NRL Early Mail round 24: Moses Suli’s season could be over, Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen out

Moses Suli may have played his last game of the season, while the Panthers have lost both their second rowers for their blockbuster against the Storm.

Liam Martin cops his marching orders. Picture: NRL Photos

Moses Suli may have played his last game of the season with the Dragons centre expected to be out for at least a month with a knee injury.

Suli will miss four to six weeks with a medial injury.

—Michael Carayannis

Moses Suli is facing four weeks out. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

PANTHERS LOSE BOTH SECOND ROWERS

Penrith have suffered a huge double blow, losing both starting backrowers for Thursday night’s blockbuster against ladder leaders Melbourne.

NSW hardman Liam Martin has accepted a one-week ban for dangerous contact on Parramatta’s Daejarn Asi after he collected the playmaker’s legs after kicking the ball.

It comes as Scott Sorensen is set for a stint on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury against the Eels.

Sorensen is facing at least two weeks out after the untimely injury.

Coach Ivan Cleary looks set to turn to the club’s crop of rising forwards against the Storm, in a clash that will be decisive in the race to the minor premiership.

Hard working rookie Liam Henry missed the Eels game with illness but is in-line to come into the starting side. Cleary opted to start Henry during the Origin period when Martin was rested.

Other options for Cleary include Mavrick Geyer, who has been a mainstay on the bench over the last month.

Preston Riki and Asu Kepaoa are in the running to be called up into the NRL side from NSW Cup.

Experienced backrower Luke Garner is still out indefinitely with a hamstring injury and has not played since round 14.

Star fullback Dylan Edwards hasn’t played since suffering a PCL injury during the Origin decider but the Blues No.1 is scheduled to return on Thursday night.

Enforcer James Fisher Harris, who has missed the last two weeks with a groin injury, may also take the field.

“They’re both a chance, but I’m not too sure yet,” Cleary said after the Eels clash.

A win for the Panthers could see the title favourites overtake Melbourne at the top of the NRL on points differential.

—Fatima Kdouh

Scott Sorensen is off and won’t return for the Panthers tonight after suffering a hamstring injury.

Did manage to run off under his own power so hopefully just a minor strain if any damage present - if confirmed often comes with a 2-4 week return to play range.

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 9, 2024

FULL EARLY MAIL, BY TIM WILLIAMS

PANTHERS v STORM

Thursday, 7:50pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: Liam Martin faces a one to two match suspension for a dangerous contact charge, while Scott Sorensen is unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

This is likely to see Liam Henry return from an illness on the edge, alongside Mavrik Geyer on the other.

Dylan Edwards is a chance to return from a knee injury at fullback, pushing Daine Laurie to the bench.

Storm: Eliesa Katoa is a chance to return from a knee injury on the edge.

If cleared, this would push Nelson Asofa-Solomona back to the middle.

Christian Welch and Xavier Coates are nearing returns from injury but are likely still a week or two away.

SEA EAGLES v WARRIORS

Friday, 6pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: Josh Aloiai (knee) and Matt Lodge (biceps) are pushing to return from injury to bolster the pack depth.

Tolutau Koula is likely to return from a knee injury over the next fortnight.

Warriors: Shaun Johnson remains in doubt to return from a quad injury, if cleared he’d push Te Maire Martin out of the halves.

Ali Leiataua left the field late with a head knock and will have to pass concussion protocols to take his place at centre.

Top SuperCoach scores from weekend round.

ROOSTERS v EELS

Friday, 8pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters: Dominic Young is in doubt with a hamstring injury.

If unavailable, Junior Pauga would come in on the wing if cleared of injury.

Otherwise Ethan King may come in on the wing, or Joseph Suaalii could shift to the wing with Sitili Tupouniua to play centre.

Nat Butcher is in doubt with a rib cartlidge issue.

Eels: Kelma Tuilagi is a chance to return from a thumb injury off the bench.

BULLDOGS v DOLPHINS

Saturday, 3pm, Salter Oval, Bundaberg

Bulldogs: Reed Mahoney is in some doubt with a shoulder injury but is expected to play.

Blake Wilson suffered a likely season-ending injury in NSW Cup.

Dolphins: Mark Nicholls is unlikely to take his place on the bench after copping a head knock in the golden point win over the Warriors.

Dylan Walker has been sent to the sin bin after this incident.

📺 Watch #NRLDolphinsWarriors on ch.502 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/B1ijnGXtqA
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/1lcWFUVUYh
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/PioOnFtdTwpic.twitter.com/PtXKb3PGsl

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 11, 2024

COWBOYS v RAIDERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: Jeremiah Nanai is unlikely to face the Raiders due to a concussion in the loss to Brisbane.

This will see Kulikefu Finefeuiaki start on the edge in his place.

Raiders: Jordan Rapana is in major doubt due to a head knock suffered in the loss to Manly.

If unavailable, Nick Cotric or Albert Hopoate would come in on the wing.

TIGERS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney

Tigers: Aidan Sezer failed to finish the clash with Newcastle due to a knee injury and is unlikely to face the Rabbitohs.

Latu Fainu returns from a concussion in his place.

Rabbitohs: There are no forced changes expected at the Rabbitohs.

DRAGONS v TITANS

Sunday, 2pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons: Kyle Flanagan will head to the judiciary for an alleged biting incident.

If unavailable, Jesse Marschke could come straight into the halves if cleared to return from a hamstring injury.

Moses Suli is unlikely to face the Titans due to a knee injury, with Mathew Feagai or Jack Bird to join the side at centre.

Hame Sele was hospitalised with a flu related illness and is unlikely to play this week.

Toby Couchman is available for selection after serving a suspension.

Titans: Mo Fotuaika faces a one to two week suspension for a careless high tackle.

Beau Fermor is a chance to return from a bruised kidney, if cleared he’d push Klese Haas to the bench.

Brian Kelly may return at centre from illness, with uncertainty on where AJ Brimson will play having made a return from a groin injury against Brisbane.

Kelly may also have been dropped, which would put pressure on Des Hasler to bring the strike centre back.

SHARKS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 4:05pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: Braydon Trindall is a chance to return from a hamstring injury in the halves.

Teig Wilton is likely to return from hamstring tightness on the edge, pushing Siosifa Talakai to the bench.

Braden Hamlin-Uele is a chance to return from a knee injury on the bench.

Knights: Dylan Lucas is a chance to return from a hamstring concern at centre, pushing Krystian Mapapalangi out of the team.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 24: Moses Suli’s season could be over, Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen out