NRL Early Mail Round 17: Predicted team changes
One big name was missing while another was a welcome return as the Roosters ramped up preparations for their grand final rematch — keep up to date with all the latest team news.
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The man of the moment, Sonny Bill Williams, was nowhere to be seen when the Sydney Rooters hit the training paddock in preparation for Saturday’s blockbuster grand final replay against Canberra.
Williams now has four days and possibly one big contact session to get ready for the Raiders.
Williams might have been a notable absentee at Moore Park on Monday but star five-eighth Luke Keary, who has been sidelined with a painful rib injury, was all smiles during the training session.
The inclusion of both Williams and Keary for Saturday’s clash would be a shot in the arm for the back-to-back premiers.
It’s unlikely coach Trent Robinson will rush Keary but Williams’ teammates are confident the studious superstar forward will be ‘ready to go’ if he is named on to play in Round 16.
Just like he did when he arrived in Bondi in 2013 with a notebook and pen at hand ready to soak in as much knowledge as possible, Williams has taken a similar approach in 2020.
“He’s switched on and writing everything down and making sure he has everything down pat before he plays,” fullback James Tedesco said.
“He was doing that when he was in quarantine through video [during team meetings] and he’s done it for weeks now so he probably knows the plays and structures better than some in the team.”
While there is little doubt Williams is experienced enough and has the football smarts to make an NRL comeback at 35 years of age, a question mark remains over whether his body can handle the physicality of the modern game.
But Tedesco said this weekend was the right time for Williams to return as the Roosters build towards the finals series in October and three-straight premierships.
“If he doesn‘t play the next few weeks then when can we play him? Now is the time. We want to play our best team, playing our best footy heading into the finals so I think he’ll be right to go,” Tedesco said.
“It would have been a risk if we tried to rush him back straight away.
“He‘s had two weeks in quarantine looking after his body and two weeks at training just running and getting the body moving.
“The club have done everything they can to get him right to play NRL.”
HIGH-PROFILE SHARKS SET TO MISS CRUCIAL CLASH
Matt Moylan’s continued struggles and doubts over Shaun Johnson’s fitness could see young playmaker Braydon Trindall retained in the Cronulla halves to partner the returning Chad Townsend on Friday night when the Sharks take on Newcastle for seventh spot.
Sharks coach John Morris conceded that he didn’t like Johnson’s chances to return from a groin injury which has kept him out for two matches, while Moylan is no certainty to earn a recall, opening the door for Trindall to keep his spot after partnering Connor Tracey in the halves in the win over North Queensland on Saturday.
And while Trindall’s stocks are rising, Moylan’s form and fitness could become a huge talking point in the finals if he continues to be omitted.
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“He’s (Moylan) been a little bit off with his performances, which is why I initially put him out,” Morris said.
“But he’s also got a couple of issues there with his hammy. He’s OK and he’s getting on the field, but it’s not allowing him to compete the way that he wants to compete and that’s rubbing off on his performances.
“It was important that we gave him this week off, and hopefully physically and mentally he can be refreshed and be available for selection.”
Cronulla had to get special dispensation for the 21-year-old Trindall to play against the Cowboys after Johnson was ruled out for the second week in a row.
“He came in, he did a really good job, he steered us around, kicked well, kicked four from five with his goalkicking and defended well so it was a good inclusion,” Morris said.
Despite the late call-up, Trindall was superb, setting up Briton Nikora with a lovely short ball in the first half after he had two four-pointers of his own red flagged by the Bunker.
It was the performance coach John Morris had been hoping for after his rookie half endured a brutal initiation against Penrith’s Viliame Kikau in Round 15.
“That’s what I was kind of waiting to see where he had that moment where he relaxes and is not overawed by the moment,” Morris said.
“He came in last week and had big Viliame Kikau running straight at him. You feel for him there, but most NRL halves are going to struggle tackling Kikau. It’s important that he didn’t drop his head from last week.
“His training performances have been outstanding all year so I’m really happy for him.”
CASUALTY WARD: Yeo blow for Panthers
Trindall’s NRL journey is just three games old, but his form should come as no surprise given his impressive junior career that blossomed when he moved to the Shire after 14 games in the Holden Cup for Melbourne in 2017.
