Good morning, Newcastle,

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so we've got a packed weekend guide, our usual events and a look ahead to Melbourne Cup.

Thanks for voting in last week's Dinner Club poll. I'm looking forward to organising another one. I've also got a second poll about an idea I've been thinking about for a while: a way to support Newcastle Digest's growth while getting a little extra in return. I'd love to hear what you think.

Let's get into it.

Grumpy Baker: Chunky Steak Pie
$12.00 | Score: 51/70

Grumpy Baker had by far the most submissions this round, which is a surprise given it got none the first time. It’s in The Junction, a spot I’ve walked past plenty of times and never actually been into, so this one was long overdue.

I went for the chunky steak, and it was nothing like a regular chunky steak. There’s no standard gravy base here. It’s closer to a ragu, tomato-based, with thick, slow-cooked steak and the usual ragu vegetables. It’s a proper change from what you expect when you order one.

The pastry was decent, with a nice crispy top. The back of mine was slightly undercooked, which let it down a little. Flavour was good all round, and the filling is clearly where the effort went.

A tomato-based filling already has plenty going on, so sauce isn’t really part of the conversation.

The catch is the price. At $12 it’s the second most expensive pie on the list, and the pastry doesn’t quite back that up.

The X Factor is the ragu itself. A chunky steak that eats like a slow-cooked pasta sauce is the kind of thing you’ll end up telling people about.

Pastry 14/20 | Filling 17/20 | Sauce 7/10 | Value 4/10 | X Factor 9/10
Total: 51/70

I'm exploring an idea that would let readers support the growth of Newcastle Digest while getting a little more out of it themselves.

Think daily games and puzzles, access to exclusive events, special offers from local businesses and other ways to get out and enjoy Newcastle.

The idea would be an optional paid membership, helping me grow Newcastle Digest into something bigger while giving members extra value in return.

It's still early days, and I'd love to know if it's something you'd be interested in.

Halloween Street Eats – Whitewater Park, Chisholm | Fri 30 Oct, 5–8pm Maitland's Street Eats food trucks go Halloween for the night. Free entry. More info

Halloween Boogie Bash – The Place, Charlestown | Sat 31 Oct, 7–9pm A free all-ages community disco for families in costume. Free, bookings essential. More info

Trick or Treat at Charlestown Square – Charlestown Square | Sat 31 Oct, 9:30am–3pm Kids trick-or-treat through the food court and participating stores. $10, includes a Yo-Chi voucher. More info

Trick or Treat at Glendale – Glendale City Centre | Sat 31 Oct, 10am–2pm A free trick-or-treat trail through the centre, plus a costume photo competition. Free. More info

Little Monsters Trail – Stockland Green Hills | Sat 31 Oct, 11am–2:30pm A Halloween trail for the kids through the centre. Free, bookings required. More info

Spooktacular Halloween Disco – Kids World, Green Hills | Fri 30 & Sat 31 Oct, 5:30–8:30pm An after-dark costume disco and play session at the indoor play centre. $18–$25. More info

Springloaded Halloween Party – Springloaded, Gateshead | Sat 31 Oct, 5–7pm A costumed trampoline and gym party for kids. Tickets required. More info

After Hours Halloween Movie & Trick or Treat Hunt – Raymond Terrace & Tomaree Libraries | Fri 30 Oct, from 5pm Port Stephens libraries stay open late for a Halloween movie and a trick-or-treat hunt. Free, bookings required. Raymond Terrace / Tomaree

Hocus Pocus – PACC, Cessnock | Sat 31 Oct, 10–11:30am A Halloween morning screening of the witchy family classic. $5, or $18 for a family. More info

Bunnings Halloween Kids Night – Bunnings Wallsend, Heatherbrae & Cessnock | Thu 29 Oct, 5–7:30pm Free Halloween DIY activities for kids in store. Free, bookings required. More info

UNIPAC Mega Diwali – Foreshore Park, Newcastle | Sat 31 Oct A big free Festival of Lights celebration on the foreshore, with food, dance and culture. Free. More info

Murray Raine's Marvellous Marionettes – Newcastle Museum | final days, until Sun 1 Nov Last chance to see the puppet exhibition. Mr Squiggle and Friends also closes on 1 Nov. Free. More info

