NRL Early Mail Round 7: Tom Trbojevic a certain starter despite back injury

Brisbane are set for a reshuffle - but will welcome back a key member of their pack, while Tom Trbojevic speaks for the first time in the complaint that has hampered him this season.

Tom Trbojevic struggles with a back injury. Picture: Getty

The Broncos have received a boost with forward Kobe Hetherington set to return from a long injury lay-off for Saturday night’s derby against the Titans.

Hetherington ran with the top squad at Broncos training on Tuesday and is set to take his place in the middle rotation after key prop Tom Flegler suffered concussion in last Saturday’s loss to the Raiders at Suncorp Stadium.

Flegler is subject to the NRL’s new 11-day stand-down period and his scratching opens the door for Hetherington to make a triumphant comeback from injury.

The tough-tackling lock ruptured his bicep in pre-season and underwent surgery, but he recently returned to the Queensland Cup and has impressed Broncos coach Kevin Walters with his performances.

The Broncos are keen to hit back after their shock loss to the Green Machine and Hetherington’s hunger and work-rate will add some energy to a Brisbane pack that was soundly beaten by their Raiders rival.

In a further boost for the Broncos, skipper Adam Reynolds is set to overcome an ankle sprain to take his place in the Gold Coast derby.

Kobe Hetherington will make a welcome return for the Broncos this week. Picture: Getty

TURBO REVEALS TRUE EXTENT OF BACK INJURY

Star Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has declared himself a certain starter against Melbourne Storm on Friday night.

The Sea Eagles have also confirmed veteran front-rower Aaron Woods will make his Sea Eagles debut in the crucial match at Brookvale.

Trbojevic’s availability is a significant boost for a Manly side down on confidence after a 44-12 walloping from Penrith on Saturday evening.

He appeared inhibited throughout the match with the Sea Eagles on Monday confirming their champion fullback was hampered by back spasms.

“I’m all good. I’ll be playing,” Trbojevic told News Corp.

It is understood Trbojevic – who scored a second-half try — required a needle to complete the game against Penrith.

Woods, 32, played NSW Cup for Manly in a surprise win over premiers Penrith last Saturday and played strongly to earn a spot on the bench in the NRL team.

Tom Trbojevic struggles with a back injury. Picture: Getty

“He’s fitted in really well since arriving from the Dragons,” said coach Anthony Seibold.

Five-eighth Josh Schuster faces a fitness test at training on Tuesday to determine if he is fit enough to oppose Storm superstar Cameron Munster at Brookvale.

Manly is also monitoring Karl Lawton (shoulder) and winger Reuben Garrick (concussion).

ACL HORROR FOR BRAILEY, DOUEIHI

In a horrible blow for the vastly improved Newcastle Knights, hooker and captain Jayden Brailey has sustained an ACL injury and won’t play again this year.

It is the second time Brailey has suffered an ACL injury to his right knee.

Meanwhile, Wests Tigers five-eighth Adam Doueihi also sustained an ACL injury – his third on the same knee.

Full story here

Adam Doueihi off with left knee injury, same knee he has 2 past ACL reconstructions. Most significant concern here by video is ACL re-rupture: non-contact landing mechanism & appears to be some shift in the knee. Best case hope for meniscus injury/bone bruise, fingers crossed 🤞 pic.twitter.com/uokRmMux40

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 10, 2023

CRICHTON COMEBACK PLAN LOCKED IN

Roosters forward Angus Crichton will make his comeback this coming weekend – his first appearance since the World Cup final in mid-November.

Crichton will be chosen in the Roosters’ NSW Cup team to play Newtown at Henson Park on Saturday afternoon.

The edge forward, who has been undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder, was given the all-clear after visiting his doctor last week.

“He’s been really good since he came back (two weeks ago),” Robinson said.

“Angus has always been one of the fittest and strongest guys.

“He missed pre-season but he’s kept training (on his own). Physically he’s ready to go.”

Full story by Phil Rothfield

Angus Crichton will return this Saturday. Picture: Getty

THOMPSON EYES EARLY RETURN

Injured Canterbury star Luke Thompson has declared he is not a spent-force in the NRL.

There were initial fears that the Englishman would not only be sidelined for the rest of the season but his NRL career was over after a freak foot injury sustained in a training accident in February.

But five weeks post-operation he now has a clearer picture and is aiming to return far earlier than expected.

“I saw the specialist last Monday,” Thompson said. “He said another four to six weeks. I am tracking really well and doing everything I need to do.

“I’ve been really diligent to get back as quick as I can and help the team out. We’re down on troops at the moment.”

He has started running on the Ultra-G treadmill and is focusing on building the leg muscles around his foot.

—Michael Carayannis

Injured Bulldogs player Luke Thompson watches from the stands. Picture: Getty

DOLPHINS v RABBITOHS

Thursday, 7.50pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Dolphins: Jarrod Wallace will likely miss the clash with the Rabbitohs due to a concussion.