He scored the final try in a five-star showing as Cronulla beat Penrith in the 2018 Jersey Flegg decider and claimed the NRL State Championship with the Jets the following season opposite Jamal Fogarty who has also made a name for himself in 2020.
— Martin Gabor
STORM SUFFER ANOTHER SETBACK AHEAD OF FINALS
Melbourne Storm has sustained a third calf injury in as many weeks, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona the latest casualty.
Asofa-Solomona has been ruled out for 1-2 weeks after scans confirmed the injury suffered during the 30-6 win over Manly Sea Eagles at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
The enormous Kiwi enforcer, who scored a barnstorming set-play try late in the first half, will join Dale Finucane (calf) and Kenny Bromwich (calf) on the sidelines.
Bromwich should be right to face South Sydney on Friday night at ANZ Stadium, while Finucane has been mothballed until Melbourne’s first final.
Storm on Monday also confirmed out-of-contract centre Marion Seve ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the opening minutes of the 24-point victory.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy has attributed the spike in injuries — across the competition — to disrupted nature of the 2020 season and lack of byes with State of Origin moved to the end of the year.
With loaned centre Paul Momirovski (finger) racing the clock to get back before the finals, the Seve injury puts a further strain on depleted centre stocks.
Brenko Lee is the only healthy and established right centre available, with utility Tom Eisenhuth and winger Sandor Earl able to slot in.
Storm debutant Isaac Lumelume has emerged as a possible contender after an impressive start on the wing in place of injured finisher Suliasi Vunivalu.
– Gilbert Gardiner
ROOSTERS ROOKIE MADE OF TOUGH STUFF
They lie in an idyllic location but can be cruel and torturous.
The Palm Beach sand dunes on Sydney’s northern beaches are where Roosters rookie Freddy Lussick built a physical and mental toughness to prepare him for the NRL.
Lussick, 20, appears to have nailed down a bench spot as back-up hooker to Jake Friend in the Sydney Roosters’ all-star side which is chasing a historic three-peat.
And there sitting next to Lussick on the Roosters bench for Saturday night’s match against Canberra will be the returning Sonny Bill Williams.
One is a superstar, the other virtually unknown but both will play key roles in the Roosters’ finals charge.
Lussick and his father, former Manly player Jason, worked the sand dunes heavily during the NRL’s COVID lockdown. The pair also boxed and lifted weights.
The extra training allowed Lussick to prepare himself for first grade. Saturday will be his third NRL game.
“Running the Palm Beach sand dunes is the toughest thing you can do,” said Dave Hoban, a close friend of the Lussick family and a former Manly lower grader.
“The sand dunes are physically and mentally exhausting and torturous. Freddy is a mentally tough kid. Those dunes sort you out quickly if you’re not tough enough.
“His father Jason trains him pretty hard. Freddy has been doing a lot of extras, just waiting for the opportunity to play first grade.
“Jason and Freddy will run the Palm Beach sand dunes, particularly during COVID where players had to train on their own. Freddy just continued to train every day.
“Freddy pumped out nearly 70 minutes on Friday night (against Brisbane) and that’s without any game time.
“That extra work has made ready.”
Lussick’s brothers are former NRL players – Darcy, the ex-Manly and Parramatta prop, and former Manly and Roosters player Joey, now with Super League club Salford.
— Dean Ritchie
Broncos vs Panthers
Broncos: Will have four big ins with Payne Haas (suspension), Issac Luke (suspension), Alex Glenn (knee) and Corey Oates (leg) all expected to return. Haas will come in for Joe Ofahengaue, who is looking at a one-week suspension providing he takes the early guilty plea. Luke will start at hooker pushing Corey Paix to the bench and Brodie Croft out of the 17 with Corey Oates coming onto the left wing and Richard Kennar the player expected to make way.
Glenn will start in 2RF with Ben Te’o, in some doubt due to a wrist injury, dropping to the bench and either Jamil Hopoate or Ethan Bullemor dropping out of the 17. Xavier Coates is a chance to return from an ankle injury and would need to pass a fitness test. If fit he would replace Jordan Kahu pushing Herbie Farnworth back to centre.
