NRL Early Mail Round 14 2021: Predicted teams
Blues stars Tom and Jake Trbojevic have extra incentive to back-up from Origin I and play for Manly this weekend. Plus, Wacko’s Whispers brings you all the latest team news.
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NSW stars Tom and Jake Trbojevic will charge into Queensland on Wednesday night before pledging to back up for Manly just 44 hours later as a tribute to Immortal Bob Fulton.
The brothers will start rehab at full-time – around 10pm – in Townsville before catching a Qantas charter flight with teammates to Sydney 12 hours later to prepare for Manly’s Friday night match against North Queensland at Brookvale.
This isn’t any Friday night game — it’s a tribute match to the legendary Fulton, who died from cancer on May 23.
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Tom and Jake will need to be cleared to play by Manly’s high-performance team but the pair want to pay their respects by playing.
Manly officials know an Origin game followed by an NRL match inside two days would be physically demanding on the brothers, particularly Tom, especially when the two games are 2000km apart.
The club is aware Tom and Jake want to help Manly win and play for Fulton, who, as Manly general manager of football, negotiated both players’ contract renewals in October 2019.
Even if both players come through Origin unscathed, there may be a temptation for Manly to rest Tom, who has struggled with injury in recent years.
Queensland’s Daly Cherry-Evans is also hoping to back-up for Manly on Friday night.
“You’d like to be out there because Bob is the best player to ever play for our club, he’s a club legend so I’d definitely like to be out there,” Tom said.
“It will be a touching tribute there on Friday and hopefully we can represent him in the way he deserves. Bozo was so instrumental to Manly and the game of rugby league.
“I guess being the closest NRL game to Origin doesn’t help and we’re in Townsville too. We will get through the Origin game and then work it out.”
Jake added: “We definitely want to be out there, for sure. We will do all the recovery to be in the best possible shape – it will be tough but we’ll be all right.
“Bozo was such a big figure in our club, he did so much for Manly. You don’t want to miss games anyway.
“Let’s also see how we pull up. We have to be smart about it, it’s a long season and we’re only halfway through it. We have the Origin game first so we will see how we go.
“We would miss Manly’s captain’s run on Thursday because we wouldn’t be back for that. NSW has their recovery processes in place.”
Jake and Tom were named in the Manly squad on Tuesday, as was younger brother, Ben.
Penrith will monitor the fitness of its four NSW Origin ahead of Friday night’s game against Cronulla.
“We will just wait and see what happens on Wednesday night,” Panthers board member Greg Alexander said.
Friday evening will be Manly’s first game back home since Fulton died and the club will honour their all-time hero. Wife, Ann, and children, Brett, Scott and Kristie will attend the game while Fulton’s grandkids will present the match ball.
A tribute flag will fly at their southern end of the ground in front of the Fulton-Menzies grandstand Fans will be asked to stand and applaud at the 175th second mark of the game – 175 being Fulton’s official club number.
And to further honour the club’s hero, Manly players will wear the club’s 2021 Heritage Jersey.
BRONCO’S LONG-AWAITED COMEBACK
Karmichael Hunt will make his Broncos comeback this weekend with the cross-code superstar to line up for Brisbane in their clash with Canberra on Sunday.
Hunt, who last played in the NRL in 2009, will be named to start in the halves at five-eighth alongside Albert Kelly.
The 34-year old made his return to rugby league with Souths Logan earlier this year after spending the last 12 seasons in AFL and rugby union.
After several weeks with the Magpies in the Queensland Cup, Hunt was signed to Brisbane on a train and trial deal. He will now make his NRL comeback as Kevin Walters looks to reignite the Broncos sputtering season.
Hunt originally made his first grade debut as a 17-year old in 2004 and played 125 games for the club before departing.
Rookie outside back Selwyn Cobbo will hold his place in the side ahead of veteran David Mead.
CLEARY THROWS SUPERCOACHES OFF THE BUS
Ivan Cleary could leave SuperCoaches scrambling this weekend with reports Penrith’s State of Origin contingent will be rested from Round 14.
