NRL Early Mail Round 26: All the latest team news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements
NRL EARLY MAIL: The Titans will name Ash Taylor and Jarryd Hayne in their 17 despite injury concerns as they desperately seek a win to confirm a spot in the finals.
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GET all the latest team news in the Round 26 edition of NRL Early Mail.
In the biggest team news so far ...
* Benji Marshall to return and play his last match for the Dragons.
* Ash Taylor and Jarryd Hayne expected to be named for the Titans despite ongoing injury worries.
* Mystery surrounds the Raiders and whether stars will be rested.
BRONCOS v ROOSTERS
Thursday, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium
Broncos:Kodi Nikorima will return after completing rehab for his shoulder injury. He’s expected to take Jai Arrow’s place on the bench. Andrew McCullough rolled an ankle at training on Monday but will be right to play. No other changes are expected.
Roosters:Sio Siua Taukeiaho will not play after suffering a knee injury against Cronulla. Isaac Liu will return to the starting side at lock while Mitchell Aubusson is expected to come back into the team after recovering from a kidney injury.
BULLDOGS v RABBITOHS
Friday, 7:50pm, ANZ Stadium
Bulldogs:Sam Perrett will be pushing to regain his fitness and play in what could be his final match at ANZ Stadium. If he is named, Kerrod Holland will drop out of the team and Curtis Rona will move back to the centres.
Rabbitohs: No changes are expected for the Rabbitohs in their final home game of the season.
DRAGONS v KNIGHTS
Saturday, 3:00pm, UOW Jubilee Oval
Dragons: Benji Marshall will be given one last run in first grade before he leaves the Dragons at the end of the year, replacing Drew Hutchison. Meanwhile, Tyson Frizell will be in doubt after coming from the field in round 25 with an ankle and knee injury. Tariq Sims (ankle) won’t be available.
Knights: Look for Korbin Sims and Nathan Ross to both come back into the NRL side after missing last week through illness and suspension respectively. Ross will replace Cory Denniss while Sims will slot in the starting side for Josh King. The match will be an NRL farewell for the oldest player in the NRL, Knights lock Jeremy Smith.
COWBOYS v TITANS
Saturday, 5:30pm, 1300 SMILES Stadium
Cowboys:Matt Scott will miss the match with a broken finger. Ben Hannant will replace if fit after recovering from a knee injury. John Asiata may come on to the bench for Coen Hess if Paul Green wants to spread the minutes around a little more.
Titans: Ashley Taylor and Jarryd Hayne were both battling niggling injuries but are expected to be fit. David Mead is a candidate to return after being dropped last week with Anthony Don possibly the man to make way. Ryan Simpkins could be under pressure to hold his place on the bench after playing just a handful of minutes against the Warriors.
STORM v SHARKS
Saturday, 7:30pm, AAMI Park
Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been hit with a dangerous contact charge and seems certain to fight it. If he is suspended, Christian Welch will return to the bench. Kevin Proctor will be back at second row with Kenny Bromwich moving to the pine and Ben Hampton to drop out of the team.
Sharks: Gerard Beale will hold his place over Ricky Leutele. Cronulla will have no further changes for the minor premiership battle.
TIGERS v RAIDERS
Sunday 2:00pm, Leichhardt Oval
Tigers: James Tedesco is no chance to return from a broken jaw, reports Christian Nicolussi. Chris Lawrence will be back in the second row with Joel Edwards moving to the bench and Curtis Sironen out of the team.
Raiders: Aidan Sezer suffered a knock to the shoulder in the win over Manly. There has been speculation that Ricky Stuart would rest a host of stars if the Raiders cannot improve their position on the ladder but given that Sezer and Sam Williams are likely to be the Raiders halves for the first week of the finals Stuart may want them to have another run. Junior Paulo also seems the likely candidate to be rested after he missed last week with a rib problem.
WARRIORS v EELS
Sunday, 4:00pm, Mt Smart Stadium
Warriors: In one of two games this week with no impact on the finals, the Warriors are not expected to be changed. The match will be the last in the NRL for Thomas Leuluai, who will return to Super League next season.
Eels: To come.
PANTHERS v SEA EAGLES
Sunday, 6:30pm, Pepper Stadium
Panthers: No changes are expected for the Panthers. Te Maire Martin looks set to finish the season in the NSW Cup as Anthony Griffin decides to stick with a winning formula with Bryce Cartwright and Nathan Cleary in the halves.
Sea Eagles: Dylan Walker is expected to remain on ice with Brayden Williame to stay at centre and Brad Parker on the wing. No other changes are expected for Manly.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 26: All the latest team news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements
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