NRL Early Mail round 10: Zac Lomax axed, Valynce Te Whare debut, Jake Trbojevic in doubt

Under-pressure St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin has axed star centre Zac Lomax ahead of Sunday’s vital match against Wests Tigers.

Zac Lomax has been axed. Picture: Getty

St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin has dumped a shocked Zac Lomax to NSW Cup with Max Feagai to be shifted into the centres.

After four successive losses, Griffin felt a need to shake up his side for Sunday’s vital match against Wests Tigers in Brisbane with Lomax the high-profile casualty.

The official Dragons side will be announced at 4pm on Tuesday but it is understood Feagai will replace Lomax at left centre with Mikaele Ravalawa returning to the wing from a hamstring injury.

Teammates claim Lomax – touted as a possible NSW player just two years ago – is filthy at being dropped.

Lomax’s form has been solid but his goal kicking stats are down.

Ravalawa injured his hamstring a month ago.

Jacob Liddle has also been axed in the shake-up. Jayden Sullivan has been recalled and will start off the interchange bench. Youngster Toby Couchman has been relegated to 18th man.

—Dean Ritchie and Michael Carayannis

Zac Lomax has been axed. Picture: Getty

‘VAL MENINGA’ SET TO DEBUT

The Dolphins are set to blood the NRL’s newest cult hero with rugby convert Valynce Te Whare on the cusp of his first grade debut.

Nicknamed “Val Meninga”, Te Whare is in the mix to replace injured centre Brenko Lee in the Dolphins’ Magic Round clash against Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Te Whare, 22, became one of the Dolphins’ first signings after being scouted playing rugby union in New Zealand.

Valynce Te Whare is set to make his NRL debut Picture: Erick Lucero/QRL.

He spent last year playing in Brisbane’s local A-grade competition to learn rugby league and started this season in the Hostplus Cup.

Now he is on the verge of making his NRL debut for the Dolphins.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett could also recall winger Tesi Niu from a knee injury, with Robert Jennings in the firing line.

COWBOYS SWEAT ON TOWNSEND

The struggling Cowboys face a nervous wait over co-skipper Chad Townsend, who is in doubt for Sunday’s Magic Round clash against the Roosters at Suncorp.

It is understood Townsend will be named in the Cowboys side but is rated a “50-50” chance of facing the Roosters.

The Cowboys halfback injured his knee in last week’s heavy loss to the Sharks and coach Todd Payten will give Townsend until game day to prove his fitness as North Queensland (3-6) fight to stay in touch with the NRL pace-setters.

FRIENDLY FIRE WOUNDS BRONCO

The Broncos have suffered a scare with interchange forward Kobe Hetherington failing to finish Brisbane training on Tuesday.

Hetherington left the paddock in the dying stages of Broncos training after copping a heavy tackle from teammate Ben Te Kura in an opposed session.

Hetherington had a minor limp as he headed to the Broncos gymnasium and may have suffered an ankle injury in the lead up to Friday night’s Magic Round clash against Manly at Suncorp Stadium.

Kobe Hetherington copped a heavy shot at training. Picture: Liam Kidston

While Hetherington was in the wars, the Broncos have received a double boost with star prop Payne Haas and boom five-eighth Ezra Mam back from suspension to face the Sea Eagles.

Both ran well at Broncos training as Brisbane (7-2) look to rebound quickly against Anthony Seibold’s Sea Eagles after last week’s heavy 32-6 loss to South Sydney.

SEA EAGLES SUFFER HEAVY BLOW AMID KEY CHANGES

Manly’s hopes of bouncing back from their loss to Gold Coast have suffered a blow after scans confirmed forward Jake Trbojevic would miss at least two weeks with a calf problem.

Trbojevic was sent for scans on Monday which confirmed the Sea Eagles’ fears that he would be sidelined for Friday night’s blockbuster against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

Jake Trbojevic has been a key figure for Manly over the opening two months of the NRL season.

Tom Trbojevic (R) should be back for Anthony Seibold’s return to Brisbane. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

But coach Anthony Seibold confirmed he would not be named in the Manly side on Tuesday afternoon, although his absence will be tempered by the expected return of his brother Tom and centre Tolu Koula.