Crafternoons – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | Sat 31 Oct, 12:30–3:30pm A relaxed drop-in afternoon of making at the gallery. Pay what you can. More info

SaltAsh Halloween Maze – Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash | Sat 31 Oct, 5–11pm A local family opens its huge Halloween yard display and walk-through maze to the public again. Costumes encouraged. Free. More info

Halloween Craft Day – The Wood Oven, d'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay | Sat 31 Oct, 2:30–5pm Kids make a felt trick-or-treat basket, then go straight on a lolly hunt to fill it. Free, RSVP via Facebook. More info

Halloween at Scotty's Cinemas – Raymond Terrace | Sat 31 Oct, from 9:30am Come to the movies in costume for a free bag of lollies. Normal ticket prices. More info

Halloween at Entwine – Entwine Hunter Valley, Pokolbin | Sat 31 Oct, 5:30–9:30pm A Halloween evening at the cellar door with live music from Tristan. Families and dogs welcome. Free entry. More info

Oktoberfest Family Fest – Caves Coastal, Caves Beach | Sat 31 Oct, from 12pm The beachside bar and bungalows go Bavarian for the afternoon. Free entry. More info

Liquid Therapy: Halloween Edition (All Ages) – Allettare Dezigns, Cardiff | Sat 31 Oct, 9–11:30am Kids and grown-ups paint a Halloween piece together. $80.72. More info

Kate & Jol Temple in Conversation – Maitland Town Hall | Fri 30 Oct, 6–8pm The duo behind the Bin Chicken books share how they come up with ideas kids can't put down. $5. More info

Museum Kids Tour – Sugar Valley Library Museum, Cameron Park | Sat 31 Oct, 10:30am A History Illuminated tour built for kids. Free, bookings required. More info

Battle at the Beaches CheerCon – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow | Sat 31 Oct–Sun 1 Nov, from 7:30am Cheer and dance teams compete in a beach-themed showdown full of stunts. Ticketed. More info

Walk for ENCORE – Empire Park, Bar Beach | Sat 31 Oct A 3km walk raising funds for YWCA's free exercise program for women recovering from breast cancer. Registration fee. More info

Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix – McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton | Sat 31 Oct, 3pm A-League Men at home. Ticketed. More info

TechCreate Girls Celebration – MAP mima, Speers Point | Sun 1 Nov, 2–5pm An afternoon celebrating girls' tech and creative projects. Free, registration required. More info

Spring Into Summer Community Picnic – Robinson Reserve, Anna Bay | Sun 1 Nov, 10am–1:30pm Music and performances from Anna Bay Public School kids. Free. More info

STEAM Club: Jungle Explorers – Charlestown Library | Mon 2 Nov, 3:45–4:30pm A hands-on after-school session for kids who love to tinker. Free, bookings required. More info

Breast Care Breakfast – NEX, Newcastle West | Thu 29 Oct A fundraising breakfast for breast care. $95. More info

Rogue Traders – "The Anthems" 21st Anniversary Tour – King Street Band Room, Newcastle West | Thu 29 Oct, 7pm The noughties dance-pop hitmakers mark 21 years of the anthems. $56.50. More info

History Illuminated – venues across Lake Macquarie | Fri 30 Oct–Sun 8 Nov Lake Mac Libraries' history festival opens, with heritage walks, Dobell House tours, talks and a bush dance. Mostly free. More info

Friday Night Sounds – Newcastle Art Gallery | Fri 30 Oct, 5–8pm Tom Avgenicos and Delay 45 play live music in the gallery after hours. Free. More info

Friday Night Comedy – Newcastle Comedy Club | Fri 30 Oct, 8:30pm A stand-up showcase of touring and local comics. Ticketed. More info

California Legends by Wild Things Run – Flamingos Live, Lambton (Fri 30 Oct, 8:30pm) & PACC, Cessnock (Sat 31 Oct) A sun-soaked 1970s West Coast songbook: the Eagles, America, James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne and Joni Mitchell. From $64.95 at PACC. More info

Evanescence x Paramore Tribute Show – Gallipoli House, Hamilton | Fri 30 Oct, 8pm Two bands' worth of angsty hits, played loud and live on Halloween eve. $20. More info