The Panthers have six players set to line up in Wednesday night’s season opener - NSW’s Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo and Queensland’s Kurt Capewell, along with Blues 18th man Api Koroisau.
But star centre Stephen Crichton has revealed the Panthers don’t expect the Origin players to back up just two nights later for their clash with Cronulla.
“We’re not expecting any of the boys to play, I don’t think,” Crichton told NRL.com.
“I don’t think they will and I don’t think the coaches are expecting them to either. It just gives us a good chance again to step up.
“We’re not the younger boys anymore. We have to help lead the boys through.”
GUTHO HAZE(Y) ON PARRA LINEUP
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has a serious decision on his hands for Sunday’s match against Wests Tigers as the Eels weigh up recalling Blake Ferguson or persisting with young gun Haze Dunster.
Off-contract at season’s end, Ferguson will be desperate for an NRL reprieve to prove his wares to rival clubs after he was told he was not part of Parramatta’s plans for 2022.
After a horror defensive display in the heavy loss to Souths two weeks ago 31-year old was dropped for the Round 13 match against Newcastle.
Ferguson was originally supposed to be rested but the veteran insisted on playing reserve grade, where he got through 13 carries for 129 metres.
Dunster, who made his NRL debut in a semi-final clash with South Sydney last year, crossed for his first try in first grade in the 40-4 victory over Newcastle and was solid on the right wing.
“Haze was great - he got a debut last year in weird circumstances and he did a great job, so we knew he was going to do his job because he’s getting better every game,” said skipper Clint Gutherson.
“It’s going to be tough. This is why you don’t want to be a head coach, there’s so many decisions you have to make with the team.
“If Haze holds his spot or whoever comes in, we’re sure they can do the job.”
IT’S TIME FOR TIMOKO AT RAIDERS
He was working as a teacher’s aide at a Canberra school less than two years ago.
But young Raider Matthew Timoko, 21, has now been called up to replace Curtis Scott in the Raiders team to take on Brisbane in Canberra on Saturday night.
With Scott stood down from all club duties as the Raiders investigate allegations he was involved in a nightclub fight, Ricky Stuart informed Timoko on Monday that he would be in the starting team.
Stuart confirmed the 21-year-old Timoko’s selection when contacted: “This has given Matty the chance to play in the NRL team and it is something that he has worked really hard for.”
Timoko made his debut last year in round 16 against Canterbury off the bench before his run on debut in round 20 against Cronulla before the finals.
Skipper Jarrod Croker is still sidelined with a knee injury but is expected back in a couple of weeks, most likely against Gold Coast in round 16.
The other option was Albert Hopoate but he is only one game back from a shoulder injury.
In a significant boost for the flatlining Green Machine, Test forward Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine will return from suspension and injury respectively this weekend. The duo will stiffen up the Canberra pack after being embarrassed in recent weeks. Papalli’s omission from the Queensland Origin team was factored into his three-game ban while Tapine has recovered from a knee injury.
RAIDERS REVIVAL?
In other Raiders news, Bailey Simonsson will switch to fullback as Ricky Stuart attempts to reignite Canberra’s ailing season.
Caleb Aekins has filled in for injured star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad ever since the Kiwi went down with a season-ending neck injury in Round 5 but Stuart will send Simonsson to the back as the Raiders attempt to right a disastrous opening half of the year.
Semi Valemei will come in on the wing for Simonsson, with Matt Timoko to replace the suspended Curtis Scott at centre.
Josh Hodgson will hold his place as starting hooker with Tom Starling to come off the bench.
IN BIG KFC SUPERCOACH NEWS:
* Good news for one, limited minutes for another and bad news for the last – and arguably best – of the brothers Trbojevic with Tom expected to miss this week;
* Kieran Foran’s return will push Josh Schuster to the second-row – if fit;
* We may be seeing plenty more of boom Roosters rookie Joseph Suaalii but skipper Boyd Cordner is still a ways off;
* The Knights finally get one thing go their way;
* Warriors star Addin Fonua-Blake returns just in time to be cherry ripe for round 17 bye;
* Zac Lomax nearing return for the Dragons.
