Brown stays on with Huddersfield

Nathan Brown has removed any doubts over his immediate future as Huddersfield coach by agreeing a one-year contract extension.

Brown first announced that he was returning home to Australia midway through last season, only to change his mind. He was widely expected to leave after this season, but his decision to stay is a boost for the club, where he has been an undoubted success.

"This will be viewed as great news by everyone connected with our club," said the Giants' managing director, Richard Thewlis. "Our progress under Nathan has been excellent."

St Helens' Francis Meli and Willie Manu of Castleford have been called into the Exiles squad to play England next month. Manu is a replacement for Huddersfield's David Fa'alogo, who is ruled out by injury.

The Catalan Dragons' full-back Cyril Stacul will be out for at least six weeks after breaking his ankle.

A try seven minutes from time by Billy Slater gave Queensland a 16-12 victory over New South Wales in the first match of the State of Origin series in Brisbane.

NSW, beaten in the last five series, had fought their way back to lead 12-10, with two tries in three minutes from Mitchell Pearce and Michael Jennings. Queensland had led through first-half tries from Johnathan Thurston and Jharel Yow Yeh.

It was Thurston and Darren Lockyer who combined to give Slater his chance near the end to clinch one of the most exciting Origin matches in recent years.