Tom Trbojevic missed the loss to the Titans with a groin problem while Koula has been sidelined for two months with a knee injury.

The Sea Eagles are coming off a disappointing performance against Gold Coast last weekend and could drop out of the top eight if they lose to the Broncos.

PAP FRUSTRATED AS UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS STARS

Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen says he’s no clearer about when he will make his long-awaited return for Craig Bellamy’s side after revealing “frustrating” complications are keeping him sidelined.

Having travelled to the US to work with recovery guru Bill Knowles earlier this year, it was hoped Papenhuyzen would be back on deck for the Storm soon.

But the 24-year-old Papenhuyzen, who recently returned to running on grass, said his recovery was complicated after a long recovery since fracturing his knee cap in July last year.

“I wish I had a proper answer to this question (when I’ll be back) but I guess for everyone to understand, it’s still a bit complicated,” Papenhuyzen told Fox Sports.

“I’ve got a bit of a deficiency in the right quad which I did my knee on and it’s all about just getting it to under 10 per cent. Once it’s under 10 per cent, it should ramp up but we’ve just had a few difficulties.

“It’s annoying. I have to be patient, it’s frustrating for me as well but that’s the best way to explain it.”

—Russell Jackson

Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return date is unknown. Picture: NRL Photos

SMITH ‘FEELING GOOD’ AFTER HOSPITALISATION

—Dean Ritchie and Brent Read

Brandon Smith says he’s had “good results so far” on his injured neck and is expecting to return to Sydney on Monday for more scans after spending the night in an Auckland hospital.

The Sydney Roosters star left Mt Smart Stadium in an ambulance and wearing a neck brace after his side’s 14-0 win over the Warriors on Sunday.

“I’m feeling good at the moment,” Smith said.

“It just got a little awkward with my neck and then legs went numb so that was the reason for the brace.

“All precautionary measures because if there was something wrong and they didn’t take appropriate measures then it could’ve been bad.

“I’ll fly back tomorrow (Monday) and get an MRI scan to reveal the extent of it but as of now it’s a day by day case with good results so far.”

Hooker Jake Turpin is expected to be called into the Roosters squad.

Centre Paul Momirovski is in doubt due to a shoulder injury.

He’ll have scans on Monday.

Prop Waerea-Hargreaves is expected to return after missing the Warriors game with a back-related issue.

Robinson confirmed winger Daniel Tupou would be sidelined for at least a month with a hamstring injury suffered against the Dragons on Anzac Day.

Brandon Smith checked for a neck injury. Picture: Getty

FULL EARLY MAIL BY TIM WILLIAMS

BULLDOGS v RAIDERS

Friday, 6pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Bulldogs: Max King is out for around a month with a sternum/rib injury, while Ryan Sutton is a chance to return from a knee issue.

Franklin Pele is expected to make an early return from injury to bolster the middles.

Jacob Kiraz is nearing a return in coming weeks.

Raiders: No changes expected at the Raiders after winning three on the trot with the golden point win over the Dolphins.

Xavier Savage impressed in NSW Cup and will come into consideration at fullback, which would likely see Seb Kris push to the wing and Albert Hopoate out of the side.

However Ricky Stuart will be very reluctant to change a winning team.

SEA EAGLES v BRONCOS

Friday, 8:05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic is expected to return from a groin niggle at fullback.

This would see Kaeo Weekes drop out of the team.

Jake Trbojevic is out for two weeks with a calf issue.

Josh Schuster is expected to miss multiple weeks as he deals with a quad issue, meaning Cooper Johns will continue in the halves.

Toa Sipley is facing a three to four week ban for a crusher tackle.

Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega will be available for selection after serving a two week suspension, he’ll likely play NSW Cup.

Tolutau Koula is due back in the next fortnight at centre.

Broncos: Payne Haas and Ezra Mam return from suspensions.

Haas will start at prop, while Mam will come into the halves, pushing Jock Madden out of the team.

Kobe Hetherington (ankle) copped a heavy hit at training and failed to finish.

