Bailey Simonsson is desperate to force his way into the Canberra Raiders' starting side as clouds hover over the Green Machine's right edge. Jordan Rapana is exploring a stint in Japanese rugby but said a return to the Raiders could be on the cards in the aftermath of the club's heartbreaking NRL grand final defeat. His inside man in right centre Joey Leilua is exploring his options with Raiders officials content to let him go elsewhere should a rival club come knocking with an attractive offer. It comes as Canberra five-eighth Jack Wighton reportedly knocked back his option on a contract extension beyond the 2020 season in a bid to capitalise on his rising stock. Wighton is edging closer to his Australian debut having already claimed the Clive Churchill Medal in the grand final and donned a NSW Blues jersey this year.

More: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6431068/simonsson-determined-to-earn-a-start/?cs=14239

Former Canberra playmaker Blake Austin is rapt to return to Australia with England's World Cup Nines squad after an impressive maiden Super League season.

More: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/austin-happy-to-play-for-england-in-nines/886e89c1-84d3-4179-86ce-9865145807f3

Match Highlights: Fiji PM's XIII v AUS PM's XIII

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Australia PM's XIII v Fiji PM's XIII: Live stream

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Samoa have named a side stacked with flair and NRL talent for the World Cup Nines, including Canberra grand final centre Joey Leilua.

The team has plenty of size and mobility in the forwards with the likes of Storm prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Wests Tigers second-rower Michael Chee Kam and St George Illawarra's Luciano Leilua.

His brother, Joey, is among several top-line backs in the Samoan squad alongside Manly winger Jorge Taufua, Panthers rookie Brian To'o, Dragons centre Tim Lafai and Wests Tigers speedster David Nofoaluma.

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