All the latest gossip from Down Under, courtesy of Australian magazine Rugby League Week.

Former New Zealand Test star Taniela Tuiaki may have played his last game in the NRL, Rugby League Week today reveals.

Tuiaki, 28, broke his leg in round 24 last year and hasn’t played since, Wests Tigers recruitment manager Warren McDonnell telling RLW: "Normally we wouldn’t hesitate in re-signing Taniela.

"But the sad reality is he is not making much progress and the injury is proving very hard for him to overcome.

"Beau Ryan is doing a great job for us so we’ll just have to wait and see if he improves before we make any decision."

In the wake of another damaging loss, North Queensland coach Neil Heny has said performance clauses in his contract will not force him to leave.

"I’ve got a five year contract so I’ll be here until then," Henry tells League Week.

"I intend to be here to see out my contract and try and get the club get back to the finals."

Queensland star Israel Folau has thrown the game another curve ball by saying he’s available to play in this year’s Four Nations despite his impending move to Aussie Rules.

"It would be great to, if I can," Folau tells Rugby League Week when asked about the October-November tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The scene is now set for Queensland selectors and players to go into bat for Folau like they did before Origin II.

"I missed out on that Test match earlier in the year and I think I know what they’ll do at the end of the year too," Folau adds.

"It won’t be a big fuss at all. It depends. I think my contract runs out in November."

Cronulla have their eye on Matt Orford for next season despite the halfback being under contract to Bradford. "We haven't spoken to Matt but it's something we may consider," said incoming coach Shane Flanagan.

Jeremy Smith, New Zealand’s player of the year in their World Cup season of 2008, has been tentatively offered a release by St George Illawarra.

"I’ve spoken to (coach) Wayne Bennett and he’s not keen to let Jeremy go but he’s told me that if he can get a good three-year deal somewhere, he’ll consider it," said manager Sam Ayoub.

And South Sydney are worried England star Sam Burgess’ effectiveness in the finals will be blunted after a harsh penalty against him for a high tackle in last Friday’s derby loss to Sydney Roosters.

"Sam was penalised because he hit (Mitchell) Pearce too hard," said Rabbitohs forwards coach Gorden Tallis.

"Agression is Sam’s strength – he shouldn’t be muzzled by refs."