Set of six: Kiwis to tour

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The Kiwis will play three tests against England on an end-of-season Northern Hemisphere tour at the end of next year. The tour replaces a proposed French tour to New Zealand and means the Kiwis and England will face each other through four consecutive years in the World Cup build-up. They are already scheduled to clash in the 2014 and 2016 Four Nations tournaments.

Broncos rest easy

The Broncos can consider themselves fortunate after the NRL integrity unit's investigation failed to detect any alleged improper payments to some of the club's biggest stars. Former Brisbane operations boss Andrew Gee was under investigation over a number of transactions totalling $300,000, which went missing from the Leagues Club's account before a mysterious repayment settled the matter. The Gold Coast Titans reportedly remain under investigation for suspected cap breaches.

Tigers seek right man

Wests Tigers have begun their search for a new general manager of football operations on recruitment website Seek. The lengthy job description requires a candidate to possess thorough and specialised league knowledge, to take on a role seemingly moulded on Phil Gould's general manager role at Penrith. With coach Mick Potter strongly tipped to be given the axe after this weekend's final round, what are the chance he could then submit his CV for consideration?

Lockyer backs Packer

Broncos legend and board member Darren Lockyer has backed the idea of the club making a formal offer to former Warriors prop Russell Packer for 2015. The board will decide whether an offer will be presented to the 24-year-old, who is currently serving the last four months of a two-year sentence for assault in Sydney's Silverwater jail. However, it's widely believed the NRL will block any move to register a contract as they look to draw a line in the sand about acceptable standards of player behaviour.

Koukash cancels party

Salford's colourful owner Marwan Koukash has cancelled the club's end-of-season bash after they failed to make the Super League finals. The chairman made it clear he would not accept mediocrity after targeting a top-four finish for last year's wooden spooners, saying: "We have nothing to celebrate. We have not won anything and we are not in the playoffs. To me, winning is everything."

Scouts invade Papakura

Several local and Australian-based player agents and NRL club scouts have been in Papakura this week checking out the young talent on display at the National Schoolboys carnival. Get out to Bruce Pulman Park in South Auckland for today's big premiership final between fierce rivals Kelston and St Pauls (kickoff 1pm). Wesley and Papatoetoe will contest the development final earlier in the day.