The Offseason Octopus is back! After spending the winter drifting between islands in the Carribbean or chillin some where cold? (I'm not sure whether octopus prefer warm or cold waters) he is back to keep you up to date with all the action in the NRL's offseason. Whether it be serious Steve news, injuries, off field dramas or just some funny shit, the Offseason Octopus will have it covered.

The NRL is poised to hand down punishments to Cronulla Sharks staff with Shane Flanagan looking likely to get the cut. Flanagan will either face a ban or a pretty large fine for apparently allowing the peptide program to exist under his watch. Other members of the coaching staff are also likely to receive various punishments for their role but players look likely to escape the NRL's wrath. That is until ASADA are ready to release their findings which isn't looking likely in 2013. So basically the staff will be dealt to any day now while the players will have to wait. Awesome, everyone loves uncertainty.

Tyson Frizell has put pen to paper, inking a deal that will see him stay with St George until 2017. This makes the Dragons squad look pretty good with new faces a plenty while keeping one of their best youngsters will ensure morale is high. Also, Anthony Minichello has signed a one year deal to remain at the Roosters. With Roger Tuivasa Sheck likely to step in to full back, expect to see Minichello continue his fine form as a leader and he'll prove himself to be the ultimate team man next season.

Blake Ferguson to the Broncos? We're not that tabloidy so we won't give it much attention but Anthony Mundine seems to think they'll be a good fit. Mundine believes that the Broncos have the culture to be able to keep Ferguson in line and bring the best out of him... this is of course once Ferguson stops boxing.

Manly are grabbing a few headlines, dismissing the ASADA distraction, facing a lack of muscle up front and staring down the possibility of a boardroom shambles. There are two clear factions fighting for the head of the table and it will climax on the 19th of December at their annual meeting. Manly are one of the most responsible, level headed and disciplined football teams on the field but of it there has been plenty of bitchy infighting which needs to be resolved. They are also facing a bit of a front row crisis having lost Brent Kite, George Rose and Joe Galuvao but expect them to be fine. Richie Fa'aoso is expected to return to the field after a neck injury and some dramas while they have also signed Dunamis Lui who has left the Broncos and will compliment Brenton Lawrence and Fa'aoso well.

Lastly, Jacob Loko is a player of great talent and potential but his career has been hindered by more knee injuries than you and I put together. Loko has found solace in art after his mum bought him a sketchbook. Apparently quite the artist, Loko has relished the opportunity to use it as a distraction as he recovers from an infection in his knee. Let's hope he recovers fully so we can see him at his best for the Parramatta Eels.