SEA EAGLES V COWBOYS
Friday 11 June, Lottoland, Sydney, 6:00pm
Sea Eagles: Manly play just 46 hours after Origin 1 and with the added travel back to Sydney I am expecting to see coach Des Hasler decide to rest Tom Trbojevic as a part of managing his history of hamstring injury. Jake Trbojevic is expected to back up from Origin but play limited minutes. Daly Cherry-Evans could back up providing he comes out of Origin injury free despite managing an ongoing groin injury. Sean Keppie and Tevita Funa will be missing due to suspension after both were charged following in round 12. Dylan Walker will be eligible to play after recovering from hamstring injury and serving his one game suspension for off-field issues. Josh Schuster was a late withdrawal due to calf injury and will be in some doubt – but with the rest over the bye it’s hoped he will be able to play against the Cowboys. If Schuster is ready to play it is expected he would revert to second row with Kieran Foran (hand) expected to return and slot into his preferred five-eighth role. Curtis Sironen (knee) is finally expected to return, he will still need to pass a fitness test and be tracking in the right direction to be named. Zac Saddler will be unavailable after suffering a depressed fracture to his skull and will be out indefinitely. Ben Trbojevic may not remember his NRL debut after suffering a high shot and having to leave the field and failing HIA but with the bye and two week turnaround should be fit for selection.
Cowboys: The Cowboys will also have to make a call as to whether Kyle Feldt and Valentine Holmes who will start for the Maroons and Queensland’s 18th man Coen Hess, should he take the field, will back up from Origin but I would expect them to. New Signing from the Broncos Tom Dearden will come into the halves to replace Jake Clifford who has moved to the Knights. Francis Molo returns after missing the Warriors game due concussion while both Jason Taumalolo and Lachlan Burr return after missing that game due to suspension. Mitch Dunn will be unavailable due to suspension with either Ben Condon or Heilum Luki coming into the starting team and starting on the right edge.
SHARKS V PANTHERS
Friday 11 June, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, 7:55pm
Sharks: The Sharks come into clash coming off the bye and were unaffected by Origin; they will also but will get a couple of players back with Sione Katoa (knee) and Teig Wilton (suspension) set to return. Shaun Johnson and Matt Moylan will continue their halves partnership with Chad Townsend to be on the extended bench. Connor Tracey will likely drop back to the bench with Braydon Trindall dropping out of 17 as a result of Katoa returning on the left wing. Josh Dugan and Mawene Hiroti both return from suspension but are not expected to force their way into the 17.
Panthers: The Panthers have a number of players – Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Issah Yeo, Api Koroisau, Liam Martin and Kurt Capewell – playing on Wednesday night in Origin. With the game only 48 hours after Origin I it would appear that only Koroisau and Martin are any chance to play. Moses Leota returns after missing the game on Friday night due to suspension with no injury concerns coming out of the Tigers game.
TITANS V ROOSTERS
Saturday 12 June, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 3:00pm
Titans: The Titans have AJ Brimson, Tino Fa’asuemaleaui, David Fifita and MoeakiFotuaika all named to play for the Maroons, but it would not surprise to see a somewhat desperate Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook to ask at least three of the quartet to back up. Brimson is the player most likely to be rested after suffering a knee injury before going into Origin camp and he has also been managing a groin issue. If Brimson rests I would expect to see Jayden Campbell, who had a solid game on his NRL debut, continuing at fullback. Mitch Rein (shoulder) and Anthony Don (hip) missed the Storm game due to injury and if they can prove fitness will come back into the side. Herman Ese’ese returns from suspension but may not be able to force his way into the 17.
Roosters: The Roosters have James Tedesco as the only player involved with Origin on Wednesday night which could see him rested either this round or after Origin 3. Sam Walker is expected to return at halfback after being rested as 18th man in the Raiders game before the bye as the Roosters manage his workload in his first season in the NRL. Joseph Suaalii had an outstanding game against the Raiders and I am expecting him to play the majority of the rest of season in the NRL which could see Matt Ikuvalu dropped out of the 17. Angus Crichton is expected to return from suspension with Origin counted as a part of his two game suspension. Freddy Lussick returned from an arm injury on the weekend in the NSW Cup and could come into the side to replace Ben Marschke who has been having issues with his service from dummy half. Isaac Liu suffered an eye injury and had to see a specialist and depending on the outcome could be ruled out. Nat Butcher will be out due to an ankle injury which could see his brother Egan play his second NRL game. Daniel Suluka-Fifita played NSW Cup on the weekend and suffered a leg injury, he returned to the field in the second half but could be in some doubt. It was expected that Boyd Cordner may return this week but coach Trent Robinson says his skipper is still a few weeks off yet.
