NRL

Unwanted by Canberra after 133 games with the club, McCrone signed a two-year deal with the Dragons in October, adding depth and versatility to McGregor's squad with his ability to play halfback, five-eighth or hooker.

The former Temora Dragons junior spent seven years with the Raiders but was keen for a change of scenery after playing just four games in 2015 under coach Ricky Stuart.

"I'm happy Mary (McGregor) has given me the opportunity to come here and start fresh," McCrone said after Monday morning's training session in Wollongong.

But after just one session of pre-season training with the Rockhampton Leagues Club Capras, the club's latest signing said he'd had a huge fitness wake-up call.

The NRL, SPC, the Australian National University and the Australian Government have joined forces to stage a Pacific leadership workshop for NRL Pasifika Ambassadors and enable them to assist in development projects in Australia and throughout the Pacific region. 

Around 44% of NRL players have Pacific Islands’ heritage.

After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Nine will screen matches four days a week starting in 2018, in a deal worth "up to $925" million, the NRL said.

The NRL said it was the biggest deal in free-to-air TV history.

The number of live games on free-to-air TV will increase from the present two to four, with matches to be played during prime time on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday at 4pm.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith said the deal had secured the long term future of the game.'