The Race to the Top of the World – Peter FitzSimons – Warners Bay Theatre | Fri 30 Oct, 7pm FitzSimons tells the story of Mallory, Hillary and the race to conquer Everest, opening History Illuminated. $10.67–$11.73. More info

Too Deadly: Ten Years of Tarnanthi & Mimili Maku Arts – Exhibition Opening – Maitland Regional Art Gallery | Fri 30 Oct, 5:30–7:30pm Significant First Nations works arrive in Maitland. The Mimili Maku artists are in conversation Sat 31 Oct at 10am. Free. More info

Lake Macquarie's Hidden Stories – Windale Hub | Sat 31 Oct, 12:30–1:30pm A talk on the myths, legends and unexplained tales of Lake Mac, part of History Illuminated. Free, bookings required. More info

Red Hot Summer Tour – Roche Estate, Pokolbin | Sat 31 Oct Australian Crawl, Men At Work, Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe, Boom Crash Opera, Vika & Linda and Ella Hooper play the vines. Ticketed. More info

Taking Back Saturday – Hamilton Station Hotel, Islington | Sat 31 Oct, 9pm An 18+ Halloween emo and pop-punk party. Dig out the eyeliner. From $16.85. More info

House of Pain: Feel The Pain + Friends – Stag & Hunter, Mayfield | Sat 31 Oct, 7pm An 18+ Halloween-night show at the Mayfield pub. $28.60. More info

Cheeky Leash – Album Tour – Kahibah Sports Club | Sat 31 Oct, 7pm The band bring their album tour to a local footy club. $27.05. More info

Katy Steele – This Is Me, Undressed – Warners Bay Theatre | Sat 31 Oct, 7:30pm The Little Birdy voice, stripped back to voice, piano and guitar, with Joe Mungovan in support. $48.60–$53.87. More info

DIAMOND – A Musical Tribute to Neil Diamond – Stockton Bowling Club | Sat 31 Oct, 12pm A lunchtime singalong to Sweet Caroline and the rest of the hits. $45. More info

Día de los Muertos – Coal & Cedar, Newcastle | Sat 31 Oct, 5–11:30pm The speakeasy marks the Day of the Dead with food, music and a nod to loved ones. Free entry. More info

Saturday Night Showcase – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | Sat 31 Oct, 8:30pm Halloween-night stand-up from touring and local comics. $34.29–$63.36. More info

Cultural Immersion: Interwoven – Newcastle Museum | Sat 31 Oct, 2–4pm A beginners' Aboriginal weaving class with Miti Nukang. Learn the how, when and why, and leave with your own keepsakes. Ticketed. More info

Romberg's Dirty Lunch launch – Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle | Sat 31 Oct The rooftop's new Saturday ritual begins: a trio of mini martinis inspired by Frederick Romberg, salty bar snacks and optional caviar. $89pp, book by Thursday 5pm. More info

Transmit Party Series ft. Anika – Bar Beach Bowling Club | Sat 31 Oct, 2:30–9pm An afternoon-into-evening house music party at the bowlo. $22–$30. More info

Pink Meets Purple – Newcastle Conservatorium | Sat 31 Oct, 7:30pm Rock meets classical in a concert of Pink Floyd and Deep Purple. $33–$39. More info

Maitland Rugby Race Day – Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow | Sat 31 Oct, 12:30–6:30pm A Saturday at the track with Maitland Rugby, with general admission and hospitality packages. $20–$195. More info

AGONAS: The Velodrome – Newcastle Velodrome, Adamstown | Sat 31 Oct, 5–9pm A concept running event where teams race head-to-head in knockout rounds on the velodrome. From $30. More info

NEWK – The John Newcombe Story – Warners Bay Theatre | Sun 1 Nov A stage show about the Aussie tennis great's life. $40–$44. More info

Anthony Callea – The CONNECTION Tour – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | Sun 1 Nov, 3pm An intimate acoustic-band concert of his chart-toppers, with the stories behind them. $79–$99. More info

Shonen Knife – King Street Band Room, Newcastle West | Sun 1 Nov, 6pm The Japanese pop-punk legends, together since 1981 and loved by Kurt Cobain, play an early Sunday show. $56.65. More info

Gretta Ray – 'Heartsong Hideout' – Stag & Hunter, Mayfield | Sun 1 Nov, 6:30pm The Melbourne singer-songwriter's regional run stops in Mayfield. Ticketed. More info

