The Obstruction Rule

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The Obstruction Rule - Rugby league analysis, news, and VOA NRL statistics

Coote lost to Super League

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We all knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing.

Super League club St Helens today announced the signing of Cowboys fullback Lachlan Coote on a three-year deal, confirming that the talented playmaker’s time in the NRL has come to an end.

Though he’s never been considered a superstar, his addition to the Cowboys in 2015 was vital to North Queensland taking the leap from contenders to premiers, and we imagine he’ll always be welcome in any pub in Townsville.

It’s hard to believe that there isn’t a club somewhere in the NRL who could be made better by adding him. St Helens have got a good one.

Coote has played 166 first grade games for the Cowboys and Panthers, and 3 Tests for Scotland.

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Warriors re-sign Afoa, Tevaga

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Following a surprisingly strong year, the Warriors have quickly moved to re-sign two of their more quiet achievers for the future.

The Warriors today announced the re-signing of forward Bunty Afoa and utility Jazz Tevaga for another two and three years, respectively.

Tevaga was hardly a household name before 2018, but his strong season saw him rewarded with the Dally M Interchange Player of the Year award. His contract includes a second year option in his favour.

Afoa has played 44 first grade games for the Warriors, and 6 Tests for Samoa.

Tevaga has played 35 first grade games for the Warriors, and 4 Tests for Samoa.

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Luke now expected to remain with Warriors

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Watching Mason Lino walk out the door could be a blessing in disguise for the Warriors.

Though Lino is among the league’s best back-up halves, he wouldn’t crack the Warriors’ top 17. However, his exit may have paved the way for the Warriors to retain hooker Issac Luke – arguably their best player in 2018 (according to the Dally M’s, that was actually Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, but whatever) – for a song.

According to nrl.com, the Warriors are now expected to retain Luke, after the Knights withdrew their offer.

With little remaining competition for his signature, as well as a slight bump in their available funds following the loss of Lino, it all appears to have fallen into place for New Zealand to keep their star hooker for an absolute steal.

Luke has played 254 first grade games for the Warriors and Rabbitohs, and 42 Tests for New Zealand.

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Asofa-Solomona close to new Storm deal

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Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona still has a year to run on his current contract, but Melbourne aren’t taking any chances.

According to nrl.com, the Storm are close to finalising a three-year extension for the Kiwi giant, that will keep in Melbourne until the end of 2022.

The new deal is expected to be announced shortly after the grand final.

Asofa-Solomona has played 76 first grade games for the Storm, and 5 Tests for New Zealand.

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Knights go cold on Luke, Ross

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The Knights’ roster remains in a period of transition, and as a result, their interest in different players is likely to remain fluid.

Two players apparently no longer of interest to Newcastle are Warriors hooker Issac Luke and Knights winger White Lightning, according to WWOS reporter The Mole.

In the case of Luke, the Knights had been in negotiations with the Kiwi Test star, and were believed to be favourites for his signature. However, with Sharks hooker James Segeyaro believed to be available, the report suggests that he’s now their primary target.

The case of Lightning is a bit more complicated, with the popular winger still under contract for another two seasons.

However, with the Knights having bolstered their backline for next year with the additions of Jesse Ramien and Edrick Lee, Lightning is now surplus to requirements, and it’s believed that the club have notified NRL and Super League clubs that he’s for sale.

Luke has played 254 first grade games for the Warriors and Rabbitohs, and 42 Tests for New Zealand.

Lightning has played 60 first grade games for the Knights.

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