Panthers: Come into this game off a five-day turnaround, which is not going to help Isaah Yeo after he failed to finish the game on the weekend due to concussion. He would need to pass required protocols to play but is expected to ruled out. This will be offset with Viliame Kikau returning from suspension.
Api Koroisau is a chance to return from a calf injury but with travel on game day I am expecting him to be given another week. Moses Leota suffered an ankle injury early in his first stint on the weekend but was able to run it out and should be fit to play. Kurt Capewell willmake a return from a knee injury on the bench after completing full rehab and returning to squad training. He should replace Billy Burns on bench.
Ivan Cleary indicated Isaah Yeo had âpassed his testâ last night after coming from the field for a HIA. Yeo was likely no chance to return however after showing clear category 1 symptoms of concussion (motor incoordination/unsteadiness/stumbling) which rules him out for the game pic.twitter.com/TQs2lMphPR
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 30, 2020
Knights vs Sharks
Knights: Coming off a loss to the Warriors and could be without Pasami Saulo after he was charged with grade one dangerous contact for a tackle on George Jennings. Due to priors he is looking at a one-week suspension unless found not guilty at the judiciary with Brodie Jones an option to come onto the bench.
David Klemmer was placed on report but wasn’t charged and is cleared to play. Mitchell Pearce (shoulder) and Mitch Barnett (sternum) both suffered minor injuries in the Warriors game and could be in some doubt. Daniel Saifiti is close to returning from a knee injury but is more than likely another week away.
Sharks: Continue without Shaun Johnson after he re-aggravated a groin/hamstring injury at captain’s run last week which forced him to be late withdrawal with Braydon Trindall taking the opportunity with open arms and more than likely forcing coach John Morris to select him again. Chad Townsend has returned to running and will need to take part in training this week and could return from a calf injury, which could see Connor Tracey dropping back to the bench.
Jesse Ramien passed game day HIA on the weekend but was forced from the field due to limited vision and could be in some doubt. Josh Dugan could also be in some doubt after suffering a knee injury. Scott Sorensen (knee), Ronaldo Mulitalo (arm) and Sione Katoa (neck) will overcome minor knocks and should all be right to be named.
Rabbitohs vs Storm
Rabbitohs: Will be without Latrell Mitchell after he was ruled out for the rest of season due to a hamstring injury with Alex Johnston, who will return after missing last week due to concussion, set to play fullback.
Dane Gagai will also return from a hamstring injury after the Rabbitohs reported he completed his rehab running and will be fit to play, which will create a selection headache for coach Wayne Bennett as to drops out, with Corey Allan or Steven Marsters to make way. Damien Cook and Bailey Sironen both copped knocks but should be right to be named.
Storm: Hit hard by injury again with Marion Seve suffering a suspected season-ending ACL injury and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (calf) also in doubt. Felise Kaufusi (back), Cameron Munster (ribs) and Christian Welch (knock) should all be right to play with options of Aaron Booth, Kelma Tulagi or Aaron Pene to come onto the bench.
Tom Eisenhuth was a late withdrawal due to a calf injury and if fit could come back into the side. Brenko Lee was also a late withdrawal with no reports of injury, which saw Isaac Lumelume make his NRL debut.
Bulldogs vs Titans
Bulldogs: Expected to welcome back Luke Thompson, who was rested on the weekend. They come out of the game injury free but interim coach Steve Georgallis said his team is still searching to find a way to win games which could see more changes. Jake Averillo, Christian Crichton, Tim Lafai, Chris Smith, Reimis Smith and Brandon Wakeham are all options to come into the side.
Titans: Coming off a last minute comeback win over the Dragons and full of confidence. Beau Fermor left the field early in the game due to HIA but was cleared to return. However, he suffered a leg injury in the game-winning movement and could be in some doubt. Moeaki Fotuaika returns from suspension with Sam Lisone expected to be missing a week providing he takes early guilty plea. AJ Brimson, Keegan Hipgrave, Jaimin Jolliffe and Tyrone Peachey all copped knocks during the game but should be right to play. Anthony Don should be fit to return from a rib injury. Jai Arrow should be back in the next week or two.
