Shattered Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith forecast a tough pre-season after the Storm bowed out of the NRL finals without a win for the second straight year.

It's unlikely many media outlets will accept his editorial advice and Canterbury enforcer James Graham cares little if they do.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden has rung the changes in his coaching staff following the club's disappointing end to the NRL season.

Lote Tuqiri didn't recognise himself when he looked up at the big screen to watch replays of his Superman try against Manly in Friday's NRL qualifying final.

The Panthers remain on track for a grand final appearance, after a nail-biting victory over the Roosters last night.

The Kiwis have lost their battle with Australia over one of the hottest prospects in the NRL.

There are a core of players who will be close - or beyond - the mythical 50 NRL-game barrier that separates the eager from the experienced.

The Warriors have continued their pursuit of Manly centre Steve Matai and remain hopeful the Sea Eagles will grant him a release for next season in the NRL.

Hours before the Warriors' showdown against the Panthers last Sunday, fullback Sam Tomkins took to Twitter seeking information about the death of his friend and Wigan junior teammate Luke Rhoden.

With the Warriors producing yet another season of mediocrity questions remain over the direction the club will take through the off-season.

Changes to the Warriors' playing group and off-field staff are expected once the club completes their end-of-season review process.

Manly star Brett Stewart is to play in tomorrow night's qualifying final against South Sydney after training strongly at the club's Narrabeen base yesterday.

Stephen Kearney says the door is still open for Benji Marshall to play for the Kiwis, despite his omission from the train-on squad for the upcoming Four Nations tournament.