NRL Early Mail Round 12: Adam Reynolds out, Zac Lomax back, Valynce Te Whare dropped
Adam Reynolds has delivered mixed news for Brisbane fans while the Dragons’ new coach has wasted no time in bringing back banished centre Zac Lomax.
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Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds has dismissed concerns about his long-term playing future after being ruled out of Thursday night’s blockbuster against the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
Reynolds sent a scare through the Broncos when he was carried off on a medicab in last Thursday night’s 24-16 loss to the Storm at AAMI Park.
The Broncos initially indicated they would give Reynolds every chance to prove his fitness but Brisbane’s champion halfback revealed he will miss the Penrith clash after being “over-ruled” by club medicos.
The loss of Reynolds is a major blow for the Broncos (8-3), who will summon playmaking understudy Jock Madden for one of the biggest tests of his fledgling career against Penrith halfback maestro Nathan Cleary.
The Broncos go into the clash with an equal share of the competition lead with Souths but could drop out of the top four if they are beaten by the defending premiers, who roared back into form with last week’s 48-4 thumping of the Roosters.
Reynolds confirmed he is out of the Panthers showdown, but is confident of returning for Saturday week’s clash against the Warriors in New Zealand.
“I won’t play this weekend but everything is on track for the week after,” he said.
“The doctors have graded it a category one, which means I can’t play for 11 days.
“I feel fine. I feel I could play, but the doctors are looking after me and I have to respect their decision.
“The doctors have over-ruled it.
“It was pretty much (their decision) straight away on the night, they said I wasn’t a chance of playing next week, so it was hard to get my head around.”
DOGS COP DOUBLE FORWARD BLOW
The Bulldogs forward stocks have suffered another blow with hard-running prop Franklin Pele suspended for two matches.
And in a potential further dent to the club’s pack depth, Dogs prop Samuel Hughes is also facing a two match ban ahead of a judiciary hearing on Wednesday night.
Both players were charged in Canterbury’s NSW Cup draw with the Warriors, with Pele’s grade two dangerous contact charge leading to him taking an early guilty plea.
Hughes has been hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge and is facing two matches out if found guilty.
SHARKS LOSE FORWARD, COULD GET ONE BACK
Sharks lock Cameron McInnes will be sidelined for up to four weeks after suffering a broken hand in his team’s win over the Sea Eagles on Sunday.
McInnes was superb in the middle for the Sharks, who beat the Sea Eagles without regular starting forwards Toby Rudolf (foot), Braden Hamlin-Uele (knee) and Oregon Kaufusi (infection).
McInnes’ injury setback ahead of Cronulla’s clash with Newcastle on Saturday in Coffs Harbour has been offset by the possible early return of Hamlin-Uele.
The hard-running prop is expected to be named in the Sharks 22-man squad after responding well to his rehabilitation from an MCL knee injury.
LOMAX BACK FOR EMBATTLED DRAGONS
New Dragons coach Ryan Carr has wasted little time in putting his mark on the team by recalling the outcasted Zac Lomax for the clash against the Roosters.
Lomax was dumped from the top grade spending the past two weeks in reserve grade.
He returned to the paddock via NSW Cup last Sunday where he was solid against the Knights.
Hooker Jacob Liddle is also expected to return to the top 17 after spending time out of the top grade.
WAYNE BENNETT SET TO BREAK 22,000 SUPERCOACH HEARTS
Dolphins cult hero Valynce Te Whare is set to be dropped following his dream NRL debut.
Te Whare is expected to make way for returning centre Brenko Lee for Saturday night’s Dolphins-Storm blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.
Nicknamed “Val Meninga”, Te Whare burst on to the NRL scene with a fairytale Magic Round debut against Cronulla.
The Dolphins will also be boosted by the return of captain Jesse Bromwich (hamstring) against his former club and hard-hitting forward Ray Stone (concussion).
Prop Mark Nicholls is also a chance of returning from a hand injury which has sidelined him for a month.
Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima picked up a corked thigh at training on Monday, with Anthony Milford on standby.
MANLY OUT OF THE WOODS
Aaron Woods’ move to Manly has hit a pothole with the veteran front rower set to miss up to a month with a broken hand.
Woods injured his hand early in the second half at the weekend against Cronulla but finished the match as the Sea Eagles were beaten by the Sharks.
He now faces surgery on Wednesday and a stint on the sidelines, a devastating blow after his best performance since a mid-season switch of clubs.
