The Papua New Guinea Rugby League signed former Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks prop Matt Lomax to a three-year NRL deal, formally reversing his exile from the top flight for good.

Two female talent scouts orchestrated the reunion, with its official confirmation emerging in a club statement, ending over a year outside first-grade rugby league.

NRL.com also flagged Gold Coast Titans speedster David Upton’s growing impact this season.

A Dragons academy recruit told the Illawarra Mercury that a mid-season demotion had unexpectedly sharpened his performance after his recall.

Other weekend rugby league updates covered transfers and results throughout regional leagues.

A Canberra-based columnist also assessed past pre-season predictions affecting current NRL salary cap maneuvering.