Drag Bingo Afloat with Timberlina – MV Calmer, Queens Wharf | Sun 1 Nov, 11am–2pm Timberlina calls the numbers on a Sunday harbour cruise. $39.51–$59.03. More info

Wangi Wangi WWII Gun Emplacements Walk – Wangi Wangi | Sun 1 Nov, 8:30am Jacob Ure leads a walk to a secret piece of Lake Mac's wartime heritage. $20.15–$22.26. More info

Aboriginal Cultural Tour of the Sculpture Park – MAC yapang, Booragul | Sun 1 Nov, 10am–12pm Ashley Williams guides you through the cultural heritage of the lakeside sculpture park. $40.50–$48.60. More info

Tactile – Back to Back Galleries, Cooks Hill | until Sun 8 Nov The Newcastle Studio Potters exhibition of hands-on ceramics. Free. More info

Lake Nights Market – Webb Park, Redhead | Fri 30 Oct, 4–8pm Homegrown's twilight market by the beach, with food trucks and makers. Free entry. More info

Merewether Markets – Dixon Park, Merewether | Sat 31 Oct, 9am–2pm Beachside stalls, food and coffee. Free entry. More info

Glendale Farmers & Artisan Market – Stockland Glendale | Sat 31 Oct, 8am–2pm Farm-fresh produce, artisan wares, street food and live music, all under cover. Free entry. More info

Halloween is on Saturday this year, so the whole weekend is packed. Here's where to go in costume.

FAMILIES

Bunnings Halloween Kids Night – Bunnings Wallsend, Heatherbrae & Cessnock | Thu 29 Oct, 5–7:30pm Free Halloween DIY activities for kids in store. Free, bookings required. More info

Halloween Family Fest – Griffith Park, Stockton | Fri 30 Oct 4–9pm, Sat 31 Oct 10am–9pm, Sun 1 Nov 10am–2pm Last weekend of Newcastle's big Halloween festival by the harbour, with spooky attractions, rides and activities for little monsters. $10 single, $60 family pack. More info

Halloween Street Eats – Whitewater Park, Chisholm | Fri 30 Oct, 5–8pm Maitland's Street Eats food trucks go Halloween for the night. Free entry. More info

Spooktacular Halloween Disco – Kids World, Green Hills | Fri 30 & Sat 31 Oct, 5:30–8:30pm An after-dark costume disco and play session at the indoor play centre. $18–$25. More info

After Hours Halloween Movie & Trick or Treat Hunt – Raymond Terrace & Tomaree Libraries | Fri 30 Oct, from 5pm Port Stephens libraries stay open late for a Halloween movie and a trick-or-treat hunt. Free, bookings required. More info – Raymond Terrace / Tomaree

Spooky Moves Kids Halloween Disco – Club Lemon Tree, Lemon Tree Passage | Fri 30 Oct, 6–8pm Vesta Kids run the disco, and a snack and lolly bag are included. $2 per child. More info

Halloween at Fort Scratchley – Fort Scratchley, Newcastle East | Sat 31 Oct, 3–8pm Haunted tunnel tours and trick-or-treating around the historic fort. Adults $10, kids $5, family $30. More info

Wallsend Frights – Wallsend Park, Wallsend | Sat 31 Oct, 4–8pm A free community Halloween night from Curious Legends. Come in costume. Free, registration required. More info

Halloween Boogie Bash – The Place, Charlestown | Sat 31 Oct, 7–9pm A free all-ages community disco for families in costume. Free, bookings essential. More info

Trick or Treat at Charlestown Square – Charlestown Square | Sat 31 Oct, 9:30am–3pm Kids trick-or-treat through the food court and participating stores, with check-in sessions every 15 minutes. $10, includes a Yo-Chi voucher. More info

Trick or Treat at Glendale – Glendale City Centre | Sat 31 Oct, 10am–2pm A free trick-or-treat trail through the centre, plus a costume photo competition. Free. More info

Little Monsters Trail – Stockland Green Hills | Sat 31 Oct, 11am–2:30pm A Halloween trail for the kids through the centre. Free, bookings required. More info

Waterford's Spook-tacular CarnEvil – Waterford Sales Centre, Chisholm | Sat 31 Oct, 4:30–6:30pm The sales centre becomes a Halloween carnival for the afternoon. Free, bookings required. More info

