NRL Late Mail Round 23: Predicted team changes for upcoming week

The Sharks and Tigers have had mixed news heading into their big clash this weekend — get the latest team news via the best mail man going around Wacko’s Whispers.

Matt Moylan will play his first game in two months after safely passing his final fitness test.

The Sharks playmaker has been sidelined since round 15 with a calf injury that has proven both frustrating and delicate to repair.

However, Moylan completed all that was asked of him at the Sharks final training session on Friday before their clash with the Wests Tigers at Rockhampton on Saturday.

Moylan has been named on the interchange bench for the match that is a must-win for Cronulla if they are to keep their finals hopes alive.

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Matt Moylan will make his long-awaited return for the Sharks this weekend. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Meantime, Wests Tigers will have to wait at least another week for James Roberts to make his comeback with Michael Maguire confirming the centre would not play on Saturday against Cronulla.

Roberts had been named to play his first match since Round 16 but Maguire revealed the speed machine would not take his place on the bench against the Sharks in Rockhampton.

The 28-year old was late entering the NRL’s Queensland hub and is yet to play since the competition relocated north.

“He won’t be playing this week. We pushed him today to see how he was but he won’t be in the team this week,” Maguire said.

“But he’s been in really good spirits coming back into camp. His leadership and his experience around other players has been excellent.

“That’s one thing Jimmy has been able to provide for us, understanding what this time of year means and what you need to do.”

Zac Cini is expected to take Roberts’ place on the bench while skipper James Tamou is also expected to be ruled out with a neck injury. He will be replaced in the starting side by Origin forward Joe Ofahengaue.

James Roberts will cool his jets on the sideline for another week. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

MANLY MAKE CALL ON TURBO

Turbo is out. Just like we told you on Monday.

Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has officially withdrawn from Friday night’s big game against Canberra at Suncorp Stadium.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday night and Monday morning that Trbojevic would miss the Raiders game - and possibly a round 24 game against Canterbury - after injuring a cheekbone against Parramatta last Saturday.

Some media outlets claimed Trbojevic would be back for the Canberra game when, in truth, he was never going to play.

Trbojevic aggravated an existing hairline fracture under a plate in his cheek against the Eels.

Manly felt Trbojevic could have a break this week before returning for next week’s game against the Bulldogs.

Had Friday night’s game been a finals match, Trbojevic would have played.

A week off will rejuvenate Trbojevic and give him two matches to prepare for Manly’s looming finals campaign.

While Manly would disagree, there is an argument running through rugby league that suggests Manly cannot challenge for the 2021 premiership without Trbojevic.

Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler is yet to formally name a replacement but winger Reuben Garrick is expected to shift to fullback.

Another left field option would be playing utility Dylan Walker in Trbojevic’s position. Walker played fullback earlier this year when Trbojevic was injured. Trbojevic damaged his cheekbone during an accidental head clash with winger and teammate Jason Saab.

Tom Trbojevic had hoped to take the field for Manly against Canberra, but will miss out.

Before Trbojevic was officially ruled out, Hasler spoke to the media about his superstar player, saying: “He’s progressing pretty well. There’s no fracture there, so that was the main thing.

“It’s whether or not (there is some risk of) upsetting or injuring the plate.

“It’s something we’ll take pretty seriously. The prospect of surgery was always the danger but we got through that, so that’s good.”

Asked about Trbojevic’s risk levels by playing, Hasler said: “I’m not really sure, I’m not a facial surgeon so I really can’t give you an exact answer.”

Manly has lost another key outside back after centre Brad Parker was deemed unavailable for selection due to concussion.

Parker was assisted from the field after copping a high shot from Parramatta’s Ryan Matterson, who was sent off. Moses Suli has been named as Parker’s replacement.

Forward Toafofoa Sipley will return from a two-match suspension with young Kurt De Luis exiting the top 17.

Manly has a strong record against Canberra having won six of the past eight against the Raiders.

Canberra did however spring an upset when overpowering Manly 30-16 in a round 17 game at 4 Pines Park, Brookvale.

