs have realised that they will be skinny for front row depth and will need Tolman.

In retrospect, the Dogs should never have let Englishman Graham go - he was among their most effective forwards in recent years and isn’t eligible for Origin so would have been available all season.

Local mayor apologises

Some fun and games out of  Warrington in England, where the local mayor has been forced to issue a public apology to two Wolves players.

Councilman Les Morgan retracted 'shameful' comments he placed on social media about Wolves brothers Toby and George King.

“It’s a pity that their parents ever met,” Morgan ranted. “They remind me of their Chinese counterparts FU and WAN.”

A contrite Morgan later issued a statement saying:

"It was a silly thing to do. There were far worse comments but that does not make mine right. It was totally wrong and I sincerely apologise. I am quite prepared to meet the two King brothers, if that is what they want, to show how sincere the apology is."