NRL Early Mail Round 24: All the latest news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements
GET all the latest team news and talking points ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements in the Round 24 edition of NRL Early Mail.
GET all the latest team news and talking points ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements in the Round 24 edition of NRL Early Mail.
In the biggest news so far:
— After the untimely injury to fullback James Tedesco, the Tigers will be boosted by the return of halfback Luke Brooks.
— At the Broncos, Anthony Milford didn’t train on Monday but is expected to play on Thursday night.
— The Sea Eagles have indicated young fullback Tom Trbojevic will be rested for the remainder of the season. This will likely shift Matt Wright to fullback, opening the door for Brad Parker to return to the NRL side.
— Javid Bowen is likely to make way for winger Anotonio Winterstein, who is due back against the Warriors.
— Semi Radradra’s return is looking likely and he’ll take his place on the right wing, pushing Vai Toutai out of the Eels side.
— Sharks captain Paul Gallen was a late omission against the Dragons and will have until Monday to prove his fitness.
BRONCOS V BULLDOGS
Thursday, Suncorp Stadium 7.50pm
Broncos: Anthony Milford didn’t train on Monday but he is still expected to play. Jonus Pearson will retain his place on the right wing after scoring a double on debut. Jordan Kahu is a chance of returning at right centre for Tom Opacic.
Bulldogs:Greg Eastwood will return in the second row for Raymond Faitala-Mariner. No other changes are expected.
PANTHERS V TIGERS
Friday, Pepper Stadium, 7.50pm
Panthers:Waqa Blake has been charged by the match review committee but will be free to play with an early guilty plea.
Tigers:Luke Brooks will send Jack Littlejohn back to NSW Cup with Jordan Rankin is expected to replace James Tedesco at fullback but Justin Hunt is also a chance. If Rankin is shifted, Josh Addo-Carr will replace him on the wing.
KNIGHTS V TITANS
Saturday, Hunter Stadium, 3pm
Knights:Chris Adams will be unavailable for selection after being released by the Knights to take part in Lakes United challenge for the premiership in the local Newcastle competition and if that doesn’t tell you what kind of year its been for the Novocastrians then nothing will. Nathan Ross will return on the left wing, pushing Brendan Elliott back to the right and Pat Mata’utia out of the team.
Titans: Tyrone Roberts’ status is unknown but if he return it could push Jarryd Hayne to the centres or fullback.
SEA EAGLES V STORM
Saturday, Brookvake Oval, 5.30pm
Sea Eagles: Trent Barrett indicated after the loss to the Bulldogs that Tom Trbojevic will be rested for the remainder of the season as he awaits ankle surgery. Dylan Walker’s first season with the Sea Eagles is also over after suffering a shoulder injury. Matt Wright will likely move to fullback with Brad Parker to return on the wing. Jamie Lyon is expected to push out to the centres and either Isaac John or Pita Godinet slot in at five-eighth.
Storm:Tohu Harris copped a heavy hit to the head against the Raiders but it will expected to play. Forward Jordan McLean is edging closer to a return from an ankle injury but is still at least one week away.
COWBOYS V WARRIORS
Saturday, 1300 SMILES Stadium, 7.30pm
Cowboys:Antonio Winterstein is expected to return on the wing for Javid Bowen. Jake Granville is still not tipped to return until Round 26.
Warriors:Tuimoala Lolohea was troubled by a corked thigh against the Rabbitohs. If he’s out, David Fusitu’a will move to fullback and Blake Ayshford will play centre.
RAIDERS V EELS
Sunday, GIO Stadium, 2pm
Raiders: Centre Joey Leilua limped off the field late in the match with a laceration to his chin but will be fine to play on Sunday. Forward Paul Vaughan is scheduled to return from a sternum injury.
Eels:Semi Radradra was reportedly close to playing last week and is a good chance to be named on the right wing. Vai Toutai would drop out of the team. Beau Scott is a chance of making a comeback but could be rested until next season.
ROOSTERS V DRAGONS
Sunday, Allianz Stadium, 4pm
Roosters:Dale Copley was just about as concussed as a person can be early in the win over the Cowboys and will need to prove his fitness in order to play this week. If he is ruled out, Mitch Aubusson will move to the centres and Aidan Guerra would likely return to the team.
Dragons: Tariq Sims was troubled by an ankle injury in the win over the Sharks but is expected to play. Leeson Ah Mau will return from suspension, most likely on the bench.
RABBITOHS V SHARKS
Monday, ANZ Stadium, 7pm
Rabbitohs:Adam Reynolds season could be over after another injury to his troublesome hamstring. If he’s out Cody Walker will move to halfback, Greg Inglis to five-eighth and Alex Johnston to fullback. Zane Musgrove is facing a suspension for a shoulder charge.
Sharks:Paul Gallen’s status is unknown after a last minute calf strain ruled him out against the Dragons. Sam Tagataese is not expected to return while Sosaia Feki will be replaced in the starting side by Ricky Leutele if he does not recover from a groin problem.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 24: All the latest news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements
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