PANTHERS MAKE CALLS ON TPJ, JFH

Tevita Pangai Junior will make his long-awaited Penrith Panthers debut against South Sydney on Friday but the premiership hopefuls will have to wait one more week for the return of James Fisher-Harris.

Pangai Jnr and Fisher-Harris have both been named on an extended bench for the top four showdown with the Rabbitohs but it will be the former Bronco who will be added to Ivan Cleary’s final 17.

Fisher-Harris will be held back for next Sunday’s clash with the Tigers as a precaution.

“Tevita will play. He was very much ready a few weeks ago and had some very difficult circumstances to deal with and he’s very keen to get out on the field, we need to get him out there and playing with his new teammates,” Cleary said.

Tevita Pangai Jnr will make his Penrith club debut. Picture: Penrith Panthers

“It’s been a long time coming. Ever since he got here and even before that I felt a real fire in his belly to be part of our run in the finals. He’s just really hungry to be part of it.

“James won’t play this week. I just feel like it’s not long enough to get him properly prepared for the rest of the season. We’ll wait another week for him.

“He could have played but I just feel like for his best preparation this would have been a bit rushed this week considering what he’s been through over the past four to six weeks.

“By the time next Sunday rolls around I think he won’t just be ready for the game next week but for the rest of the season.”

The Panthers are slowly working their way back to full fitness after a draining Origin series robbed them of many of their stars.

But after Nathan Cleary’s comeback from a shoulder injury last week, plus Fisher-Harris’ and Pangai Jnr’s imminent returns to the fold, the mountain men are almost fully loaded.

Cleary said it was unlikely he would rest many of Penrith’s top 17 in the final few weeks of the competition given the lack of continuity the side has enjoyed in recent months.

James Fisher-Harris will be held back a week. Picture: Penrith Panthers

“Our situation is a little bit different. We’ve had a lot of guys who have missed a fair bit of footy since Origin started,” Cleary said.

“The first half of the year we were pretty stable. But since then we’ve been the exact opposite, we have a few guys that need to play. Fisher-Harris, Tevita, Nathan, they’re just a few examples.

“We’ll just do a week to week proposition and work out what is going to suit everyone best to make sure we hit the finals in the best possible shape.”

NRL Late Mail Round 23

RAIDERS V SEA EAGLES

Friday 20 August, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 6pm

Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Sebastian Kris, 4. Matthew Timoko, 5. Harley Smith-Shields, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad, 15. Emre Guler, 17. Matt Frawley, 18. Dunamis Lui

Reserves: 19. Trey Mooney, 20. Elijah Anderson

Players cut: 16. Iosia Soliola, 21. Caleb Aekins

Late mail: Canberra has made a late change, with Sia Soliola out due to personal reasons. He has been replaced on the bench by Dunamis Lui. Charze Nicoll-Klodstad has been named to play his first game in 19 weeks after back surgery. Trey Mooney and Caleb Aekins were the 2 players omitted from the 19 man squad 24 hours before kick-off

Sea Eagles: 19. Tevita Funa, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Morgan Harper, 4. Moses Suli, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Josh Aloiai, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Josh Schuster, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Curtis Sironen, 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Jack Gosiewski, 20. Kurt De Luis

Players cut: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 21. Cade Cust

Late mail: Tom Trbojevic (cheekbone) is out for Round 23 but is expected to be back next week Tevita Funa has been named as his replacement, but he could move to the wing and switch with Reuben Garrick. Toafofa Sipley returns from suspension and will start at prop with Josh Aloiai dropping back to bench like last week. Josh Schuster, Reuben Garrick and Martin Taupau stayed down at times last week after heavy knocks but all should be fit to play. Tom Trbojevic and Cade Cust both dropped out of the side on Thursday night with Jack Gosiewski and Kurt De Luis remaining in the 19 man squad.