Springloaded Halloween Party – Springloaded, Gateshead | Sat 31 Oct, 5–7pm A costumed trampoline and gym party for kids. Tickets required. More info

Hocus Pocus – PACC, Cessnock | Sat 31 Oct, 10–11:30am A Halloween morning screening of the witchy family classic. $5, or $18 for a family. More info

Huntlee Halloween – Katherine's Landing District Park, Huntlee | Sat 31 Oct, 5–7:30pm A kids' disco with prizes for best costume and best dance moves, plus food trucks for dinner. Free. More info

SaltAsh Halloween Maze – Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash | Sat 31 Oct, 5–11pm A local family opens its huge Halloween yard display and walk-through maze to the public again. Costumes encouraged. Free. More info

Anna Bay Scouts Community Halloween Party – Anna Bay Scout Hall | Sat 31 Oct, 4–7pm A haunted house, a Halloween disco, a photo booth and a sausage sizzle. Alcohol-free. Gold coin. More info

Halloween Craft Day – The Wood Oven, d'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay | Sat 31 Oct, 2:30–5pm Kids make a felt trick-or-treat basket, then go straight on a lolly hunt to fill it. Free, RSVP via Facebook. More info

Halloween at Scotty's Cinemas – Raymond Terrace | Sat 31 Oct, from 9:30am Come to the movies in costume and get a free bag of lollies. Normal ticket prices. More info

Halloween at Entwine – Entwine Hunter Valley, Pokolbin | Sat 31 Oct, 5:30–9:30pm A Halloween evening at the cellar door with live music from Tristan. Families and dogs welcome. Free entry. More info

Liquid Therapy – Halloween Edition (All Ages) – Allettare Dezigns, Cardiff | Sat 31 Oct, 9–11:30am Kids and grown-ups paint a Halloween piece together. $80.72. More info

Braidy's Halloween Havoc – Braidy's Board Game & Hobby Club, Warners Bay | Sat 31 Oct, from 10am An all-day Halloween takeover with games, food, themed activities and prizes for best dressed. Get there early. Free. More info

Halloween Twilight Carriage Experience – Cinderella Arrivals, Lorn | Sat 31 Oct, 4–8pm A 15-minute spooky carriage ride through heritage Lorn behind Friesian horses. Costumes encouraged. Bookings required. More info

HalloWEENIE – 4 Pines at the Farm, Hunter Valley | Sun 1 Nov, 10am–3pm A Halloween dog day out, with costumed pups welcome. Adults $10, kids free. More info

ADULTS

Bernie's Halloweekend – Bernie's Bar, Newcastle West | Fri 30 Oct from 7pm & Sat 31 Oct Friday is the Emo Edition with DJ Kittamine and DJ Vandoll ($10 at the door). Saturday is the Monster Mash laneway party ($20). More info

Nightmare on Beaumont Street – The Exchange, Hamilton | Fri 30 Oct, from 8pm Halloween DJs and $6 vodkas on Beaumont Street. Free entry. More info

Nightmare at the Bay – Shoal Bay Country Club | Fri 30 Oct, DJs from 8:30pm Port Stephens' Halloween party night. Free entry. More info

Halloween at The Lass – Lass O'Gowrie, Wickham | Fri 30 & Sat 31 Oct, 8pm–3am Friday is Tart-o-ween, with drag and DJs. Saturday's party has Carla Martinez and Emma Moon. More info

Halloween at King Street – King Street Band Room, Newcastle West | Fri 30 & Sat 31 Oct, 8pm Two nights of costumed chaos at the city's biggest band room. $25 per night. More info

After Dark Halloween Warehouse Takeover: Emo vs Dad Rock – King St, Newcastle | Fri 30 Oct, 9pm Emo night goes head to head with dad-rock anthems at a Halloween warehouse party. More info

Emo Afloat: Halloween Edition – MV Calmer, Queens Wharf | Fri 30 Oct, 7:30–10:30pm An emo-anthem party cruise around the harbour. Costumes encouraged. $19.98–$32.31. More info

Evanescence x Paramore Tribute Show – Gallipoli House, Hamilton | Fri 30 Oct, 8pm Two bands' worth of angsty hits, played loud and live on Halloween eve. $20. More info

