NRL Early Mail Round 4: Lindsay Collins expected to return for Sydney Roosters, Nat Butcher a chance of joining

The Sea Eagles will be depleted in their forwards after a serious injury to a starting prop. Elsewhere, the Roosters are set to receive a much-needed boost ahead of round four with one of their star forwards expected to return. EARLY MAIL.

Sea Eagles prop Taniela Paseka suffered an Achilles injury midway through the opening half of his club’s big win over the Raiders.

The giant prop was making a regulation hit up 10 metres out from the Raiders’ line when he slowed and after being tackled immediately called for help.

Speaking on Fox’s coverage, Cooper Cronk said it was a huge loss for the Sea Eagles.

“That’s devastating, not only for Paseka, but Manly for the season,” Cronk said.

“If they want to take down the big teams in this competition they need their forward pack to dominate the opposition to give Cherry-Evans time and space.”

Manly have already been without one of their most experienced middle forwards Nathan Brown so far this season. Josh Aloiai is the obvious replacement for Paseka with Tof Sipley set to be recalled to the 17.

Taniela Paseka suffered an Achilles injury. Picture: NRL Photos

Star forward set to return in boost for Roosters

-Dean Ritchie

State of Origin forward Lindsay Collins is expected to return for the Roosters’ big game against Gold Coast this Friday night at Allianz Stadium.

And Collins could be joined in the NRL squad by fellow forward Nat Butcher.

Collins has been cut down by illness and has missed two games.

The Queensland and Australian front-rower travelled to New Zealand for Friday night’s game against the Warriors but wasn’t well enough to play.

Lindsay Collins is set to return for the Roosters. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

His anticipated return is a significant boost for the Roosters, who sit at one win and two losses after three rounds.

Butcher has been in hospital with a medical issue and has also missed two matches.

Like Collins, the Roosters hope Butcher will be declared fit for the Titans game.

The Roosters will be without NSW utility Connor Watson, who has been stood down for the game through concussion.

Elsewhere, Jye Gray has avoided suspension for a hip drop tackle on Sharks powerhouse Siosifa Talakai. Talakai was forced from the field and awaiting the results from scans.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 4: Lindsay Collins expected to return for Sydney Roosters, Nat Butcher a chance of joining