Lolohea is contracted to the Warriors until the end of 2018, but several clubs have made discreet inquiries about his availability after he was used sparingly by coach Andrew McFadden in recent weeks. The Eels, in search of at least one playmaker for next season and possibly two if Corey Norman accepts a lucrative three-year deal to join the Dragons, are one of the interested parties.

The 21-year-old Lolohea, who has already represented the Kiwis, received just two minutes of game time in the loss to Manly and those came in extra time.

While frustrated by the lack of opportunities, a diplomatic Lolohea has publicly stated he wants to remain at the Warriors "forever". However, that may change if he continues to be overlooked for a starting spot.

The Dragons, on the lookout for a fullback and also a contingency plan should Norman re-sign with Parramatta, are also watching the Lolohea developments with interest. Ditto Newcastle, who are yet to settle on a long-term No.1.

Foran has requested a release from Parramatta to deal with personal issues. If it is forthcoming, it will free up $1.2 million a season to spend on Jarryd Hayne or other players. If available, Lolohea would be an ideal replacement.

Brown and out

It wasn't so long ago that Michael Brown was touted as a contender for the top job at the NRL. On Friday, he checked out of Rugby League Central altogether, resigning from his posts as the chief executive of the Rugby League World Cup and chief operating officer of the NRL.

We understand that Brown – who described the twin roles as "stressful" in a carefully worded press release – left before he was pushed.

Brown neglected league's heartland in allocating RLWC matches and was shown up by a rookie club chief executive, albeit a highly impressive one, in Panthers boss Corey Payne. We're hearing the explosive voicemail he left Payne wasn't the first time he lost his cool and there were concerns about the way he went about World Cup negotiations.

In the NRL's press release, chief executive Todd Greenberg and World Cup chairman Dr George Peponis said they had accepted Brown's resignation, but it speaks volumes that neither thanked him for his contribution.

Jumped: Michael Brown has resigned from his roles with the NRL and Rugby League World Cup.

Eels lose more talent

Parramatta have lost one of their most promising young players after granting Travis Turnbull a release on compassionate grounds.

Turnbull is considered an NRL star of the future and has been a standout for the Maroons under-16s Origin teams in recent campaigns. The Eels recognised his undoubted talents by tying him to a contract until the end of 2018 in the belief he would eventually play first grade. However, the half-fullback has struggled with homesickness since shifting from Queensland and requested a release.

The Eels were desperate to keep him, but realised he needed the support of his family network.

The Broncos and Cowboys, who missed out on Turnbull's signature the last time he was a free agent, are expected to have another crack at him.

Norman can count himself lucky

There would have been an almighty outcry from Bondi Junction if Corey Norman copped anything less than an eight-game penalty for his recent antics. Roosters powerbrokers had more than a passing interest in how the NRL sanctioned Norman after Mitchell Pearce also copped eight weeks, although Pearce's fine was more than $100,000 stiffer.

Norman can count himself lucky as his indiscretions were greater: he pleaded guilty to a serious offence and he was not only aware he was being filmed in his sex video, but actually disseminated it to teammates, and he was only spared the humiliation of having the footage aired publicly because of its explicit nature.

Ironically, the Roosters had briefly considered chasing Norman to partner Pearce in the halves but did their due diligence and decided not to make an offer because of his loose off-field behaviour.

Ironic: The Roosters were chasing Corey Norman to partner Mitchell Pearce at one stage. Photo: Peter Rae

Titanic family battle

It was a family affair when Parramatta centre Brad Takairangi took on Gold Coast forward Eddy Pettybourne on Saturday night.

"I actually haven't played them [until this weekend]," Takairangi said of the clash with his former club. "Everyone teases me and reckons it's in my contract I can't play against them.

"My brother-in-law Eddy Pettybourne actually plays for them. I played with him when I was at the Roosters, but haven't played him since."

Bukuya to stay in Shire

Most of the media focus has been on off-contract stars Paul Gallen, Michael Ennis and Luke Lewis, but Cronulla is also in the process of securing the futures of other key members of its pack. Underrated forward Jayson Bukuya also was on the open market, but is now a done deal to remain in the Shire.

Souths eye Jennings

Penrith centre George Jennings, the brother of Parramatta and NSW star Michael, is tipped to end up at South Sydney next year. There was talk of a player swap involving Jennings and former Rabbitoh Chris Grevsmuhl before the June 30 deadline, but only Grevsmuhl swapped sides. However, the Bunnies are keen to bolster their back-line stocks and could well get their man.

A gentleman departs

The dropping of Robbie Farah to reserve grade has taken attention away from the retirement announcement of the man replacing him at hooker.

Dene Halatau has won a premiership, represented his country and earned a reputation as one of the game's gentlemen during a distinguished 16-year NRL career.

Our favourite Halatau story harks back to the day a would-be thief was sprung trying to break into his property. The intruder bolted and Halatau pursued until they got to the Georges River. Rather than give himself up, the crook jumped in, tried to swim to safety … and nearly drowned.

Police arrested the burglar when he eventually struggled back to shore.

Retiring: Wests Tigers legend Dene Halatau is hanging up the boots after this season. Photo: Jason McCawley

Back to the Corner

Controversy Corner, based on the renowned league television program hosted by the inimitable Rex Mossop, is back. And one of the original show's regulars, Noel Kelly, is on the panel.

The Newtown Jets are reviving the concept at their annual sportsman's dinner, to be held at Petersham RSL on August 17. "Ned" Kelly and former referee Greg McCallum are among confirmed panellists, with more to be locked in shortly. An evening of confrontation, bombast, tautology and, most of all, controversy, is assured.

There will be a pass-the-ball competition between Cronulla and Newtown players and there will be a raffle of prizes similar to the Viking sauna, Meapro ham, Whale car wash voucher and Bernard moccasins that were on offer back in the day.

Contact the Jets or Petersham RSL for details.