Hunterween Halloween Party – Huntlee Tavern, North Rothbury | Fri 30 Oct, 9:30pm–2am A haunted-house-themed night with DJs and entertainment. $10. More info

Fright Night: The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Glendale City Centre | Fri 30 Oct, 6–9pm A screening of the cult classic, with bubbles, grazing, popcorn and drinks included. $10. More info

Halloween Art Soirée – Qirkz in the Hunter, Abermain | Fri 30 Oct, 6:30–8:30pm A creative evening of Halloween art-making. $35–$45. More info

Locked Up in Newcastle: Halloween Paranormal Investigation – The Lock-Up, Newcastle East | Fri 30 & Sat 31 Oct, 8–10pm Two hours after dark inside the original 1861 police cells. Strictly 18+. $70. More info

Screamfest Halloween Festival – Bar On The Hill, Callaghan | Sat 31 Oct, 7pm The uni bar becomes an 18+ Halloween festival. $28.60–$66.30. More info

House of Horrors – The Beach Hotel, Merewether | Sat 31 Oct A Halloween night at The Beachy with KAOS DJs. Free entry. More info

Halloween Morpeth Ghost & Heritage Tour – 123 Swan St, Morpeth | Sat 31 Oct, 7:30–9:30pm A lantern-lit walk through Morpeth's darker history. Ages 15+. More info

Taking Back Saturday – Hamilton Station Hotel, Islington | Sat 31 Oct, 9pm An 18+ Halloween emo and pop-punk party. Dig out the eyeliner. From $16.85. More info

House of Pain: Feel The Pain + Friends – Stag & Hunter, Mayfield | Sat 31 Oct, 7pm An 18+ Halloween-night show. $28.60. More info

The Haunted Boat Party – MV Calmer, Queens Wharf | Sat 31 Oct, 7–10pm Cruiser Nightclub takes Halloween onto the harbour. $19.98–$38.48. More info

HALLOWQUEEN – Gallipoli House, Hamilton | Sat 31 Oct, 7pm–2am Newcastle's queer Halloween party moves to a new home on Beaumont Street. $11–$16. More info

Tax Return! Halloween Special – Jams Karaoke & Bar backyard, Newcastle West | Sat 31 Oct, 6–11pm A funk night with Tax Return, The Axolotls and more, plus a slam poetry battle. $10–$30. More info

Dastardly Undertakers Halloween – The Family Hotel, Maitland | Sat 31 Oct, 7–10pm A steampunk rock opera with Talljenny. Dress up and get weird. $17.19. More info

Spooky Sips: A Sip Society Halloween – Honeysuckle Hotel, Newcastle | Sat 31 Oct, 6:30–10:30pm A dress-up Halloween social night on the harbour. Free registration. More info

Día de los Muertos – Coal & Cedar, Newcastle | Sat 31 Oct, 5–11:30pm The speakeasy marks the Day of the Dead with food and music. Free entry. More info

Liquid Therapy: Kiss My Patch Halloween Edition – Allettare Dezigns, Cardiff | Sat 31 Oct, 6–9pm An adults' paint-and-sip with pumpkins. $86.02. More info

Tower of Terror: Rocky Horror Midnight Screening – Tower Cinemas, Newcastle | Sat 31 Oct, 11:59pm A sing-along, dance-along midnight Rocky Horror, plus a midnight Exorcist screening. DJ Bon Binary plays 9–11pm, with a best-dressed prize. More info

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The Cup runs on Tuesday 3 November. We've put together a guide to more than 50 places to watch it across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter, from long lunches and pub parties to harbour cruises and a live race day. Most of them take bookings, so lock yours in early.

See the full guide

Bradman Best made his Kangaroos debut in Australia's 36-22 World Cup win over Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday 25 October, in front of 41,108. He comes off contract on 1 November. News Corp reports the Knights have offered about $4 million over four years, and Parramatta is expected to bid.

Kalyn Ponga missed New Zealand's 82-16 win over the Cook Islands in Christchurch on Sunday 25 October with an arm injury from the opener. New Zealand play Fiji on the Gold Coast on Saturday 31 October.

Xavier Bertoncello scored in the fifth minute, but Musa Touré equalised in the 70th to hold the Jets to a 1-1 draw with Macarthur at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 24 October. The Jets host Wellington Phoenix on Saturday 31 October at 3pm.