New Zealand rugby player JASON TAUMALOLO "signed one of the longest contract deals" in National Rugby League history, "keeping him at North Queensland until the end" of the '17 season. His 10-year contract is "believed to be worth" $A10M ($7.7M), putting the 23-year-old "among the game's highest-paid players." The extension signals Taumalolo has "turned his back on pursuing a career in the NFL" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 3/22) ... Former Liverpool captain and coach RONNIE MORAN "died at the age of 83." Moran "made 379 appearances for Liverpool" between '52 and '66 and was the club's "longest-serving employee when he retired" in '98 (BBC, 3/22) .... Former Glamorgan County Cricket Club coach and player JOHN DERRICK "died at the age of 54." He "steered the county to two National League titles," in '02 and '04, as well as promotion in the County Championship (BBC, 3/22) ... Former Barcelona President AGUSTI MONTAL, the man who "brought JOHAN CRUYFF to the Camp Nou," died at the age of 82. Montal was president of the club from '69-77, with the La Liga title "returning to the club under his stewardship" in '73-74 after a 14-year wait. A statement on Barcelona's official website said, "Barcelona express their sorrow for the death of Agusti Montal Costa." The club "observed a minute's silence in memory of Montal during training" (PA, 3/22) ... Former League Two side Crewe Alexandra coach BARRY BENNELL "denied 20 charges of sexual abuse against four boys" in the '80s. Bennell, 63, appeared via videolink at Chester Crown Court and "pleaded not guilty to all the charges during the 40-minute hearing" (GUARDIAN, 3/22) ... England national rugby team Manager EDDIE JONES, who "suffered his first defeat after 18 matches in charge against Ireland on Saturday, has secured a second role in the financial sector after agreeing a 'three-year partnership' with investment bank Nomura" (CITY A.M., 3/21).