PANTHERS V RABBITOHS

Friday 20 August, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 8:05pm

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Stephen Crichton, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Matt Burton, 5. Brent Naden, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. Matthew Eisenhuth, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaiah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. J’maine Hopgood, 17. Kurt Capewell

Reserves: 18. Izack Tago, 19. Tevita Pangai Jnr,

Players cut: 20. Taylan May, 21. James Fisher-Harris

Late mail: The Panthers have one major inclusion, with Tevita Pangai Jnr confirmed to play, while James Fisher-Harris will be given another week off. Both have trained fully this week after returning to the bubble. Panagi Jnr will join the bench with either J’maine Hopgood or Mitch Kenny set to make way. Nathan Cleary made a successful return from a shoulder injury only to pick up an ankle knock to ankle but in good news he trained this week and is in no doubt. Fisher-Harris and Taylan May both dropped out of the squad on Thursday night with Izack Tago and Pangai Jnr remaining in 19.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Josh Mansour, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Mark Nicholls, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall, 15. Jacob Host , 16. Tevita Tatola, 17. Hame Sele

Reserves: 18. Taane Milne, 20. Blake Taaffe

Players cut: 19. Patrick Mago, 21. Jaydn Su’A

Late mail: Expected to be 1-17 with Latrell Mitchell (ankle), Alex Johnston (hamstring), Campbell Graham (HIA), Dane Gagai (hamstring), Damien Cook (shoulder) and Hame Sele (calf) all expected to play. Jaydn Su’A and Patrick Mago were the 2 players omitted 24 hours before kick-off with Balke Taaffe and Taane Milne remaining in the 19 man squad.

TIGERS V SHARKS

Saturday 21 August, Browne Park, Rockhampton, 3pm

Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Tommy Talau, 4. Michael Chee Kam, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jake Simpkin, 14. Joe Ofahengaue, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Alex Twal

Bench: , 15. Kelma Tuilagii, 16. Tukimihia Simpkins, 18. Billy Walters, 19. Tom Amone

Reserves: 20. Jock Madden, 21. Zac Cini

Players cut: 10. James Tamou, 17. James Roberts

Late mail: Skipper James Tamou (foot) has been ruled out, with Joe Ofahengaue starting at front row and Tom Amone joining the bench. James Roberts is also out of the squad, with Billy Walters joining the bench, while Tommy Talau (HIA) is also in doubt. Luke Brooks is expected to play despite a head clash.

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 4. Jesse Ramien, 6. Connor Tracey, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 14. Luke Metcalf, 7. Braydon Trindall, 8. Toby Rudolph, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Siosifa Talakai, 13. Jack Williams

Bench: 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 16. Teig Wilton, 17. Billy Magoulias, 18. Matt Moylan

Reserves: 20. Kai O’Donnell, 21. Jonaiah Lualuai

Players cut: 3. Mawene Hiroti, 19. Will Chambers

Late mail: Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is in some doubt after he failed a game day HIA but is expected to play. Matt Moylan will make his return off the bench, with Luke Metcalf starting at five-eighth, Connor Tracey moving to centre and Mawene Hiroti out of the side. Teig Wilton will also return from a hamstring injury which has kept him out for the last few weeks.

BULLDOGS V KNIGHTS

Saturday 21 August, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 5:30pm

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Jayden Okunbor, 6. Jake Averillo, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jackson Topine, 10. Ryan James, 11. Adam Elliott, 12. Corey Waddell, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Ava Seumanufagai, 16. Corey Horsburgh, 17. Joe Stimson

Reserves: 19. Falakiko Manu, 20. Chris Patolo, 21. Lachlan Lewis, 22. Matt Doorey

Players cut: To come

Late mail: To come

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Brodie Jones, 12. Mitchell Barnett , 13. Connor Watson

Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue, 15. Josh King, 16. Jirah Momoisea, 17. Chris Randall

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Phoenix Crossland, 21. Simi Sasagi

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Look set to be 1-17 with Kalyn Ponga (shoulder), Mitchell Pearce (shoulder), Enari Tuala (head clash) and Connor Watson (passed HIA) all set to play. Jirah Momoisea makes his NRL debut from the bench, he can play either on the edge or through the middle.