Manly are expected to be strengthened this weekend by the return of five-eighth Josh Schuster. Lock Jake Trbojevic is also edging closer to a comeback with State of Origin around the corner.
WALKER POISED FOR ROOSTERS COMEBACK
Sam Walker is determined to spearhead a ‘Bondi Rescue’ after being cleared of season-ending surgery in a major boost for the out-of-favour Roosters playmaker.
Speaking exclusively to News Corp, Walker said he faces another month on the sidelines with the knee injury he suffered in the Roosters’ NSW Cup clash against the Warriors in Auckland three weeks ago.
Walker watched last Friday night’s 48-4 rout against the Panthers from the stands with his knee in a brace and there were fears the Queensland young gun could be wiped out for months after injuring his ACL.
A full rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is one of the worst injuries in the code and that scenario would have ended Walker’s season and seen him face nine to 12 months of rehabilitation.
But a Sydney specialist has diagnosed Walker with only a sprained ACL, with the 20-year-old hoping to return to the NRL as early as round 15, when the Roosters seek revenge against the Panthers at Allianz Stadium.
PROMISING UPDATES ON STAR ROOSTERS
The injury news isn’t as bad as first feared for the Roosters with veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves a chance to play on Friday, while Sam Walker won’t require surgery on his injured knee.
And in a further boost, Golden Boot winner Joseph Manu is expected to miss just one game with the five-eighth set to return in Round 14 to take on the Bulldogs.
Manu left the field in the second half after he rolled his ankle and was in immediate agony, but halves partner Luke Keary isn’t too worried about his long-term fitness.
The Roosters have the bye next week, with utility Drew Hutchison expected to partner Keary in the halves for Friday’s game against the Dragons.
“I don’t think it’s a syndesmosis injury, which is a good sign. We’ve got the bye so hopefully he’s only a week or two,” Keary said.
“I’m really close to Drewy so I’m stoked that he gets an opportunity.”
Waerea-Hargreaves didn’t seem concerned by the pectoral injury he suffered on Friday night, with the big man spotted in good spirits in Moore Park on Monday afternoon.
He is likely to be named for their upcoming game, but the same can’t be said for Walker who will miss a few weeks with a knee injury that isn’t as serious as first feared.
LANE FACES TWO MONTHS ON SIDELINES
Parramatta have suffered a huge blow ahead of Friday night’s clash against South Sydney with backrower Shaun Lane to miss up to two months with a hamstring injury.
Scans on Monday revealed the worst possible news for Lane after he hobbled off just 29 minutes into the Eels’ 26-18 loss to Canberra.
The lanky backrower has managed only six games so far this season after missing the opening five rounds with a broken jaw suffered in the pre-season.
Coach Brad Arthur is expected to lean on Bryce Cartwright, who has been used from the bench in recent weeks, to step into the starting side alongside Andrew Davey in the backrow.
Arthur also has other options in NSW Cup with Jack Murchie and Matt Doorey.
Halfback Mitchell Moses missed last week’s loss to Canberra with concussion but is expected to be named on Tuesday.
But the NRL’s mandatory 11-day concussion stand down period means the halfback will have to wait until captain’s run before getting the all clear to take the field against the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium.
DOUBLE TURBO BOOST FOR SEA EAGLES, BLUES
NSW coach Brad Fittler hasn’t given up on Manly star Tom Trbojevic – and brother Jake is poised for a shock return from injury which would almost certainly propel him directly into the NSW side.
Fittler will announce his Blues side for game one in Adelaide on May 31 this coming Monday night – and he refuses to dismiss Trbojevic just yet.
Despite some modest moments, Tom still ran for 148 metres from 18 runs – including one tackle bust – during Sunday’s loss to Cronulla.
Becoming increasingly frustrated at talk he is injured, Trbojevic texted The Daily Telegraph on Monday to say: “I’ve done interviews and told everybody I’m okay.”
With South Sydney’s Campbell Graham mounting an irresistible case, Trbojevic will be under pressure to produce a gigantic performance in Manly’s away game to Canberra on Sunday.
The Manly-Raiders will be covered by Channel 9 with Fittler likely to be attending as a commentator.
Jake sustained a grade two calf injury in Manly’s loss to Gold Coast at Brookvale on April 29. It was predicted he would be unavailable for up to a month.
But the hard-working forward has worked tirelessly during rehab and wants to return against Canberra.