RABBITOHS V KNIGHTS
Saturday 12 June, Stadium Australia, Sydney, 5:30pm
Rabbitohs: The Rabbitohs are coming off the bye but have Latrell Mitchell, Dane Gagai, Damien Cook, Cameron Murray, Jaydn Su’A and Jai Arrow all backing up after Origin with Campbell Graham also in camp with NSW as 19th man. Mark Nicholls is in doubt due to a concussion suffered against the Eels prior to the bye, Nicholls has had some symptoms since and will need to pass protocols to play. Liam Knight has been managing a groin injury but played NSW Cup on the weekend and could come back into the 17. Taane Milne (ribs) suffered an injury against the Eels but managed to play out the game though I expect Josh Mansour, whomade his return on the weekend in NSW Cup to come on to the right wing regardless.
Knights: Newcastle are struggling at the moment and it’s not expected to get any better with Kalyn Ponga (groin), Mitchell Pearce (pec), David Klemmer (suspended), Tyson Frizell (ankle), Edrick Lee (foot), Chris Randall (shoulder), Hymel Hunt (hamstring) and Pasami Saulo (broken leg) all expected to be missing. Daniel Saifiti will return after being away in Origin camp. Brodie Jones passed his game day HIA on the weekend and should be right to be named on an edge with Tyson Frizell out for an extended period of time. Starford To’a was forced from the field early in the second half on Sunday and could be in some doubt. The Knights had four players put on report against the Eels yet none will miss round 14 with Sauaso Sue and Lachlan Fitzgibbon facing only fines while, while Enari Tuala and Jacob Saifiti were not charged.
RAIDERS V BRONCOS
Saturday 12 June, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:35pm
Raiders: The Raiders are coming off the bye and will be without both Ryan James (suspension) and Corey Horsburgh (dislocated wrist). However, the pack will be boosted by the return of Josh Papalii (suspension) with Origin counted as a part of his three game suspension and Joseph Tapine (knee). Jack Wighton is the only Raiders player involved in Origin and as he is coming off the bench for the Blues he will in all likelihood play. Bailey Simonsson failed to finish the Roosters game due to failing his HIA but with a 14-day turnaround I expect he will be named. Curtis Scott was caught up in an off-field issue over the weekend has been stood down by his club pending the outcome of an investigation by the NRL with Raiders’ coach Ricky Stuart confirming that Matt Timoko would be given first crack at replacing Scott.
Broncos: Brisbane have both Payne Haas and Xavier Coates in Origin camp and with Haas already carrying a knee injury I would expect him to be rested while Coates should back up. Alex Glenn made a successful return from calf injury but copped a heavy hit which saw him leave the field due to HIA but he was able to pass it and he returned to field. Kobe Hetherington suffered an ankle injury which forced him from the field against the Dragons but he could play depending on how he pulls up this week. Jamayne Issako was pulled late in the Dragons game after not having best night and his position in the team will come into question with Tesi Niu, Karmichael Hunt and even young Selwyn Cobbo all options to play fullback if Issako is dropped. Anthony Milford will have knee surgery and will be out for at least a month.
WARRIORS V STORM
Sunday 13 June, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, 2:00pm
Warriors: The Warriors have Addin Fonua-Blake, who has missed the last 2 months due to knee injury, expected to be named. AFB returned to full training before the bye and just has to get through training this week. Reece Walsh and Adam Pompey will be both unavailable due to suspension which will see Roger Tuivasa-Sheck move back to fullback and, the Warriors hope, Ken Maumalo (calf) filling RTS’s vacant wing spot with Ed Kosi the other option if Maumalo isn’t fit. Rocco Berry would come in at centre to replace Pompey. Kodi Nikorima suffered a head knock in the Cowboys game before the bye but the 16-day turnaround should ensure he is fit to play. Leeson AhMau suffered a wrist injury before the bye and could be in some doubt. Josh Curran is only considered an outside chance to return from his elbow injury. Eliesa Katoa played in the QLD Cup on weekend and will probably drop out of 17.
