NRL

One-time Sea Eagle David Gower told NRL.com his 2011 Grand Final teammate Kieran Foran's professionalism and competitiveness were already shining through in his time at Parramatta while fellow new faces Beau Scott and Michael Gordon were bringing their considerable experience to bear.

"Those three guys are internationals or Origin players for a reason," Gower said.

"The professionalism of those three guys and even the other guys we've brought in, we've brought in experience and NRL-calibre players. All the boys are fitting in well and we're all training hard.

The 2015 NYC Team of the Year centre has landed in the shire with no family and no partner by his side after signing with the Sharks on a two-year deal in October.

It's been a long road for the Nanango junior who at 18 made his first grade debut against the Dragons as an injury replacement for Lachlan Maranta.

His progression to the top grade wasn't anticipated.

In fact he was kicked out of pre-season by under-20s coaching staff earlier on in 2013 – his debut year – after failing to impress.

Having missed five seasons following drug trafficking charges, the former Dragon and Knight's trimmed-down frame helped him to an impressive NRL comeback in 2015 before a shoulder injury ended his season in Round 19 after 16 appearances.

Wicks told NRL.com he'd be ready to resume contact work when the side returns after the Christmas break having been hampered throughout 2015.

"Yeah it's going really well actually. Everything's on schedule," he said.

The Rabbitohs announced the news on Sunday along with the news of contract extensions for young players Angus Crichton and Hymel Hunt.

Former Australian Schoolboys representative Crichton, 19, will join the Rabbitohs' full-time squad next season and has signed a deal keeping him at the club until 2018.

Outside back Hunt, 22, joins Souths from Melbourne on a one-year deal.

"We're pleased to be adding Hymel to our squad and to be extending the contract of young Angus as well," Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said.

While coaching the Maroons remains a career goal of Green’s, he said the timing wasn’t right to take up the role next year.

“I am extremely flattered by the QRL’s interest in me coaching the Maroons. I’m humbled by the overtures and coaching the Maroons is something I am hugely passionate about,” said Green, who played seven Origin games for Queensland from 1999-2001.

“I’ve decided to concentrate on coaching the Cowboys in season 2016, putting all my energies into having another successful season.

It will include stars of the calibre of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Fijian Semi Radradra, James Graham and Martin Taupau.

Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley and World All Stars coach Wayne Bennett named their teams in Brisbane on Tuesday, with both expecting it to be one of the best in the six years of the match.

Sam Burgess (World All Stars) and James Roberts (Indigenous All Stars) have been included in their respective squads, subject to finalising NRL contracts before the match is played.

"This is such a special game for our players," Daley said.

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.