Queensland Maroons centre Dane Gagai will stay at Newcastle beyond the age of 35 after penning a two-year extension with the Knights.

Kalyn Ponga's absence has prompted Newcastle to find their steel again, gritting out two straight wins without their superstar fullback.

Craig Bellamy says senior players, including Cameron Munster, helped convince him to stay on for a 23rd NRL season as Melbourne Storm coach.

Manly expect their gun No.1 Tom Trbojevic to miss seven weeks with a hamstring injury, in a powerful blow for the Sea Eagles and NSW.

Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has suffered a hamstring injury as Dolphins No.1 Trai Fuller starred in a sensational 30-24 comeback victory.

Hooker Damien Cook is adamant Wayne Bennett would be inheriting a squad ready to win a premiership if he returned to South Sydney in 2025.