Storm: The Storm have Harry Grant (hamstring), Cameron Munster (foot), Christian Welch (knee) and Josh Addo-Carr (hip) all playing Origin after being in some doubt due to injury to go along with Felise Kaufusi who was free to play after being cleared at judiciary. All could be rested but they do have a four day turnaround from Origin which could be a factor as to if any of them back up or not. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is looking at a one-game suspension with an early guilty plea after being charged with contrary conduct while Reimis Smith is looking at a two week suspension with an early guilty plea due to Grade 2 careless high tackle on Jaimin Jolliffe. The Storm have Jack Howarth, Marion Seve and Isaac Lumelume as options to replace Smith. Kenny Bromwich suffered a rib injury on the weekend which forced him from the field but Tom Eisenhuth should return after missing the game on weekend due to HIA protocols. Chris Lewis was forced from the field late in the Titans game due to HIA with no word as to if he passed HIA test and could be in some doubt. Ryan Papenhuyzen isn’t expected to return as he manages ongoing concussion symptoms
EELS V WESTS TIGERS
Sunday 13 June, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, 4:05pm
Eels: The Eels will be sweating on the fitness of both Mitch Moses (calf) and Reed Mahoney (shoulder) after both left the field late in Knights game on Sunday. Moses was more precautionary but Mahoney, who got his arm caught in a bad position while attempting to make a tackle is expected to miss a couple of weeks which would see Joey Lussick come in at hooker. Junior Paulo should return after missing the game on the weekend due to Origin. Tom Opacic and Isaiah Papali’I were both put on report against the Knights but neither were charged by the NRL judiciary.
Wests Tigers: Tigers are coming off back-to-back wins for the first time this season after defeating the Origin depleted Panthers. Joe Ofahengaue is expected to play despite playing Origin. Jake Simpkin was a late withdrawal from NSW Cup on weekend and I am expecting him to come back into the 17. Moses Mbye is in doubt due to knee injury suffered on the weekend but scans were positive and he will have to pass a fitness test later in week to play. Thomas Mikaele suffered a knee injury in the Panthers game with scans to determine if he will be out for an extended period of time. Luciano Leilua and Jacob Liddle both copped heavy knocks during the game but should be fit to be named.
BULLDOGS V DRAGONS
Monday 14 June, Stadium Australia, Sydney, 4:00pm
Bulldogs: The Bulldogs were unaffected by Origin and have the cavalry returning for this round coming off the bye with Sione Katoa (suspension), Chris Smith (suspension), Corey Allan (shoulder) and Jeremy Marshall-King (foot) all set to return. Marshall-King is expected to start at hooker and Katoa backing him up on the bench with Brad Deitz (hamstring) out and Jackson Topine dropping out of the 17. Smith returns on the right edge which will see Matt Doorey drop back to the bench with Joe Stimson the player to make way. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is expected to play despite managing an ongoing foot injury after being linked to a move away from the club.
Dragons: The Dragons are coming off a good win over the Broncos and only have Tariq Sims in Origin. Sims should back up with the five-day turnaround from Origin and will come back in on the left edge. Sims’ return will see Jack Bird move back to centre after playing in the forwards against the Broncos with Brayden Wiliame expected to drop out of the team. Poasa Faamausili failed his HIA on Thursday and will need to pass required protocols to play but it’s helpful with an 11 day turnaround from the Broncos clash. Zac Lomax is close to returning after a thumb injury which has kept him out for a number of weeks. Jack de Belin will look to build up match fitness after returning to NRL last week after off field issues. Ben Hunt was rushed into Maroons camp on Monday as 19th man after Reed Mahoney suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday.
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Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 14 2021: Predicted teams
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