EELS V COWBOYS

Saturday 21 August, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 7:35pm

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Haze Dunster, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Isaiah Papali’i, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Makahesi Makatoa

Reserves: 18. Ray Stone, 19. Keegan Hipgrave, 20. Sean Russell, 21. Jake Arthur

Players cut: To come

Late mail: To come

Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Daejarn Asi, 4. Jake Granville, 5. Ben Hampton, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Ben Condon, 12. Heilum Luki, 13. Coen Hess

Bench: 14. Reuben Cotter, 15. Jeremiah Nanai, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Tom Gilbert

Reserves: 18. Jason Taumalolo, 19. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 20. Peter Hola, 21. Laitia Moceidreke

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Will have one massive in but potentially two. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (ankle) trained this week and is expected to return, he just needs to get clearance off the specialist. I am expecting him to play fullback, with Valentine Holmes (shoulder) moving to wing for Kyle Feldt (jaw). Jason Taumalolo (hand) during the week but was still in rehab vest, so still needs to tick a few boxes with the captain’s run on Friday key. Mitch Dunn could once again start at lock with Coen Hess dropping back to the bench. Reubuen Cotter has trained fully the last couple of weeks after returning from a foot injury and will come on as a ball-playing middle forward. Heilum Luki (sternum) is expected to play.

DRAGONS V ROOSTERS

Sunday 22 August, Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba, 2pm

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Jack Bird, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau, 7. Corey Norman, 8. Kade Ellis, 9. Josh McGuire, 10. Jack de Belin, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Tyrell Fuimaono, 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Jackson Ford

Reserves: 18. Adam Clune, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Jaiyden Sullivan, 21. Jordan Pereira

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Forward Billy Burns (HIA) is in doubt but a nine-day turnaround helps. Adam Clune is expected to come on to the bench for Jayden Sullivan to play back-up hooker when Josh Mcguire needs a rest.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Adam Keighran, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Dale Copley, 6. Drew Hutchison, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11.Nat Butcher, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Lachlan Lam, 15. Egan Butcher, 16. Fletcher Bake, 17. Ben Thomas

Reserves: 18. Ben Marschke, 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 20. Brad Abbey, 21. Naufahu Whyte

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Several players with bumps and bruises will need to be checked at the captain’s run: Daniel Tupou (knee), Joseph Manu (wrist), Dale Copley (knock) and Sitili Tupouniua (HIA). Jared Waerea-Hargeaves returns after being rested last week due to multiple niggles but could drop back to the bench with Fletcher Baker starting at prop.

BRONCOS V WARRIORS

Sunday 22 August, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 4:05pm

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Selwyn Cobbo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Albert Kelly, 8. Tom Flegler, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. David Mead, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. TC Robatii

Reserves: 18. Cory Paix, 19. Brendan Piakura, 20. Brodie Croft 21. Jake Turpin

Players cut: To come

Late mail: A few players will need to be checked at the captain’s run on Saturday: Herbie Farnworth (leg), Albert Kelly (knee), Danny Levi (HIA) and Jake Turpin (ankle). Kelly should be right after training earlier this week. If Turpin plays, Levi would drop to the bench with David Mead the player most likely to make way. Selwyn Cobbo is expected to retain goalkicking duties with Tyson Gamble out.

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tevita, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Josh Curran, 13. Bayley Sironen

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Jazz Tevaga

Reserves: 18. Edward Kosi, 20. Jackson Frei, 21. Jack Murchie, 22. Chad Townsend

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita is in doubt due to concussion. If ruled out Kodi Nikorima would partner Sean O’Sullivan in the halves with either Jack Murchie or Jackson Frei coming on to the bench, and Jazz Tevaga spending time at hooker as cover for Wayde Egan (shoulder). Bayley Sironen (corked thigh) returns while Josh Curran and Peta Hiku are both expected to play despite copping heavy knocks last week.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail Round 23: Predicted team changes for upcoming week