“Jake has to pass a fitness test this week on an injured calf. Fingers crossed,” said Mestrov.
“They said two to four weeks but he’s a chance of coming back early – you know what he’s like. Jake is a crucial part of the Blues and I’m sure if he’s fit he will be picked.”
FULL EARLY MAIL BY TIM WILLIAMS
BRONCOS v PANTHERS
Thursday, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos: Adam Reynolds is out with a neck injury with Jock Madden to come into the halves and Reece Walsh kicking goals.
Corey Oates is a chance to return from a knee injury and would replace Jesse Arthars on the wing if cleared.
Panthers: Spencer Lenui will miss a lengthy period of time with a ruptured testicle, while Penrith aren’t likely to have any changes against the Broncos.
DRAGONS v ROOSTERS
Friday, 6pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Dragons: Tautau Moga is a chance to return from a shoulder injury on the wing, which may push Mat Feagai out of the side.
Zac Lomax returns to the NRL in place of Max Feagai at centre.
Roosters: Joey Manu could miss as little as one game – including next week’s bye – with an ankle injury. His likely halves replacement Sam Walker is also out, with Drew Hutchinson to play five-eighth.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves suffered a pec injury on the weekend but is expected to be named.
Egan Butcher is expected to return from a concussion.
RABBITOHS v EELS
Friday, 8pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs: Tom Burgess is a chance to return after hurting his back in the warm-up against the Tigers.
Jed Cartwright suffered a concussion and is in doubt to face Parramatta.
Eels: Mitchell Moses is expected to return from a concussion at halfback, which will push Jake Arthur out of the side.
Shaun Lane suffered a hamstring injury in the loss to Canberra and is out for up to two months, with Ryan Matterson or Bryce Cartwright now likely to start on the edge.
SHARKS v KNIGHTS
Saturday, 3pm, Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
Sharks: Siosifa Talakai was a late out against the Sea Eagles due to a neck injury.
He’s a chance to return and would replace Connor Tracey at centre.
Oregon Kaufusi missed the game due to illness and will likely return on the bench.
Sione Katoa was placed on report for a high tackle.
Knights: No changes expected at the Knights following the win over the Titans.
TIGERS v COWBOYS
Saturday, 5:30pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Tigers: No major changes expected at the Tigers following the loss to South Sydney.
Cowboys: Jamayne Taunoa-Brown must pass concussion protocols to take his place in the side.
Jason Taumalolo is a chance to return from a knee injury.
DOLPHINS v STORM
Saturday, 7:35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Dolphins: Breakout rookie Valyne Te Wharemay lose his spot to a returning Brenko Lee. Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima picked up a corked thigh at training on Monday, with Anthony Milford on standby. Euan Aitken is in major doubt with a hamstring injury.
Jesse Bromwich is a chance to return from a hamstring injury at prop, while Ray Stone is expected to return from a concussion on the bench.
Mark Nicholls is also an outside chance to return from a thumb injury, but is likely still a week away.
Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona is in doubt for the clash with the Dolphins due to a rib cartilage injury.
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BULLDOGS v TITANS
Sunday, 2pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Bulldogs: Josh Addo-Carr is expected to return on the wing in place of last week’s debutant Blake Wilson.
Chris Patolo played 23 minutes on return from a lengthy injury lay-off in NSW Cup, he’ll likely return to the NRL in coming rounds.
Titans: Erin Clark is a chance to return from a finger injury, while Toby Sexton is expected to return from injury via QLD Cup.
RAIDERS v SEA EAGLES
Sunday, 4pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Raiders: Zac Woolford is expected to be ruled out of the clash with Manly due to concussion.
Danny Levi is a chance to return from a broken jaw which would be a direct replacement at hooker, but he may require another week before being cleared.
Tom Starling would play big minutes at hooker either starting or off the bench if both were unavailable.
Sea Eagles: Josh Aloiai dislocated his shoulder in the loss to Cronulla, while Kelma Tuilagi suffered a suspected facial fracture and Aaron Woods has a broken hand. So expect some change in the Manly pack.
Jake Trbojevic is a strong chance to return from injury and would replace Aloiai in the middle.
Either Ethan Bullemor or Ben Trbojevic would replace Tuilagi on the edge. Josh Schuster is expected to return from injury at five-eighth in place of Cooper Johns.
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Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 12: Adam Reynolds out, Zac Lomax back, Valynce Te Whare dropped
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