Martha Molowia has followed in the footsteps of her father Tuksy Karu in representing PNG at a Rugby League World Cup, but there is more to this heartwarming story than meets the eye.

Australian have copped a hit before the World Cup with Millie Boyle and Tamika Upton both withdrawing from the Jillaroos squad.

Richmond beat Essendon in a ferocious battle in front of 70,000 at Dreamtime at the 'G. St Kilda, Geelong and Western Bulldogs also win.

Just six months ago, Joel Legg was in hospital recovering from a motorcycle accident. He managed his mental health using skills he learnt in therapy, with mood management linked to faster injury rehabilitation.

Rugby league's world governing body says it is banning trans women from playing in the women's game until it does enough research to put together a formal inclusion policy.