Sea Eagles vs Tigers
Sea Eagles: Reuben Garrick is in some doubt after he failed to finish the game on the weekend due to a shoulder injury. Curtis Sironen copped a heavy hit which saw Christian Welch put on report but he was able to play out the game and should be fit to be named. Albert Hopoate had a tough NRL debut against the Storm but showed glimpses of his potential and should continue at right centre with Moses Suli out for the season.
Jake Trbojevic was placed on report on the weekend and could be on charge sheet come Monday morning. Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) and Dylan Walker (foot) are only considered outside chances to return from injuries. Rookie Josh Schuster is tipped to make his NRL debut before the 2020 season is over.
Tigers: Coach Michael Maguire is still searching for his best 17 after 16 rounds which isn’t a good sign. Now out of finals contention he could look to blood some younger players in the final few rounds which could see players like Jock Madden, a halfback, Zac Cini, an outside back, and Dylan Smith, a fullback, make NRL debuts.
Adam Doueihi (cork) and Thomas Mikaele (knee) could both be in some doubt after suffering minor injuries on the weekend. Matt Eisenhuth will be free to play provided he takes the early guilty plea. Josh Aloiai will return after missing the Panthers game due to the birth of his baby on the weekend. Michael Chee-Kam has returned to training after missing a number of games after nasty a concussion but I doubt he will play again this season.
Raiders vs Roosters
Raiders: Expected to be missing Curtis Scott after he suffered an ankle injury in the Bulldogs game on Sunday. Semi Valemei has recovered from a knee injury after returning to full training last week and could come onto the wing with Nick Cotric moving to centre. Corey Harawira-Naera returns on the bench after missing the game on the weekend, with Matt Timoko the player expected to make way.
Roosters: Have some big players returning with Luke Keary taking part in captain’s run before the Broncos game last week and is looking good to return from a rib injury, pushing Drew Hutchison out of the 17. Sonny Bill Williams will play his first game back and come off the bench with the biggest question mark being if coach Trent Robinson uses him as a middle forward or on an edge, with Poasa Faamausili expected to make way.
Jake Friend failed game day HIA and is in some doubt. He will need to pass required protocols. Angus Crichton is a chance to play if he can prove his fitness after recovering from a knee injury.
Warriors vs Eels
Warriors: Will be without both George Jennings and Daniel Alvaro as part of a loan agreement with the Eels, which will see them not play against their Parent Club with discussion to be conducted after the game as to if the loan will continue. Gerard Beale or Paul Turner would come onto the wing for Jennings with Isaiah Papali’i coming onto the bench for Alvaro.
Eels: Coming into the game off a 10-day turnaround and will be without Dylan Brown after he had surgery on a syndesmosis injury with options of Jai Field, Will Smith, Jordan Rankin, Jaeman Salmon or Brad Takairangi to partner Mitchell Moses in the halves.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard will be cleared to play providing he takes an early guilty plea. Marata Niukore returns from suspension with Andrew Davey expected to drop out of the 17.
Cowboys vs Dragons
Cowboys: Will be without Michael Morgan after he suffered a calf injury on the weekend. Josh Hannay has options of bringing in Jake Clifford or Ben Hampton as direct replacements. Another option is moving Scott Drinkwater to the halves, Valentine Holmes to fullback and Hamiso Taubai-Fidow returning from a hamstring injury.
Coen Hess, who failed to finish the game on weekend after going off for HIA late in the game, putting him in some doubt, was charged with a grade one crusher tackle and if he takes the early guilty plea will be suspended for one week, with Shane Wright set to come in at 2RF. Gavin Cooper hasn’t played for a number of weeks due to form but may be given a farewell game towards the end of the season.
Dragons: Expected to welcome back Tyrell Fuimaono after he missed the last two games due to suspension. I am expecting him to start on the left edge with Jacob Host dropping to the bench and Trent Merrin out of the 17. Host is free to play provided he takes an early guilty plea.
Tyson Frizell will continue to play despite managing an ongoing rib injury which was heavily strapped on weekend. Billy Brittain failed game day HIA on the weekend and will need to pass required concussion protocols to prove his fitness to play.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 17: Predicted team changes