Former NSW Origin prop Daniel Saifiti feels he is returning to form for Newcastle, after admitting he was "pretty bad" at times earlier in the NRL season.

Shane Flanagan has lashed his St George Illawarra side for their failure to control possession in a 20-10 loss to NRL front-runners Cronulla.

Wests Tigers half Aidan Sezer is facing a ban of up to five matches after being charged for a hip-drop tackle in his side's round-nine loss to Canterbury.

Injured Melbourne No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines, while half Jahrome Hughes is also in doubt for Storm's Cronulla showdown.

Jacob Kiraz says NRL coaching candidate Michael Cheika has a gift for inspiring his players, as evidenced by a gesture from the last Rugby League World Cup.

Star Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will be out for up to six weeks with a lower-leg fracture sustained as his side hung on to beat Gold Coast 22-20 at Robina.