This should be offset by the return of Jesse Bromwich who was a late scratching from the win over the Cowboys with a throat infection.

Rabbitohs: Izaac Thompson suffered an ankle injury in the win over the Bulldogs that will likely see him miss some action.

Alex Johnston is expected to return from a concussion on the left wing, pushing Taane Milne to the right wing.

Jai Arrow is recovering from a hamstring injury and is pushing to return in coming weeks.

Iszack Thompson will go for scans on a left ankle/foot injury - tackler lands on lower leg causing foot to roll in + compression through foot. Video brings concern for lateral ankle sprain with ankle roll + midfoot sprain/fracture with compression (hopefully avoided). pic.twitter.com/iwmKO1wPoY

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 7, 2023

SHARKS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 6pm, Pointsbet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: Toby Rudolf will miss three months with a foot injury and will likely be replaced by Oregon Kaufusi (concussion).

Dale Finucane is out due to suspension, while Wade Graham is due back from suspension and will join the bench.

Roosters: James Tedesco returns from a concussion break at fullback, pushing Joey Manu to centre and Drew Hutchinson to the bench.

Matt Lodge (facial fracture) and Nathan Brown (hamstring) are pushing to return from injury as soon as this weekend.

SEA EAGLES v STORM

Friday, 8pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic suffered back spasms in the loss to Penrith but is expected to be cleared to face the Storm.

Reuben Garrick suffered a HIA in the loss and is in doubt for the clash.

Josh Schuster is due back from a quad injury at five-eighth, pushing Kaeo Weekes to the bench and Cooper Johns out of the 17.

Karl Lawton suffered a shoulder injury that will likely see him miss some action.

Aaron Woods will make his club debut.

Storm: No major changes expected at the in-form Storm, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona likely still at least another week away from returning from injury.

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WARRIORS v COWBOYS

Saturday, 3pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: The Warriors injury troubles continued against the Knights, with Te Maire Martin suffering a leg injury that could force him out for some time.

This will likely see Ronald Volkman come into the halves alongside Shaun Johnson.

Wayde Egan failed another HIA which will see him miss more time.

Freddy Lussick is likely to come into the side at hooker.

Tohu Harris will continue his push to return at lock from a knee injury, while Mitch Barnett is also due back in the next week or two from a neck injury.

Cowboys: Jeremiah Nanai returns from suspension in the back-row, pushing Griffin Neame back to the middle.

Jordan McLean is a chance to return from a hamstring injury, while Heilum Luki’s hamstring injury suffered in Round 5 was more serious and will see him miss at least a month.

Te Maire Martin off with a suspected fibula fracture - textbook mechanism with direct contact from tackler + foot turning in. Can even see him indicate pain is at fibula (outer shin bone). If confirmed on X-Ray usual recovery time of 6-8 weeks for adequate bone healing pic.twitter.com/yzSr8VnsKO

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 9, 2023

KNIGHTS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 5.30pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: Jayden Brailey (ACL) is out for the season.

This will likely see Phoenix Crossland shift to hooker, and Tyson Gamble return from a HIA at five-eighth.

Panthers: No major changes expected at Penrith.

In winning touch, Luke Garner (ribs) and Liam Martin (hamstring) may continue to be eased back from injury.

TITANS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: Kieran Foran and AJ Brimson are expected to miss at least another week with injury.

Jojo Fifita is a chance to come into the side on the wing.

Broncos: Tom Flegler suffered a category one concussion and will miss the clash with the Titans.

RAIDERS v DRAGONS

Sunday, 2pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: Jordan Rapana suffered a nasty head cut that will see him miss a week of action.

James Schiller is likely to deputise on the wing, while Harley Smith-Shields is another option.

Jack Wighton returns from suspension in the halves, pushing Brad Schneider out of the 17.

Joe Tapine is back after missing the win over the Broncos due to the birth of his child.

Xavier Savage is due back from injury in coming weeks but will likely return through NSW Cup.

Nick Cotric is also due back from injury in the next fortnight.

Dragons: Francis Molo is facing a two to three week suspension for a careless high tackle, with Zane Musgrove his likely replacement in the 17.

EELS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 4.05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: To come…

Bulldogs: Josh Addo-Carr is out for up to two months with an ankle injury.

Any of Declan Casey, Braidon Burns or Jeral Skelton could come into the side to replace The Fox.

The Bulldogs are set to welcome back numerous forwards for the clash with the Eels.

Viliame Kikau will return from a concussion in the back-row, pushing Corey Waddell to the bench.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner is due back from a concussion at lock, likely pushing Harrison Edwards out of the 17.

Tevita Pangai Jnr is a strong chance to return from a calf injury off the bench.

Jayden Okunbor is due back from suspension but is unlikely to join the 17 if the previously mentioned members of the pack return.

BYE: Wests Tigers

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 7: Tom Trbojevic a certain starter despite back injury