Mixed injury news for the Warriors:
- aggravation of minor MCL sprain for Tohu Harris, is hoped he will only miss a week or two
- high grade calf tear for Jazz Tevaga, recovery time TBD from the club, significant calf tears often 6+ weeks return to play

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 29, 2023

WARRIORS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 3pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Warriors: Tohu Harris is a chance to return from a knee injury at lock, but may require another week.

Mystery surrounds Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s availability who is bidding to return from a concussion suffered on Anzac Day.

It’ll be day 11 of his concussion stand-down, so he may not be allowed to return, although there’s been minimal word on this.

If he does, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak would move to the wing, Marcelo Montoya to centre and Viliame Vailea would drop out.

Mitch Barnett is due back from a neck injury over the next fortnight, while Jazz Tevaga will miss around six weeks with injury.

Panthers: Matt Eisenhuth is expected to miss out due to a shoulder injury.

This should be offset by the looming returns of James Fisher-Harris and Spencer Leniu who are strong chances to return from injury.

SHARKS v DOLPHINS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Sharks: Braden Hamlin-Uele will miss a month with a knee injury.

That loss will be somewhat offset by the return of Dale Finucane from suspension.

Briton Nikora is in some doubt with a knee issue that’s only believed to be minor.

Dolphins: Ray Stone will miss Magic Round due to a concussion, while Mark Nicholls remains sidelined for a few weeks with a thumb injury.

Tesi Niu is due back anytime over the next fortnight and will replace Robert Jennings when cleared.

Valynce Te Whare is in line to replace Brenko Lee at centre.

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STORM v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 7:45pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Storm: Eliesa Katoa suffered a category one HIA on Anzac Day and is in doubt to face the Rabbitohs.

Like Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, it’ll be 11 days since the head knock placing uncertainty over his availability.

No major changes expected outside of this concern.

Rabbitohs: No changes expected at the in-form Rabbitohs.

TIGERS v DRAGONS

Sunday, 1:50pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Tigers: Brent Naden is facing a three to four week ban for a shoulder charge.

Asu Kepaoa will likely replace him in the backline after missing the win over the Panthers with tonsillitis.

Dragons: Zac Lomax has been dropped with Max Feagai shifting to centre and Mikaele Ravalawa returning on the wing from a hamstring injury.

ROOSTERS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Roosters:Paul Momirovski suffered a shoulder injury that’s likely to see him miss the clash with the Cowboys.

This may open a door for Sam Walker to return to first grade if Trent Robinson opts to put Joey Manu back at centre.

Billy Smith has returned to footy via the NSW Cup with the North Sydney Bears in recent weeks and is also an option, as is utility Drew Hutchinson.

Brandon Smith was sent to hospital post game against the Warriors as a precautionary move for a neck concern, placing him in doubt for Magic Round.

If unavailable, Jake Turpin would come into the side at hooker.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (back) is expected to return at prop.

Is Jeremiah Nanai in trouble for this tackle on Braden Hamlin-Uele? 🤔

🖥️ #NRLSharksCowboys | FREE on 9Now: https://t.co/AWYN7l6m7R#9WWOS#NRLpic.twitter.com/5Hjb725FvV

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) April 27, 2023

Cowboys: Jeremiah Nanai will miss four matches due to a dangerous contact charge.

Already extremely short on edge forwards, the Cowboys will be hoping Heilum Luki is ready to return from a hamstring injury to slot in on the edge.

If not cleared, Coen Hess will likely revert to the edge.

Chad Townsend suffered a calf injury in the loss to the Sharks and is in doubt for the Roosters clash.

If unavailable the club are fairly short on halves, which could potentially force a move of Scott Drinkwater to five-eighth and Valentine Holmes to fullback.

Tom Chester suffered a suspected ACL injury and may be out long-term if confirmed.

TITANS v EELS

Sunday, 6:25pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Titans: AJ Brimson suffered another hamstring injury in the win over Sea Eagles, which will see Jayden Campbell start at fullback against the Eels.

Eels: Ryan Matterson will return from a bout of the flu.

He’ll likely start on the edge, with Bryce Cartwright dropping to the bench.

Bailey Simonsson is due back from a concussion and will likely replace Haze Dunster on the wing.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 10: Zac Lomax axed, Valynce Te Whare debut, Jake Trbojevic in doubt