The Offseason Octopus

Rugby league hasn't had the most positive news in the past week so we'll kick off this week with news that each NRL club, over the course of the NRL Nines, has been assigned to a local kiwi rugby league club. This is an awesome initiative by the NRL and Auckland Council which will give the public an opportunity to see their heroes up close and personal. I'm sure it's designed to target the young fans, but this will attract rugby league fans from all walks of life. We don't get too many opportunities to see NRL players in the flesh, so to be able to see the superstars and the regular players will be awesome. I think the players and officials will be pretty chuffed with the support they'll receive, we all know how big the NRL is to the average Kiwi, but do the players?

Before the NRL handed down it's recommendation, this article appeared in the Daily Telegraph showing Darren Hibbert, otherwise known as the Gazelle showing up to his ASADA interview. As you can see, he looks like a funny bugger which you'd have to imagine is a bit of show ... or is he really a bit cookoo? Hibbert is being interview as he was an employee of Advanced Sports Nutrition and shared a connection with Stephen Dank. His interview didn't last long according to the Daily Telegraph as he refused to co-operate. 

The Gazelle

This flows perfectly in to the NRL's latest findings. No doubt you already know the details so I won't ramble on about that, instead I'm more worried with the lack of cohesion between the two investigations. We all love to bag the NRL, but the fact is they have sorted it out in a relatively smooth manner. Yes it sucked that it dragged on through the season, but would we have wanted the 2013 season and the World Cup to be covered in the shitty smell of suspensions and fines? Not at all. They have come to a conclusion early in the off season giving the parties involved plenty of time to sort things out for 2014. The ASADA investigation on the other hand is to be fair much trickier, but you can see clearly that it's being run by those government official types. They're not getting much information from their interviews ... think back to Wade Graham and now the Gazelle and they'll struggle to get much more. They'll probably create a hiss and a roar before the season starts, once they think they're loosing some spotlight. Can't wait! Yey.

In the bad boys corner, Reni Maitua has been given a lifeline by the Bulldogs who have resisted the urge to tear his contract up. Maitua this week shared his struggles which were pretty heavy as he battled depression and nearly committed suicide before Willie Tonga saved him. The Bulldogs have put Maitua on a a strict alcohol ban and no doubt they'll be keeping close tabs on him. The other naughty boy in the news was Mitch Allgood who has been put on a two year good behaviour bond for his antics on Mad Monday. Allgood decide to drive ... on Mad Monday ... wtf? You'd think they'd plan a taxi or two? Allgood has also been fined by the Parramatta Eels, from which the proceeds will go to a charity of his choice. Nice.

The Offseason Octopus

The Offseason Octopus is back! After spending the winter drifting between islands in the Carribbean or chillin some where cold? (I'm not sure whether octopus prefer warm or cold waters) he is back to keep you up to date with all the action in the NRL's offseason. Whether it be serious Steve news, injuries, off field dramas or just some funny shit, the Offseason Octopus will have it covered.

The NRL is poised to hand down punishments to Cronulla Sharks staff with Shane Flanagan looking likely to get the cut. Flanagan will either face a ban or a pretty large fine for apparently allowing the peptide program to exist under his watch. Other members of the coaching staff are also likely to receive various punishments for their role but players look likely to escape the NRL's wrath. That is until ASADA are ready to release their findings which isn't looking likely in 2013. So basically the staff will be dealt to any day now while the players will have to wait. Awesome, everyone loves uncertainty.

Happier times in the Shire

Tyson Frizell has put pen to paper, inking a deal that will see him stay with St George until 2017. This makes the Dragons squad look pretty good with new faces a plenty while keeping one of their best youngsters will ensure morale is high. Also, Anthony Minichello has signed a one year deal to remain at the Roosters. With Roger Tuivasa Sheck likely to step in to full back, expect to see Minichello continue his fine form as a leader and he'll prove himself to be the ultimate team man next season.

Blake Ferguson to the Broncos? We're not that tabloidy so we won't give it much attention but Anthony Mundine seems to think they'll be a good fit. Mundine believes that the Broncos have the culture to be able to keep Ferguson in line and bring the best out of him... this is of course once Ferguson stops boxing.

Manly are grabbing a few headlines, dismissing the ASADA distraction, facing a lack of muscle up front and staring down the possibility of a boardroom shambles. There are two clear factions fighting for the head of the table and it will climax on the 19th of December at their annual meeting. Manly are one of the most responsible, level headed and disciplined football teams on the field but of it there has been plenty of bitchy infighting which needs to be resolved. They are also facing a bit of a front row crisis having lost Brent Kite, George Rose and Joe Galuvao but expect them to be fine. Richie Fa'aoso is expected to return to the field after a neck injury and some dramas while they have also signed Dunamis Lui who has left the Broncos and will compliment Brenton Lawrence and Fa'aoso well.

Dunamis Lui is a bit of a handful

Lastly, Jacob Loko is a player of great talent and potential but his career has been hindered by more knee injuries than you and I put together. Loko has found solace in art after his mum bought him a sketchbook. Apparently quite the artist, Loko has relished the opportunity to use it as a distraction as he recovers from an infection in his knee. Let's hope he recovers fully so we can see him at his best for the Parramatta Eels.